Outer Banks season 5: Everything we know so far

Calling all Pogues! After the exhilarating, heart-pounding, and shocking fourth season of Outer Banks, you don't have to worry about anything. This isn't the last you will be seeing of the Pogues. The hit Netflix original teen adventure series will be back for season 5!

Outer Banks season 4 found the Pogues experiencing a reversal of fortune after finding El Dorado and cashing in. They create a calm and peaceful home and business, but some financial troubles land them back into the gold hunting game as they search for Blackbeard's treasure. In part 2, the Pogues are after the Blue Crown in an adventure full of danger, trouble, and tragedy.

Family secrets and globe-trotting make Outer Banks season 4 one of the most action-packed and truly surprising seasons of the show yet, but we still have a lot to look forward to in season 5. Here's what to know so far, including cast changes, filming updates, and what's up next!

The final season might not be released until 2026

On Nov. 4, three days ahead of the release of Outer Banks season 4 part 2 on Nov. 7, Netflix officially announced the renewal of Outer Banks season 5. While it's exciting news for fans, the renewal was also bittersweet since it was confirmed that season 5 would be the final season of the series. It's currently unconfirmed, but the season will likely again contain 10 episodes.

Following the final season announcement, series leading star Chase Stokes shared an emotional message with fans on social media, as castmates Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey commented their own sentiments in the comments. Now after seeing what happens in season 4 part 2, it makes even more sense why the final season renewal is so emotional. But we'll get to that soon.

According to Deadline, the fifth and final season is being written as of November 2024, and a starting date for production has been eyed for spring 2025. Obviously, that dashes hopes that the final season could be released in 2025, though it's still possible that episodes could start rolling out by the end of the year. Production and post-production takes nearly one year, which could mean the Pogues might not be back for their last adventure until 2026.

Warning: Major spoilers ahead from Outer Banks season 4.

Season 5 sees major cast departure

In the Outer Banks season 4 finale, JJ dies after being stabbed by his birth father Chandler Groff. Rudy Pankow departs the series after starring as JJ in all four seasons. His exit was officially confirmed in an interview with Netflix's Tudum, which suggests that Pankow will not reprise his role in any sort of guest capacity in flashbacks or as a ghost.

Apart from Pankow's departure from Outer Banks, the rest of the main cast members are expected to return full time as series regulars for the final season. Co-creators and executive producers Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke confirmed that Drew Starkey will reprise his role in season 5, though in what capacity will remain to be seen considering his career has been on the rise with the film Queer.

Fingers crossed Starkey's back as a series regular for the final run to finish out his complicated story as Rafe. The powers that be also confirmed that even though Rafe had some words for his fiancée Sofia in the season 4 finale, Fiona Palomo will also be back in season 5. The final season could have a few new recurring and guest characters in store.

Here's the confirmed Outer Banks main cast:

• Chase Stokes as John B. Routledge
• Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron
• Madison Bailey as Kiara Carrera
• Jonathan Daviss as Pope Heyward
• Austin North as Topper
• Drew Starkey as Rafe Cameron
• Carlacia Grant as Cleo
• Fiona Palomo as Sofia

In addition to the above main cast members, the regular recurring players, like Pope and Kiara's parents and Deputy Shoupe, will surely make appearances as well. The fifth season will also likely see the returns of J. Anthony Crane as Chandler Groff and Pollyanna McIntosh as Dalia. The creators have also teased that since it's the final season, we could catch back up with Rose and Wheezie.

What could happen next in OBX season 5

Obviously, the major driving force of the final season will be the impacts of JJ's death. In the final moments of the season 4 finale, the Pogues are inspired by Rafe to follow Groff to Lisbon to avenge JJ's death and reclaim the Blue Crown. Kiara's ready to hunt Groff down and get revenge for JJ, but we don't know exactly what she and her friends could be planning.

The Pates and Burke teased quite a bit about what to expect in season 5 to Deadline, including the continuation of Rafe and Sofia's love story. After his proposal, Rafe later splits with Sofia over the phone when he learns that she played a role in Groff swindling him. But the executive producers suggest that's not the end of their romance or Rafe's "redemption arc."

For their story to continue, Rafe will have to return home to the Outer Banks with the Pogues, and the creators confirmed that they will in fact "bring it on home" after their excursions. There's lots left to unpack in season 5, including why Groff killed JJ, unpacking more of the child-parent relationships in the series, potential mom drama, and wrapping up the treasure hunt.

While it's hinted that Kiara could be be one of the central focuses of season 5, each character will continue to be serviced. First and foremost, John B and Sarah are expecting a baby! Her pregnancy comes as a surprise, and the young couple attempts to get legally married. Perhaps we will be in for a real wedding and the birth of their Poguelet sometime in the final season.

Overall, the Pates and Burke assure fans that all of the loose ends will be tied up and all of our burning questions will be answered by the end of the series:

"A hundred percent. When we get to the end, I think everyone’s going to be satisfied that we bring everything home and all the stories are wrapped up."

Stay tuned for more Outer Banks news and updates from Netflix Life!