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10 most memorable moments of Outer Banks which remind us why we'll miss the Pogues

Now that Outer Banks season 5 has ended, we compiled some of the series' most memorable moments. Bring tissues for some of these!
Outer Banks. (L to R) Madison Bailey as Kiara, Chase Stokes as John B, Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron, Carlacia Grant as Cleo in episode 505 of Outer Banks. Cr. Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix © 2026
Outer Banks. (L to R) Madison Bailey as Kiara, Chase Stokes as John B, Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron, Carlacia Grant as Cleo in episode 505 of Outer Banks. Cr. Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix © 2026

Outer Banks has been an emotional rollercoaster throughout the last five seasons. We've laughed and cried as the Pogues have experienced memorable moments over the years.

There are too many to list here, with countless favorites for each character, but we're taking a trip down memory lane with ten of them. While some take place on Kildare Island, others stretch far beyond with the Pogues' love of treasure hunting.

Keep reading for our list, including more than one first kiss, some insane stunts, and wonderful character arcs that remind us why we love Outer Banks. We can always count on these friends to stand by each other. Pogues 4 Life!

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Photo: Season 1, Episode 4 of Outer Banks - Courtesy of Netflix

John B & Sarah's Romeo & Juliet Moment

The Pogue and the Kook Princess were the epitome of a modern Romeo & Juliet. John B lived on the wrong side of town, so much so that some social workers tried to intervene and put him into foster care. Naturally, he escaped but injured himself in the process. Sarah Cameron was nicer than most of the Kooks and came to his rescue, taking him back to her house to bandage him up.

The two spent the day together, researching the Chapel Hill archives in Outer Banks season 1, episode 4. They played a game of Truth and donned secret identities, where they could block out reality. Once they returned to Kildare Island, all bets were off, but John B didn't care as he declared he liked her. After everything else, he had nothing left to lose, and the two shared their first kiss in the rain.

The Heartbreaking Hot Tub Scene

JJ's friends knew his home life was rough, but it's one thing to know it and another to see it. When JJ stole money from Barry, he blew it on a hot tub in Outer Banks season 1, episode 7. It was a fun idea, but his father, Luke, wanted that money, which cost JJ dearly.

When Kiara and Pope ask JJ about how he spent it, they're horrified to see his body covered with bruises. It was a moment that affected them as much as the viewers. As JJ emotionally broke down, Pope and Kiara embraced their friend, showing him they supported him. That scene cemented a lifelong friendship into family.

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OUTER BANKS (L to R) CHASE STOKES as JOHN B, RUDY PANKOW as JJ, MADELYN CLINE as SARAH CAMERON, MADISON BAILEY as KIARA and JONATHAN DAVISS as POPE in episode 104 of OUTER BANKS Cr. JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX © 2021

The Pogues Reunite in Charleston and are Immediately on the Run

This scene is iconic and one of the best scenes of the series. It combines the Pogues' vibe with an action-packed chase. It's hilarious because these guys always find trouble, even when they're trying not to. Pope is running from Carla Limbrey's henchmen because they want the key to the cross, which makes Pope more curious.

Pope, JJ, and Kiara run through the streets of Charleston, trying to avoid being tased, when they run into Sarah and John B, who are also running from someone. All five jump on a car, with John B driving and Pope pushing. They narrowly escape and catch up.

Pope's Inspiring Speeches

During Outer Banks season 2, Pope's motivation shifted when he learned he was directly related to Denmark Tanny. It was no longer about fun adventures and treasure hunting but discovering his family legacy and gaining justice. Pope grew tired of being manipulated by Carla Limbrey and was determined that the good guys would win this time.

Pope gave some of his most inspiring speeches in the final two episodes of Outer Banks season 2. Pope was determined that they needed a win because this was his family's cross. It wasn't only about the gold, and while all the Pogues were behind him, JJ and Kiara seemed especially proud. That's the moment the Pogues went more on the offensive, and they were united in their goals and in each other.

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OUTER BANKS (L to R) MADELYN CLINE as SARAH CAMERON, CHASE STOKES as JOHN B, MADISON BAILEY as KIARA, JONATHAN DAVISS as POPE and RUDY PANKOW as JJ in episode 208 of OUTER BANKS Cr. JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX © 2021

The Train Heist and JJ's Reckless Stunt

Outer Banks excels at insane stunts and chases, and this is the second one on our list. It's one of my favorite scenes. Topper tries to win back Sarah by helping her and the rest of the Pogues steal the cross from a train. He's kind of the reluctant getaway driver, which was hilarious in itself, but it got more entertaining when JJ decided to distract the police and led them over an overpass on his dirt bike.

Topper didn't want to get arrested, but Sarah refused to leave JJ behind. JJ scared his friends when he drove straight into the side of the bridge to make the cops think he was dead. It was an exhilarating stunt, and Pope, Kiara, and Sarah were relieved and angry at JJ for his recklessness.

JJ Rescues Kiara From Kitty Hawk

Outer Banks season 3, episode 9 turned the tide for JJ and Kiara. It was the moment fans had been waiting for. Kiara's parents sent her to Kitty Hawk Adventure Therapy, and JJ knew something was wrong when Kiara wasn't at the airstrip with the rest of them to leave for South America.

This was why I loved JJ. He didn't hesitate. He drove eight hours to rescue her and convinced Barracuda Mike to assist him in exchange for some of the El Dorado gold. He thought quickly, pretended Kiara's cat had died to get into her room, and pried the door open. When he revealed his true feelings, it was a swoon-worthy moment that thrilled the other teen girls and fans everywhere.

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Outer Banks. (L to R) Madison Bailey as Kiara, Rudy Pankow as JJ in episode 401 of Outer Banks. Cr. Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix © 2024

Pope and Cleo Quit the " No Love Club"

Outer Banks season 3 showcased another slow-burning couple, Pope and Cleo. While Cleo stayed with the Heywards, she had initiated the "No-Love Club" earlier in the season to prevent either of them from becoming heartbroken again.

Pope had shown her that there was a chance for real happiness, and his parents had offered her a safe haven. She no longer worried about mere survival, which was kind of ironic, and she confessed her feelings to Pope in the middle of a South African jungle. She sweetly kissed his cheek, and Pope moved in for a more passionate one.

Poguelandia 2.0

While I liked the initial Poguelandia storyline because all the characters finally got to act carefree, I preferred Poguelandia 2.0 because the Pogues worked together to restore the Maybank property and start their business. Pope came up with the idea to open a surf shop with a bait-and-tackle shop, and JJ could run a deep-sea fishing charter.

It was the happiest we've seen the group as they built the shop and the dock. Sarah even framed the first dollar they made. It seemed like they finally succeeded, and JJ finally had found the home he craved among his friends.

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Outer Banks. (L to R) Jonathan Daviss as Pope, Chase Stokes as John B, Rudy Pankow as JJ in episode 401 of Outer Banks. Cr. Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix © 2024

JJ Rescues Sarah

JJ will always be remembered for his recklessness and his bravery. In Outer Banks season 4, episode 9, a horrific storm hit, making it difficult for John B to control the ship. A giant wave knocked Sarah off balance and threw her overboard.

JJ immediately threw her a life preserver and jumped into the dangerous waters to save her, leaving the others terrified for both of them. The rest of the Pogues soon crash-landed in Morocco with no sign of JJ and Sarah, fearing the worst, especially John B and Rafe. It wasn't until a day later that Sarah and JJ washed up on shore, with Sarah calling JJ a hero for saving her and her unborn baby.

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Outer Banks. Rudy Pankow as JJ in episode 409 of Outer Banks. Cr. Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix © 2024

John B & Sarah's Wedding Day

"By the sky, the stars, and the sea" got an even more emotional meaning as John B and Sarah exchanged wedding vows in front of everyone instead of just each other. Many fans have rooted for them since the beginning of Outer Banks, so it was rewarding to see them get their happy ending. 

They had their found family standing by them and so many other residents who came to support them. They finally got what Romeo and Juliet didn't—a united community along with the happy ending. Pogues enjoy a good time, and I wish I'd been invited to that reception. Let's raise a glass to the bride and groom and these memories.

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