Is Paxton (Darren Barnet) leaving Never Have I Ever?

The new season of Never Have I Ever is finally streaming on Netflix and the new season is full of unexpected surprises, including one major twist that is likely to have fans of Darren Barnet wondering what could be next for his character, Paxton Hall-Yoshida.

Warning: The following post contains spoilers Never Have I Ever season 3, if you’re looking to avoid spoilers, this might be a good place to bookmark this piece for reading after you’ve watched the season. 

Heading into the third season, Paxton and Devi finally became official and it looked like Daxton fans were going to get the chance to see the pair enjoy all the usual milestones and events that come from being in a happy relationship. Instead, the series threw a major curveball fans’ way by breaking the pair up after only a few episodes — and putting them on ice for the remainder of the season.

As the pair went their separate ways, Paxton’s attention shifted to college and his future beyond high school with graduation day fast approaching. Ironically, in doing so Paxton’s own future on the series has come into question leaving many wondering if Paxton might be leaving the show.

Is Darren Barnet leaving Never Have I Ever?

Following the conclusion of Never Have I Ever season 3, Darren Barnet’s role in the upcoming fourth and final season was at first unknown. However, it’s since been confirmed Barnet will not be leaving the show and will be back for season 4!

During the 2022 Tudum event, Barnet joined his costars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Jaren Lewison to confirm that Paxton will be back for season 4. It remains to be seen if he’ll be back in a more limited role but we do know he’ll be back which is news we’re sure fans will appreciate!

While the rest of the show’s core cast will be entering their senior years in season 4, Paxton graduated in the season 3 finale and will be heading off to Arizona State University to begin college in the fall. Not only is Paxton heading off to college, but the season 3 finale featured an emotional scene with Devi and Paxton which felt like a goodbye for the character.

After dedicating his graduation speech to Devi, Paxton thanked Devi for everything she did for him confessing that he probably wouldn’t be going off to college if not for her. This gave Devi the chance to thank Paxton for helping to get her through the death of her dad by “being a dream.” He then invites her to come to visit him in Arizona sometime.

With Paxton heading off to college, there was a fear his character would not appear but he’ll be back for the final season expected to arrive next year.

Never Have I Ever season 3 is streaming now on Netflix.