Fans cannot get enough of the wild adventures, intense rivalries, and heartfelt friendships that define Netflix’s Outer Banks. Since its explosive debut in April 2020, the series has transported viewers to the sun-soaked shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where a tight-knit group of working-class teens called the Pogues chases legendary treasures while battling the privileged Kooks from Figure Eight. The show delivers high-stakes drama, pulse-pounding action, and swoon-worthy romances that keep audiences binge-watching season after season. As we enter 2026, the cast stands ready to deliver the final chapter. Netflix renewed the series for a fifth and final season in November 2024, with filming wrapping in December 2025 after shoots in Charleston, South Carolina, and Croatia. The 10-episode season premieres sometime in 2026, promising to tie up every loose end from the Blackbeard treasure hunt that exploded in Season 4. One massive shake-up dominates headlines: Rudy Pankow’s beloved JJ Maybank does not return after his shocking death in the Season 4 finale. The rest of the core group steps up bigger than ever, and two fan-favorite supporting players earn promotions to series regulars. This guide dives deep into every major actor, their characters’ journeys, real-life stories, and the latest 2026 updates so you stay fully in the know. The Pogues: The Loyal Crew That Started It All The Pogues form the beating heart of Outer Banks. These underdogs from The Cut stick together through hurricanes, betrayals, and life-or-death treasure quests. Clive Myrie Wife Their unbreakable bond and fearless spirit inspire fans worldwide, and the actors bring raw energy and genuine chemistry that makes every episode feel electric. Chase Stokes Brings John B Routledge to Life with Passion and Heart Chase Stokes steps into the shoes of John B Routledge, the fearless leader who kicks off the entire treasure hunt after his father goes missing. John B grows up rough on the south side of the island, yet he leads his friends with courage and loyalty that never wavers. Across four seasons, audiences watch him fall hard for Sarah Cameron, survive framing for murder, escape to the Bahamas, and finally reunite with his dad only to lose him again in a heartbreaking Season 3 finale. Stokes nails every emotional beat, from quiet grief to explosive anger, and fans love how he makes John B feel like a real guy you would root for in any fight. Stokes himself grew up in Florida and moved to Los Angeles to chase acting dreams. Before Outer Banks, he appeared in shows like Tell Me Your Secrets and films such as Uglies. Creators spotted his natural charisma during auditions and knew he was perfect for John B right away. Off-screen, Stokes keeps things low-key but stays close with the cast, calling them Susanna Reid family. In late 2025 interviews after wrapping Season 5, he shared that the entire group feels “thankful for the run, and we’re ready for it to be done” so the story ends on the right note. His performance earned him MTV Movie & TV Awards nods, including Best Kiss with co-star Madelyn Cline. In Season 5, John B leads the Pogues through fresh dangers without JJ by his side, and Stokes hints the final season delivers the closure fans crave. Madelyn Cline Shines as Sarah Cameron, the Rebel Kook Princess Madelyn Cline plays Sarah Cameron, the ultimate crossover character who leaves her wealthy Kook life behind to join the Pogues. Sarah starts as Topper’s girlfriend but quickly falls for John B, survives murder attempts by her own family, and marries John B in a secret Season 2 ceremony. She faces impossible choices, including briefly reconnecting with Topper in Season 3 before choosing P4L (Pogues for Life) forever. Cline brings vulnerability and fire to every scene, especially in Season 3 when Ward sacrifices himself and leaves Sarah orphaned in every way that matters. Cline hails from South Carolina and booked Outer Banks after small roles in Stranger Things and The Originals. She later starred in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, proving her range. On set, she and Stokes developed real chemistry that translated to the screen and briefly spilled into real life—they dated during early seasons before parting ways. Cline stays grounded and often credits the cast for keeping her sane during long filming days. As Season 5 approaches, Sarah steps into an even stronger leadership role, and Cline promises fans will see her character evolve in powerful new ways. Madison Bailey Delivers Depth as Kiara “Kie” Carrera Madison Bailey portrays Kiara Carrera, the free-spirited Pogue who grew up in a wealthy Kook family but rejects that world completely. Kie fights for what she believes in, repairs her friendship with Sarah, and finally admits her love for JJ after seasons of tension. Bailey adds layers of strength and sensitivity that make Kie one of the most relatable characters on television. Bailey comes from North Carolina and first caught attention in Black Lightning. She fought hard for the role of Kie because the character’s activism and loyalty spoke to her own values. Off-screen, Bailey champions mental health and LGBTQ+ representation, Faith Millar and her bond with co-star Rudy Pankow fueled the slow-burn romance that fans adored. In Season 4, Kie processes huge losses, and Bailey’s performance earned praise for its emotional honesty. With Season 5 filming complete, Bailey teases that Kie’s journey reaches a satisfying and unexpected conclusion. Jonathan Daviss Plays the Smart and Steady Pope Heyward Jonathan Daviss steps in as Pope Heyward, the brains of the operation whose intelligence often saves the day. Pope discovers his family’s historic connection to the treasure, suffers heartbreak over Kie, and finds true love with Cleo. Daviss brings quiet intensity and humor that balance the group’s chaos perfectly. Daviss grew up in Georgia and studied film before landing the role. He prepared by researching historical ties to the Outer Banks and diving deep into Pope’s family legacy storyline. The cast often calls him the “dad” of the group because of his thoughtful nature. Pope’s romance with Cleo becomes one of the show’s sweetest arcs, and Daviss credits co-star Carlacia Grant for making those scenes feel real. In the final season, Pope faces new challenges without JJ, and Daviss promises the payoff will feel earned. Carlacia Grant Joins as Cleo and Quickly Becomes Family Carlacia Grant first appears as Cleo in Season 2 as a sharp-witted crew member in Nassau who helps John B and Sarah escape. She earns promotion to main cast for Season 3 and quickly bonds with the Pogues, especially Pope. Grant brings fierce energy and warmth that makes Cleo feel essential from day one. Grant trained in theater and appeared in Greenleaf and The Resident before Outer Banks. She loved how Cleo evolves from outsider to full Pogue and worked hard on the Bahamian accent and physical stunts. Her chemistry with Jonathan Daviss sparked instantly, and the “No Love Club” turning romantic became a fan favorite. Grant stays active on social media sharing behind-the-scenes moments and celebrates the cast’s real-life friendships. Season 5 gives Cleo even more spotlight, and Grant calls it the perfect way to say goodbye. Remembering JJ Maybank: Rudy Pankow’s Unforgettable Legacy Rudy Pankow brought JJ Maybank to life as the reckless, loyal, and hilarious best friend who would do anything for the Pogues. JJ’s abusive home life, wild stunts, Jack Draper and deep love for Kiara made him a breakout character. Pankow nailed the mix of humor and heartbreak, especially in Season 3 when JJ and Kie finally get together. Pankow grew up in Alaska and moved to Los Angeles with little experience, yet he booked the role after a strong audition. He performed many of his own stunts and formed real bonds with the cast that lasted off-screen. Tragically, Season 4 ends with JJ’s death at the hands of his biological father, Chandler Groff. Creators planned this storyline from the beginning to give JJ a tragic yet meaningful arc. Pankow does not return for Season 5, but his impact remains huge. Fans still quote JJ’s lines daily, and the cast honors his character in every interview about the finale. The Kooks and Rivals Who Keep the Drama High The wealthy Kooks provide perfect contrast and conflict. Their privilege clashes constantly with the Pogues’ grit. Drew Starkey Owns the Screen as Rafe Cameron Drew Starkey plays Rafe Cameron, Sarah’s volatile older brother whose anger and drug issues drive major storylines. Rafe starts as a villain but shows surprising layers in later seasons, especially when he dates Sofia and confronts his family’s darkness. Starkey delivers chilling intensity mixed with moments of vulnerability that make Rafe fascinating. Starkey appeared in The Devil All the Time and Scream before Outer Banks. He researched addiction and family trauma to portray Rafe authentically. Off-screen, he stays close with the cast and often jokes about being the “Kook king.” Season 4 explores Rafe’s redemption attempts, and Starkey teases even bigger growth in the final season. Austin North Brings Complexity to Topper Thornton Austin North portrays Topper, Sarah’s jealous ex who swings between helpful and destructive. He burns John B’s house in a fit of rage but also lends his truck Shocking Mr Tumble when needed. North adds nuance so Topper never feels one-dimensional. North starred in Disney Channel shows like A.N.T. Farm before switching to drama. He loves the on-set energy and calls the cast his second family. Topper’s arc in Season 4 sets up major tension, and fans wonder where he lands in the finale. Fiona Palomo Adds Fresh Energy as Sofia Fiona Palomo joins in Season 3 as Sofia, a Pogue trying to fit into Kook world who becomes Rafe’s girlfriend. She brings calmness to Rafe and reveals new sides of him. Palomo’s international background (she starred in Mexican and Spanish projects) adds unique flavor, and creators promoted her to series regular for Season 5. The Cameron Family and Supporting Stars Who Anchor the Story Charles Esten delivers a masterful performance as Ward Cameron, the manipulative patriarch whose greed destroys lives. Ward dies heroically in Season 3 saving Sarah, but his shadow lingers. Esten’s theater roots and prior work on Nashville made him perfect for the complex role. Caroline Arapoglou plays Rose Cameron with icy precision, while Julia Antonelli brings sweetness as little sister Wheezie. E. Roger Mitchell and Marland Burke shine as Pope’s and Kie’s fathers, adding emotional depth. Gary Weeks portrays JJ’s abusive dad Luke with chilling realism. New Faces and Promoted Stars Shake Things Up in Later Seasons Season 4 introduces fresh threats like J. Anthony Crane as Chandler Groff (JJ’s bio dad) and Pollyanna McIntosh as revolutionary leader Dalia. Crane and Cullen Moss (Sheriff Shoupe) earn promotions to series regulars for Season 5, promising bigger roles in the revenge storyline. Fiona Palomo also steps up as a full regular. Behind the Scenes: Real Friendships That Make the Magic Happen The cast bonded instantly and created real Pogues energy. They survived hurricanes during filming, threw epic parties, and launched “Poguelandia” fan The Joe Westerman festivals. Stokes calls them family, and the group still shares group chats years later. Their chemistry fuels the show’s success—fans feel the love in every scene. The Impact of the Outer Banks Cast on Pop Culture The cast turned Outer Banks into a global phenomenon with billions of viewing minutes. They scored MTV awards, launched clothing lines, and inspired fan art, TikTok trends, and immersive events. The show boosted tourism to real Outer Banks locations and gave young actors career-defining platforms. What’s Next for These Stars After the Final Season? With Season 5 wrapped, the actors look ahead. Stokes eyes new projects while cherishing the experience. Cline continues building her film career. Bailey advocates for causes close to her heart. The rest explore diverse roles, but they all agree Outer Banks changed their lives forever. Fans can rewatch the first four seasons on Netflix anytime while counting down to the 2026 finale. Frequently Asked Questions About the Outer Banks Cast 1. Who plays the main Pogues in Outer Banks and will they all return for Season 5? The core Pogues include Chase Stokes as John B, Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron, Madison Bailey as Kiara, Jonathan Daviss as Pope, Carlacia Grant as Cleo, and originally Rudy Pankow as JJ. All return for Season 5 except Rudy Pankow because his character dies in the Season 4 finale. The group stays strong and faces new adventures together in the final chapter, with Austin North, Drew Starkey, and Fiona Palomo rounding out the main lineup. 2. Why did Rudy Pankow leave Outer Banks and what happened to JJ? Rudy Pankow does not return for Season 5 because creators wrote JJ’s death into the Season 4 finale as a planned tragic arc. JJ dies at the hands of his biological father, Chandler Groff, in a gut-wrenching moment that sets up revenge themes for the final Is Balvinder Sopal Married? season. Pankow delivered an iconic performance across four seasons, and fans continue celebrating his legacy even though the actor has moved on to new projects. 3. Is Chase Stokes still dating Madelyn Cline in real life? Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline dated during early seasons when their on-screen romance sparked real chemistry, but they broke up years ago and now focus on friendship and individual careers. Both actors keep personal lives private and emphasize their professional respect for each other as they wrap the final season together. 4. How old are the main Outer Banks cast members in 2026? As of early 2026, Chase Stokes is 33, Madelyn Cline is 28, Madison Bailey is 26, Jonathan Daviss is 25, Carlacia Grant is 31, Drew Starkey is 32, Austin North is 28, and Fiona Palomo is in her mid-20s. The actors were all young when filming began, which helped them grow with their characters across six years of production. 5. What new cast members join for Season 5 and who gets promoted? J. Anthony Crane as Chandler Groff and Cullen Moss as Sheriff Shoupe receive promotions to series regulars for the final season. Fiona Palomo also Jeremy Clarkson Net Worth steps up as a full main cast member. No major new additions appear in early announcements, but the focus stays on wrapping existing storylines with the returning stars. 6. Where can I watch all seasons of Outer Banks with the full cast? Every season streams exclusively on Netflix. You can binge Seasons 1 through 4 right now and prepare for Season 5 in 2026. Netflix Tudum also posts exclusive cast interviews, behind-the-scenes clips, and character guides to enhance your viewing experience. 7. Did the Outer Banks cast do their own stunts and how did they prepare? Yes, many actors performed their own stunts, especially boat scenes, fights, and chases. Chase Stokes and Rudy Pankow trained extensively for physical Kate Garraway sequences, while Madison Bailey and Carlacia Grant handled emotional prep through deep character discussions. The group practiced teamwork exercises that built the real friendships viewers see on screen. 8. What awards has the Outer Banks cast won for their performances? The cast earned multiple MTV Movie & TV Awards, including Best Kiss for Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline in 2021 and again for Madison Bailey and Rudy Pankow in 2023. The show also received People’s Choice and Teen Choice nominations that highlight the actors’ popularity with fans. 9. Will there be any time jump or major changes in Season 5? Season 5 picks up directly after the Season 4 finale with no major time jump announced. The story focuses on the Pogues seeking justice and closure after JJ’s death. Creators confirm they planned the ending from the very first season, so expect emotional payoffs and satisfying resolutions for every character. 10. What should fans expect from the Outer Banks cast in the final season and beyond? Fans can expect intense action, deeper relationships, and heartfelt goodbyes as the Pogues face their biggest challenges yet. The cast promises an epic conclusion that honors six years of storytelling. After the finale, actors will pursue new roles in film and television while staying connected as friends. Many plan to attend fan events and keep the Pogues spirit alive through social media and future reunions. The Outer Banks cast delivers unforgettable performances that turn a simple treasure hunt into a cultural phenomenon. From the loyal Pogues to the complicated Kooks, these actors bring heart, humor, and high-stakes drama that keeps viewers coming The Stars of ‘Industry’ back. With Season 5 set to premiere in 2026, now is the perfect time to rewatch the earlier seasons and celebrate the stars who made the show a global hit. Grab your snacks, hit play, and get ready for one last ride with the Pogues—you will not want to miss how it all ends. P4L forever! 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