Production is officially underway on the fifth and final season of ‘Outer Banks‘, the fan-favourite Netflix drama that follows the sun-soaked misadventures of the Pogues.
Marking the start of summer in true OBX fashion, filming has kicked off in Charleston, South Carolina, the series’ long-time production home. While fans will have to wait until 2026 to see the new episodes, creators Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke have promised that the final season will be “a wild ride.”
“We are over the moon to be setting out on one last trip with the Pogues,” said the trio. “Being back on set with our cast for this final round is nothing short of bittersweet and surreal. We can’t wait to show everyone what we have in store this season — it’s going to be a wild ride…”
Returning cast members include Chase Stokes (Tell Me Your Secrets) as John B, Madelyn Cline (Glass Onion) as Sarah Cameron, Madison Bailey (Black Lightning) as Kiara, Jonathan Daviss (Do Revenge) as Pope, Drew Starkey (Love, Simon) as Rafe, Carlacia Grant (Greenleaf) as Cleo, Austin North (All Night) as Topper, and Fiona Palomo (Control Z) as Sofia. Meanwhile, Tony Crane and Cullen Moss have both been promoted to series regulars, reprising their roles as Big John and Deputy Shoupe.
[SPOILER WARNING: Season 4 finale]
Notably absent from the cast list and official photo is Rudy Pankow, who played JJ across the first four seasons. His shocking exit in the Season 4 finale left fans reeling.
In true Pogue style, JJ went out doing what he does best: risking everything for the people he loves. He handed over the Blue Crown to his estranged and dangerous father, Groff, in exchange for Kiara’s safety. But instead of a reunion or redemption, Groff muttered, “It’s a shame, you and me,” then stabbed JJ and fled with the treasure.
Bleeding out, JJ collapsed into Kiara’s arms. “Take care of the others, OK?” he told her, before quietly adding, “I love you.” It was his final goodbye.
Later, the Pogues gathered around a fire, devastated. Rafe pointed out that Groff was probably heading for Lisbon. Kiara agreed, and the others silently followed her lead. This time, they weren’t just chasing treasure. They were going after justice for their friend.
Over its four seasons, ‘Outer Banks’ has racked up nearly 200 million views globally and appeared in Netflix’s Top 10 English-language TV list 25 times. Season 4 concluded with the show’s first-ever feature-length episode, described by the creators as their “best, most powerful episode” yet, and a launchpad for the final chapter.
The final season will continue the hunt for the Blue Crown, a mystery that co-creator Burke says “should carry us through all the way to the end.” The creative team also revealed that they’ve known the last shot of the show since day one.
“We’ve always known from the beginning what the last scene would be,” said Josh Pate.
In an emotional letter to fans, shared below in full, the creators reflected on their seven-year journey bringing the series to life, inspired by a single photo of teenagers on a beach at dusk during a power outage:
‘Outer Banks‘ Season 5 does not yet have a premiere date but will air on Netflix in the UK and worldwide in 2026. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.
