Netflix has officially kicked off production on the highly anticipated fifth and final season of the hit teen adventure series Outer Banks, with filming underway in Charleston, South Carolina, as of June 20, 2025. Fans eager to reunite with the Pogues can expect the season to premiere sometime in 2026, likely in the latter half of the year, continuing the tradition set by previous seasons.
Since its debut, Outer Banks has captured the hearts of millions, amassing over 200 million views and consistently ranking on Netflix's Top 10 English TV List 25 times. Created by Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke, the series was always envisioned as a five-season journey, blending mystery, adventure, and the trials of friendship. The creators remain deeply involved as executive producers for this final chapter, promising a satisfying conclusion that ties up all storylines.
The new season will see the return of core cast members Chase Stokes as John B Routledge, Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron, Madison Bailey as Kiara Carrera, Jonathan Daviss as Pope Heyward, Drew Starkey as Rafe Cameron, Carlacia Grant as Cleo, Austin North as Topper, and Fiona Palomo as Sofia. Notably absent from the newly released behind-the-scenes photos is Rudy Pankow, who portrayed JJ, a beloved character who met a tragic end in the Season 4 finale. His absence suggests that the character will not return for the final season, marking a poignant shift in the dynamic of the Pogues.
Adding to the evolving cast dynamics, J. Anthony Crane, who plays Chandler Groff—JJ’s biological father introduced in Season 4—and Cullen Moss, known for his role as Deputy and later Sheriff Shoupe, have been promoted to series regulars. Crane’s elevation hints at Chandler’s significant role as the primary antagonist in Season 5, continuing the tension from the previous season's climax. Meanwhile, Moss’s character has undergone a notable transformation from a corrupt officer to an ally sympathetic to the Pogues, suggesting his increased involvement in their quest for justice.
The Season 4 finale set a dramatic stage for the final season, featuring the first-ever feature-length episode of the series. It concluded with Sarah Cameron revealed to be pregnant with John B’s child, introducing a new emotional layer to their relationship and the series’ narrative. This development adds depth to the characters’ motivations as they navigate the dangers and challenges ahead.
Throughout the series, the Pogues have been embroiled in a high-stakes treasure hunt, and Season 5 promises to continue this thrilling pursuit. After their discovery of gold at El Dorado and establishing a new safe haven dubbed "Poguelandia 2.0," where they operate a bait, tackle, and charter tour shop, financial setbacks pull them back into the game. The final season will follow their renewed chase for Blackbeard’s treasure, racing against dangerous new enemies who threaten to outpace them.
One notable shift in the team’s composition is Drew Starkey’s character, Rafe Cameron, who has transitioned from adversary to an unlikely ally. His increased presence in Season 5, as confirmed by the new promotional images, signals a complex alliance forged in the wake of JJ’s death and the shared goal of reclaiming the Blue Crown—a treasure stolen and tied to Chandler Groff’s villainous machinations.
The creators have long held the final scene of Outer Banks in mind, ensuring a thoughtful and conclusive end to the saga. In a letter to fans, they reflected on the series’ origins, sparked by a simple photo of teenagers on a beach at dusk during a power outage, which blossomed into a story of friendship, adventure, and mystery spanning five seasons.
While production costs and the rising fame of the cast have likely influenced the decision to conclude the series after five seasons, no one involved has expressed regret. Instead, the final season is viewed as a natural and fitting conclusion to the Pogues’ journey. The cast members themselves have evolved alongside their characters, with Rudy Pankow securing a leading role in the upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's Reminders of Him, and Madelyn Cline starring in the new horror film I Know What You Did Last Summer.
As filming continues throughout 2025, fans can look forward to a season packed with adventure, emotional stakes, and the resolution of long-standing mysteries. The Pogues' final voyage promises to be a wild ride, wrapping up the storylines that have captivated audiences worldwide.
With the fifth season set to premiere in 2026, Netflix is poised to deliver a memorable farewell to one of its most beloved series, closing the chapter on the Outer Banks saga with the same energy and heart that launched it.
