3 Outer Banks stars you forgot were in Stranger Things

If you love Outer Banks, you’re likely familiar with its thrilling treasure hunts, gripping family drama, and the undeniable chemistry among its main cast. But here’s something you might not know. Several of your favorite OBX actors once stepped into the eerie, otherworldly world of Hawkins, Indiana.

That’s right! Before they were dodging danger in North Carolina in search of hidden treasure, these actors were encountering government secrets, supernatural forces, and creatures from another dimension.

Well, not exactly. That's for the main stars of Stranger Things. But these Outer Banks stars? They still left their mark on Hawkins in smaller, surprising roles, appearing in fleeting scenes, supporting parts, or brief but memorable moments that, in hindsight, make you do a double-take. Below, we've shared the names of three Outer Banks stars whose early appearances in Stranger Things might have completely flown under your radar.

Chase Stokes

If you’re an Outer Banks fan, you probably know Chase Stokes as the one and only John B, aka the fearless, golden-hearted leader of the Pogues. Over the past few years, Stokes has become synonymous with the teen drama. But before he became the ultimate Pogue, Stokes actually had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment in Stranger Things.

In Stranger Things season 1, episode 6, Stokes appears briefly as a character named Reed. It’s one of those quick scenes that’s easy to overlook, but once you know it’s him, it’s impossible not to notice. In the episode, Nancy and Jonathan are talking outside a store when they’re suddenly interrupted by a car speeding past. The driver, Reed, shouts out, “Hey Nance, can’t wait to see your movie!" This was a snide reference to the cruel graffiti her classmates had made to shame her.

Madelyn Cline

Outer Banks fans will instantly recognize Madelyn Cline from playing the stylish, daring, and fiercely loyal Sarah Cameron in the hit teen drama. However, before she began embarking on high-stakes treasure hunts, she made a brief, easy-to-miss appearance in Stranger Things. She took on the minor role of Tina, a popular Hawkins High School student in season  2. Unlike Stokes, who only appeared in one episode of the sci-fi series, Cline showed up in two episodes. Those episodes were episodes 1 and 2 of the second season.

When we meet Tina, she’s caught up in the whirlwind of Hawkins High social life, immediately showing off her bold, outspoken personality and her obvious crush on Billy Hargrove. In one memorable moment, she leans over to her friends and comments on Billy as he walks into school.

Caroline Arapoglou

Last but not least is Caroline Arapoglou, who OBX fans will recognize from her role as the poised and quietly cunning step‑mom of Sarah, Rafe, and Wheezie, Rose Cameron. Rose is hands down one of the teen drama's worst characters, but she was written that way.

Long before she was issuing calm, confident orders at the Cameron estate in Outer Banks as Rose, Arapoglou made a brief but memorable appearance in Stranger Things season  3 as Winnie Kline. She appeared in the first four episodes of the season. In one episode, Winnie can be spotted alongside Karen Wheeler at the Hawkins community pool, patiently waiting for Billy to arrive for his lifeguard shift.

The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is set to premiere on Netflix on Nov. 26. Additionally, Outer Banks season 5 is confirmed for a release sometime next year.