Outer Banks Review
- Nov 19, 2025
- 4 min read
“My pops always said nothing good comes easy, and nothing worthy is given. It’s not what can be gained. But what you’re willing to risk. How far will you go for your treasure?" - John B
Set in the picturesque Outer Banks of North Carolina, Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks follows a group of teenagers who embark on a thrilling treasure hunt to find a missing father and uncover $400 million in gold. What starts as a summer adventure quickly spirals into a high-stakes journey full of danger, betrayal, and heart-stopping twists. From shootouts and kidnappings to deep-sea dives and hidden myths, the Pogues’ story is one wild ride.
Since its 2020 debut, Outer Banks has transformed from a pandemic-era escape into a multi-genre phenomenon blending teen drama, comedy, mystery, romance, and action. Across four seasons, the Pogues’ hunt expands to legendary treasures like the Royal Merchant Gold, the Santo Domingo Cross, El Dorado, and the Blue Crown. The group’s loyalty and banter echo the found-family energy of Bad Boys and Fast & Furious, keeping viewers hooked as their bond is tested by every storm.
Meet The Pogues:
John B – The sarcastic narrator and fearless leader, driven by his dad’s disappearance.
JJ – The wild card with a big heart and dangerous ideas; his loyalty runs deep despite a rough home life.
Kiara – The comeback queen who refuses to abandon her friends, even when it puts her at odds with her parents.
Pope – The genius of the group, calm and steady, always putting his future on the line for the people he loves.
Sarah– The reformed “Kook princess” who ditched her privileged life to ride or die with the Pogues.
Cleo– A street-smart survivor who joins the group later on and fits in like she’s been there since day one.
Rafe – Sarah’s unstable brother who’s constantly trying to win his father’s love while causing chaos for everyone else.
At its heart, Outer Banks isn’t just about treasure—it’s about friendship, loyalty, and finding family in unexpected places. The Pogues may bicker and make reckless choices, but when danger strikes, they always have each other’s backs. The show also rewards observant viewers with clever foreshadowing and parallels between seasons, tying each adventure into a larger narrative.
If you love wild adventures, deep friendships, and heart-pounding drama, Outer Banks is absolutely worth the binge and if you have watched the show, scroll down to read my thoughts on season four.
In the comments or contact form below, let me know your thoughts on the show or if you have any show recommendations. You can click the link here to sign up for the blog email list and submit suggestions for shows :)
Spoiler Warning - Season 4 Thoughts
Season 4 delivered plenty of drama—but not without controversy. While it had standout cinematic moments like the courthouse riot and vandalism scenes in Episode 6, it also left many fans frustrated with questionable writing choices and heartbreaking character arcs.
Pope Deserves Better
Pope has always been the group’s moral compass and intellectual powerhouse, but the writers seem determined to sabotage his future each season. From losing his scholarship in Season 1 to missing school while stranded on an island in Season 3, his dream of becoming a doctor keeps slipping away. In Season 4, things hit rock bottom when he’s forced to get a GED, becomes a fugitive, and faces jail or military service after defending JJ. His journey deserves justice, not constant punishment.
JJ’s Tragic Downfall
JJ’s storyline this season was equally frustrating. The writers seemed intent on dismantling his character before his devastating death. His reckless spending, misplaced trust in his biological father, and uncharacteristically poor decisions felt inconsistent with the street-smart, instinctive JJ fans loved. Having him die at the hands of his biological father—a man who murdered his mother and grandfather—felt like a cruel trope. Having an abuse survivor die in such a twisted, tragic way was honestly one of the most disappointing story decisions the show has made. For a character who symbolized loyalty and resilience, JJ deserved a far better ending.
JJ and Kiara: The Ship That Sank
Let’s talk about the one relationship fans have been rooting for since day one: JJ and Kiara. Their chemistry in the early seasons was electric. Fans spent years begging the writers to make it happen — and when it finally did, it… just didn’t feel right in Season 4. Their scenes together lacked the spark we all fell in love with back in Seasons 1 and 2. It felt like they were just “going through the motions” instead of actually being in love. Whether it was the writing, the pacing, or the behind-the-scenes tension between the actors, it’s such a shame. JJ and Kie had so much potential to be the emotional core of the show, but it didn’t quite land the way we hoped.
The Pogues vs. Sheriff Shoupe
Unpopular opinion: the Pogues should’ve trusted Sheriff Shoupe. They didn’t have to reveal everything (like the diving site), but being honest about the hyperbaric chamber attack and Cleo’s kidnapping might’ve changed everything. Shoupe could’ve uncovered Groff’s involvement sooner instead of being misled into believing JJ was a murderer. Their secrecy only made things worse.
Everyone Else’s Arcs
Sarah – Pregnant and conflicted, despite earlier claiming she wasn’t ready for motherhood.
Kiara– Spent most of the season trying to save JJ from getting kidnapped, attacked, or worse.
John B – Worried he’s becoming like his treasure-obsessed dad
Cleo – Driven by grief and vengeance after losing someone close.
Relationship-wise, John B and Sarah had their sweet moments, and Pope and Cleo were adorable. But Kiara and JJ… I wanted to love them so badly, and instead, I found myself wishing the show gave them better writing — and more genuine moments together.
Final Thoughts
Season 4 had its moments of brilliance but was bogged down by frustrating writing choices and character inconsistencies. The Pogues’ repeated mistakes—splitting up, ignoring danger, confronting killers alone—felt unrealistic after everything they’d been through. JJ’s death, especially, left a void that will be hard to fill. Still, with the fifth and final season on the horizon, fans can only hope the writers deliver a satisfying send-off for what has become one of Netflix’s most beloved adventure series.
💬 What did you think of Season 4? Share your thoughts in the comments or through the contact form below! You can also sign up for my blog’s email list for updates and show recommendations.
Comments