The cast of Outer Banks is opening up about the creative choices they did not always agree with as the Netflix series prepares for its fifth and final season. The actors recently sat down for an interview where they shared which character decisions and storylines they would have handled differently.
The hit teen drama, which follows a group of friends known as the Pogues on treasure-hunting adventures, is set to conclude with Season 5 premiering on Netflix on August 20, 2026. With the show coming to an end, the cast reflected on their characters’ journeys and the moments that made them question the writing.
Actors Share Which Character Choices They Disagreed With
In an interview with Jake Hamilton on Jake’s Takes, stars Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Carlacia Grant, Chase Stokes, Jonathan Daviss and Drew Starkey discussed the creative decisions they did not fully support.
Madison Bailey, who plays Kiara Carrera, pointed out a key difference between herself and her character. While Bailey described herself as someone who is not quiet in general, she felt Kiara is “overly loud” in many situations. Kiara has been known throughout the series as a fiercely loyal and rebellious character who constantly defied her wealthy Kook parents to embrace the Pogue lifestyle.
Carlacia Grant expressed regret about her character Cleo’s actions in Season 4. Cleo could not take a shot at Lightner, the mercenary who killed her surrogate father, because of an arm injury. Grant had a strong reaction to this decision.
Like last season, I would have took the shot, like with no arms. I would have shot with my foot.
After Cleo failed to shoot Lightner, Pope Heyward eventually took the gun and killed him in the Season 4 finale.
Drew Starkey, who plays Rafe Cameron, said his biggest disagreement with his character was obvious. Rafe has done many questionable things throughout the series, including multiple attempts to murder his sister Sarah.
I think the big one for me was the attempted murder of my sister.
Starkey acknowledged that actors may not always agree with their characters’ choices, but navigating those differences presents a rewarding challenge that can lead to compelling performances. Fans remember how Rafe planned many attacks on Sarah, including a shooting over the gold in the Bahamas in Season 2 and a drowning incident on the cargo ship during the Season 2 finale. Rafe showed brief moments of regret and tried to change in later seasons, but his violent history leaves his true morality in question.
Chase Stokes (John B.) and Jonathan Daviss (Pope) wrapped up the conversation by reflecting on all the characters. They noted that every character is flawed in their own way, but that makes them more endearing to the audience.
Yeah, there’s got to be conflict, and I think the age of these characters is also an age in the real world where we’re making decisions and choices that don’t necessarily reflect the best choice. And that level of honesty that I think they try to dig into as writers, um is endearing to the audience…
Behind-the-Scenes Incident During Final Season Production
The fifth and final season of Outer Banks has faced challenges behind the scenes. In October 2025, an incident occurred during filming in Dubrovnik, Croatia. According to reports, co-creator and executive producer Jonas Pate allegedly grabbed a female production assistant and shouted in her face. Several cast members, including Madelyn Cline and Chase Stokes, reportedly intervened to de-escalate the situation.
A source told People magazine that Pate “was screaming at the female production assistant and grabbed her by her shoulders and shook her. He didn’t hurt her or try to hurt her. He just crossed a line. Putting your hands on someone is never, ever okay”.
Video footage later surfaced showing part of the incident. The PA walked in front of the camera and passed Pate, who turned around and grabbed her arm. Cline, who was sitting nearby, quickly stood up and walked over. According to TMZ, Pate became frustrated because he had repeatedly instructed the PAs not to walk in front of the camera. Production sources told the outlet that Pate’s alleged behavior was not “unusual,” with one adding, “It’s about time that it’s made public”. Production was not halted, and Pate remained involved in the series.
JJ’s Death and Cast Changes for Season 5
The final season will pick up after the shocking death of JJ Maybank, played by Rudy Pankow, in the Season 4 finale. JJ died at the hands of his biological father, Chandler Groff. Pankow is not returning for the final season, fueling speculation about an off-camera rift between the actor and his costars. A source denied the rift rumors at the time, but speculation has continued.
Madelyn Cline spoke about filming without Pankow, saying it is “definitely strange” not having him around “because we shot four seasons with him”.
There’s a part of the dynamic that isn’t there anymore.
Chase Stokes also addressed the cast’s readiness to end the show, saying the cast wants the story to end properly.
We want the story to end on the right note, versus [turning] four seasons into season nine and we’re going after aliens or something.
Related:
What to Expect From Outer Banks Season 5
Outer Banks Season 5 will have 10 episodes, all releasing together on Netflix. The final season follows the Pogues after JJ’s death as they battle Chandler Groff, Dalia and other enemies while racing to recover the Blue Crown.
Returning cast members include Chase Stokes (John B.), Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron), Madison Bailey (Kiara), Jonathan Daviss (Pope), Drew Starkey (Rafe), Carlacia Grant (Cleo), Austin North (Topper) and Fiona Palomo. Tony Crane and Cullen Moss have also been promoted to series regulars.
The show’s creators, Josh Pate, Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke, previously shared their excitement about the final season.
We are over the moon to be setting out on one last trip with the Pogues. Being back on set with our cast for this final round is nothing short of bittersweet and surreal. We can’t wait to show everyone what we have in store this season — it’s going to be a wild ride…
Netflix also announced Pogues For Life: A Fan Farewell Event, taking place in Los Angeles on August 15. The celebration will include the inaugural Pogue Awards, where fans can vote for their favorite moments from all five seasons. Cast members are scheduled to participate in a live discussion before a screening of the season premiere.
Outer Banks Season 5 premieres on August 20, 2026, exclusively on Netflix. All four previous seasons are currently available to stream.
Also Read: Outer Banks Season 4 Recap – Everything You Need to Know Before the Final Chapter
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