The Runarounds is a new teen drama series on Amazon Prime Video. It started on September 1, 2025. The show is about a group of high school graduates who form a rock band. What makes this show special is that the main actors are also real musicians. They formed a band together in real life. The series has eight episodes. All episodes were released on the same day. Fans can watch them anytime on Prime Video.
The show was created by Jonas Pate. He is also known for the popular series Outer Banks. The Runarounds is set in Wilmington, North Carolina. This city is famous for being the filming location of many teen shows. One Tree Hill and Dawson’s Creek were also filmed there. The series combines music and drama. It shows the struggles and dreams of young artists.
The Main Cast and Their Characters
The five main actors in the show are also the members of the real-life band The Runarounds. They first came together when they auditioned for Outer Banks. Jonas Pate saw their talent and decided to create a show for them. Here is a detailed look at each actor and their character.
William Lipton plays Charlie Cooper. Charlie is the frontman of the band. He sings and plays the guitar. His story in the show revolves around his love for music and his relationship with a girl named Sophia. Lipton says that Charlie’s biggest challenge is himself. His passion sometimes causes problems for the band. Before this show, Lipton acted in General Hospital.
“Charlie’s whole summer experience on The Runarounds is characterized by his love for this girl named Sophia and his love for music and trying to make the band work,” Lipton explained .
Zendé Murdock plays Bez Willis. Bez is the drummer who joins the band later. He is very ambitious and wants to be a successful drummer. Throughout the season, he struggles between staying with the band or pursuing his own career. Murdock was on The Voice Kids in 2012. This is his first major acting role.
Axel Ellis plays Neil Crosby. Neil is the calm and philosophical member of the group. He is like a stoner dude who follows his heart. Besides music, he deals with romantic feelings for a girl. Ellis says that Neil does not always see what is right in front of him. This is also Ellis’s first acting job.
Jeremy Yun plays Topher Park. Topher is confused about his future after high school. His parents and girlfriend want him to follow a traditional path. But he has a strong passion for music. Yun has been making music with Lipton since they were kids. This series is his acting debut.
Jesse Golliher plays Wyatt Wysong. Wyatt is the bass guitarist. He is a quiet person with a difficult family life. He tries to break free from his problems with the help of his friends and music. Golliher is also new to acting. This is his first role.
Supporting Cast Members
The show also features several other actors who play important roles. Lilah Pate plays Sophia Kinney. She is Charlie’s love interest in the series. Maximo Salas plays Pete Antuna. Marley Aliah plays Ruthie Bender. Shea Pritchard plays George Benson.
There are also some well-known actors in the cast. Brooklyn Decker is part of the show. Hayes MacArthur and Mark Wystrach also have roles. Wystrach plays a character named Catesby. These actors add depth to the story beyond the band.
The Real Band Behind the Show
The Runarounds is not just a fictional band. The actors are real musicians who perform together. They formed the band in 2021. It happened when they auditioned for Outer Banks. Jonas Pate was looking for musicians for a small role in Outer Banks Season 3. Over 5,000 people applied. Lipton, Yun, Murdock, Ellis, and Golliher were selected. They started playing music together and became a real band.
After filming the series, the band planned to go on tour. They announced the Minivan Tour for September 2025. This tour will promote the show and their music. The connection between the series and real life makes the show unique. Fans can watch the show and then see the band perform live.
Show Background and Production
The Runarounds is produced by Skydance Television. Jonas Pate is the creator and executive producer. David Wilcox wrote the teleplay. Other executive producers include Josh Pate, Shannon Burke, and David Ellison. Filming began in August 2024 in Wilmington. The city is almost a character in the show. It has a rich history of being the home for teen dramas.
The series captures the raw emotions of growing up. It shows the highs and lows of chasing dreams. Music is the central theme that ties everything together. The characters face family pressure, relationship issues, and personal doubts. But they always have music to turn to.
What to Expect in the Series
The Runarounds focuses on the summer after high school. The five friends decide to start a band. They hope to make it big in the music world. Each episode shows their journey. They play music, face challenges, and support each other. The show is honest about the struggles of young artists.
Some episodes have interesting titles. The first episode is called “Pilot”. The second is “Morning Glory”. Another episode is named “Nice Day For a (Weird Wedding)”. The directors include Jonas Pate and others. Kyra Sedgwick directed one episode.
The series is a mix of drama and music. It is suitable for all ages. The language is simple and the stories are relatable. The actors are newcomers, which adds freshness to the show. The real-life bond between the band members makes their performances genuine.
Audience Reception and Future Plans
Since the show just started, there are no reviews yet. But fans of Outer Banks and teen dramas are excited. The connection to Outer Banks has generated interest. The real band’s tour will also help promote the show. Amazon Prime Video released all episodes at once. This allows viewers to watch at their own pace.
The Runarounds is a promising addition to Prime Video’s content. It offers something new by blending a scripted series with real music. The cast is talented both as actors and musicians. This could be the start of a successful series and music career for the band.
