10 Outer Banks couples, ranked worst to best

The Pogues spend most of their time on high-stake treasure hunts in Outer Banks, but they still somehow manage to make time for romance. Believe it or not, there are many romantic pairings in this series. But while some couples in the show we absolutely adore, others we can't stand seeing on-screen.

One of the main couples, and who many fans would say is the most beloved couple, is John B and Sarah. Their love journey has definitely been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs throughout the three seasons, and we're looking forward to seeing what happens between them in the upcoming Outer Banks season 4.

Although we know for certain that the new season will be coming out in 2024, we still don't have an official release date yet. So, while we wait for the highly anticipated fourth season to be released, we decided to keep ourselves busy by ranking some of the couples in the show. More specifically, we decided to rank 10 Outer Banks couples from worst to best. Keep in mind that not all of the pairings in the list are actually together. Some could be in the works, while others tried at one point but didn't end up working out. Check out our rankings below!

10. Rose and Ward

Rose and Ward definitely took the idea of "ride or die" seriously. Over three seasons, Ward had done so many terrible things, and yet Rose was always right there beside him backing him up. In fact, she'd even give her own input and encourage him to make bad decisions. They're both self-obsessed and manipulative, so I guess you can say they're a match made in heaven. It felt weird saying that...

9. Sarah and Topper

Sarah and Topper were one of the most toxic Outer Banks couples, and their issues mainly stemmed from Topper's extreme jealousy. Honestly, Sarah was already showing signs that she was done with him, but he was so blinded by his obsession with her that he couldn't see it. Yes, Sarah was in the wrong for cheating on him with John B, but eventually, he needs to move on. He's still holding on, hoping she'll take him back one day.

But Sarah truly wants to be with John B, and even if she and John B go through a rough patch, she's still going to go back to him because that's who she loves. We saw this happen in the third season when Sarah hooked up with Topper because she was an emotional wreck over her breakup with John B. But what did she end up doing in the end? She went right back to John B. This led to Topper setting John B's house on fire with all the Pogues inside, practically committing attempted murder. I don't know what it's going to take, but Topper has to come to a realization that he and Sarah will never be a thing again.

8. Kiara and John B

Kiara and John B never actually got together, and honestly, I'm happy about this. From the very beginning, I couldn't see them as more than friends. It was just one awkwardly intimate moment that they shared in the first season. All of the male Pogue members had had a crush on Kiara at one point, and JJ managed to convince John B that Kiara likes him. This leads John B to impulsively kiss Kiara on the beach, but Kiara rejects him. After having a conversation, they came to an understanding that they're better off as friends.

7. Kiara and Pope

I was actually rooting for Kiara and Pope, but deep down I knew they weren't going to work out. The reason being that it was a one-sided relationship. Pope had genuine feelings for Kiara, but Kiara never really looked at him in a romantic way. Honestly, she was leading him on, which was wrong because he was supposed to be one of her best friends. In my opinion, they both just wanted different things. Kiara was looking for a good time or a casual hookup, while Pope was looking for a relationship.

6. Sofia and Rafe

We don't know much about the Sofia and Rafe pairing yet because Sofia didn't appear as much in the last season. However, I did like the scenes they had together. Sofia seems like she'd be a good influence on Rafe, and with his dad now gone, he's going to need all the positive energy he can get. I hope Sofia (Fiona Palomo) returns in the fourth season, and she and Rafe get together because they have such great chemistry.

5. Anna and Mike

Although Anna and Mike Carrera can be annoying and judgmental at times, they're as solid as they come when it comes to their relationship. They love each other dearly and will also go to bat for each other. The whole cross-class love story they have is beautiful too. Mike was a Pogue, coming from the poor side of the island, while Anna was a Kook, coming from a wealthy background. After getting together, Mike was able to build a successful restaurant on the island, and Anna was always there to support him. If only they could be a little more supportive of their daughter Kiara...

4. Heyward and Cara

Heyward and Cara definitely have the most healthy relationship in the show. Anytime they're on-screen together, you can tell there's genuine love between them. Truthfully, they're really just good people all-around and they do an excellent job at parenting their son Pope. Hopefully, there will be more scenes of them together in Outer Banks season 4.

3. Kiara and JJ

I mean, we all saw the Kiara and JJ relationship coming. Since the beginning of the series, there have always been signs. They were very touchy with each other and would flirt a lot. Kiara was there for JJ multiple times and vice versa. But while JJ's feelings for Kiara were more obvious, it was kind of hard to tell if Kiara liked him on a romantic level since she was messing around with Pope at one point.

But once she broke up with Pope, that's when things started to change on her end. She began to really see JJ as a potential love interest and not just as a best friend. All the built-up tension finally comes to a head at the end of the third season when Kiara and JJ profess their love for each other and share a sweet kiss. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who let out a squeal when this happened. I can't wait to see them be all lovey-dovey in the fourth season.

2. Cleo and Pope

Cleo and Pope were one of the main pairings that I was hoping would get together in the third season, and it actually happened. After everything Pope went through with Kiara, he deserved someone who actually liked him and wanted to be with him. I first sensed the tension between them in season 2 and had an inkling that something more than friendship would eventually blossom. They spent so much time together in season 3 and really bonded, so it was obvious that the story was building up to them finally getting together. In the season 3 finale, they finally act on their feelings and share a passionate kiss.

1. Sarah and John B

You just had to know that Sarah and John B would be ranked as the best Outer Banks couple. They've overcome every obstacle thrown their way and always made their way back to each other no matter what. And it's simply because they're soulmates.

I've truly enjoyed watching their love story play out over these past three seasons, and I'm excited to see what's next for their relationship going forward. We can probably expect more problems to arise, but I'm confident they'll find a way to work through them.

Which Outer Banks couples are your favorite?