Filming for the fifth and final season of Outer Banks is now complete. Netflix confirmed that production wrapped in Charleston, South Carolina on December 19, 2025, marking the end of the Pogues’ journey that began in 2020. The series will return for its last season on the streaming platform in 2026. The show’s creators and returning cast have shared emotional updates as they say goodbye to the sun-soaked adventure that captured a global audience.
The Final Season Production Has Officially Wrapped
The official word came directly from Netflix and the show’s social media channels. A photo of the main cast on set was shared to mark the occasion. The creators of the series, Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke, released a statement expressing their feelings about concluding the story.
“We are over the moon to be setting out on one last trip with the Pogues,” they said. “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…”
The final leg of filming took place in Charleston, South Carolina, the show’s home base in the United States. This followed an extensive international shoot in Croatia earlier in the year. The production made use of historic and scenic locations across Dubrovnik, Cavtat, and Lokrum Island.
Who Is Coming Back For The Last Adventure?
The core group of Pogues and others will return for the final hunt. Chase Stokes (John B), Madelyn Cline (Sarah), Madison Bailey (Kiara), and Jonathan Daviss (Pope) are all confirmed to come back. They will be joined by Drew Starkey (Rafe), Carlacia Grant (Cleo), Austin North (Topper), and Fiona Palomo (Sophia).
Two actors have been promoted to series regulars for the final season: Cullen Moss (Shoupe) and Tony Crane (Renfield). The season will also introduce new faces, including Slavko Sobin, Clyde Willems, and Andrei Lenart in undisclosed roles.
One major character will not be returning. Rudy Pankow, who played the beloved JJ Maybank, was confirmed not to be part of Season 5. This follows the character’s shocking death in the Season 4 finale in Morocco, an event that is expected to drive the remaining Pogues’ mission for the final season.
What To Expect From The Plot Of Season 5
While specific plot details are under wraps, the creators have outlined the final season’s direction. The hunt for the legendary treasure known as the Blue Crown, which was central to Season 4, will continue and reach its conclusion. Co-creator Shannon Burke stated that this treasure hunt “should carry us through all the way to the end”.
The story is expected to focus on themes of redemption and revenge as John B, Sarah, Kiara, and Pope grapple with JJ’s loss and work to finish what they started. The creators have long known how they wanted the series to end. They told Netflix’s Tudum, “We’ve always known from the beginning what the last scene would be”.
The goal for the final chapter, as expressed in a letter to fans, is to “bring our beloved Pogues home in the way we imagined and planned years ago”.
The Show’s Journey And Success
Since its debut in April 2020, Outer Banks has grown into one of Netflix’s most popular young adult series. The show has been viewed nearly 200 million times and has appeared on the platform’s Top 10 English TV list 25 times. Its mix of treasure-hunting adventure, teen drama, and coastal scenery created a dedicated global fanbase.
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The show’s inspiration came from a simple image. The creators have shared that the idea began when they saw a photo of teenagers on a beach at dusk during a power outage.
“That photo sparked an idea for a story of four best friends who only want to have a good time all the time,” the creators said. “From this beginning, we imagined a mystery that would lead to a five-season journey of adventure, treasure hunting, and friendship.”
Season 4, which premiered in late 2024, was particularly well-received and set a high bar for the finale. It earned a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and concluded with the series’ first feature-length episode, which the creators called their “best, most powerful episode”.
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Sources: Tudum
