It was announced in November 2024 that Netflix hit Outer Banks would be coming to a close with a fifth and final season. Cast member Chase Stokes responded to the news on Instagram on Nov. 5, writing, “My hearts heavy writing this one… One last ride. Thank you to everybody who has tuned in these past 5 years. You’ve given us more than we could ever give back to you…It’s always gonna be Pogues 4 Life.”
Here’s everything we know about the last ride so far. Warning: Spoilers ahead.
Will this definitely be Outer Banks final season?
Creators Shannon Burke, Jonas Pate, and Josh Pate said in their own Instagram post on the news that this show has always been a five-season plan for them.
“In the summer of 2017, we came across a photo of teenagers on a beach at dusk during a power outage. The photo sparked an idea for a story of four best friends who only want to have a good time all the time,” they shared in a letter to fans. “From this beginning, we imagined a mystery that would lead to a five-season journey of adventure, treasure hunting and friendship.”
They added, “We hope to bring our beloved Pogues home in the way we imagined and planned years ago. We hope you’ll join us for one more paddle out to the surf break.”
What will season five of Outer Banks be about?
The end of season four saw the shocking death of JJ in Morocco, killed by his bio dad, Chandler. With his friends vowing to avenge him, that will definitely be an important plot point in season five.
Speaking with Tudum, Burke and the Pates stated they’ve been planning the surprise death since the start of the Outer Banks story.
“We’re planning a story of redemption, and a season that embodies the friendship that JJ had come to represent,” Josh said. “JJ’s death was a hard but necessary piece of the architecture for the story, and we plan on honoring that as much as we can because we love the character as much as the fans do.”
Likely, the new season will also be following John B and Sarah as they become new parents. Burke additionally stated that the Blue Crown treasure hunt storyline “should carry us through all the way to the end.”
Who is cast in season five of Outer Banks?
The main Outer Banks cast members are expected to return, including Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, and Carlacia Grant. Supporting cast like Drew Starkey and Austin North would probably make an appearance.
Rudy Pankow has stated that he will not be returning after the death of his character, JJ, so don’t expect a ghost version.
“I want to leave the cast and crew with the biggest thank-you. It’s been such a pleasure to come to work,” he told Tudum. “This is by far the biggest thing I’ve ever done in [my] experience, and to have this as my start is a start of a lifetime. I’m going to miss it. Thank you for so many fun memories I’ll have the rest of my life.”
Has production begun on season five of Outer Banks?
Not yet.
When will season five of Outer Banks be released?
Season four just came out, with Part 1 being released in early October and Part 2 in early November. There is no news yet on a released date for season five.
This post will be updated.
Aimée Lutkin is the weekend editor at ELLE.com. Her writing has appeared in Jezebel, Glamour, Marie Claire and more. Her first book, The Lonely Hunter, will be released by Dial Press in February 2022.