Netflix’s hit teen drama Outer Banks is gearing up for its fifth and final season, and the full cast has officially been confirmed, sending fans into a frenzy of excitement and speculation. With returning stars and intriguing newcomers on board, Season 5 promises to tie up the Pogues’ treasure-hunting saga in a way that honors their journey while delivering fresh twists. As the show prepares to paddle out for one last ride in 2026, here’s everything you need to know about the cast, what to expect from their characters, and why this final chapter is poised to be the most unforgettable yet.

The Pogues Return—Minus One

The heart of Outer Banks has always been its core group of Pogues, and while most of the beloved crew is set to return, Season 5 will feel the weight of a major absence. Chase Stokes is back as John B. Routledge, the fearless leader whose quest for treasure and family has driven the series from the start. After Season 4’s cliffhanger—where he and the Pogues faced the devastating loss of JJ in Morocco—John B.’s arc will likely center on fatherhood, as his wife Sarah Cameron (Madelyn Cline) is pregnant with their first child. Stokes has hinted at the emotional complexity ahead, telling Tudum, “It’s always gonna be Pogues 4 Life,” even as the group navigates grief and new responsibilities.

Madelyn Cline reprises her role as Sarah Cameron, whose evolution from Kook princess to Pogue stalwart has been a fan favorite. Season 4 ended with her reconciling with her brother Rafe and grappling with impending motherhood, setting the stage for a storyline that blends family drama with the high-stakes treasure hunt for Blackbeard’s Blue Crown. Co-creator Jonas Pate has confirmed that Sarah and John B.’s pregnancy “has to do with our larger vision of the series,” suggesting a natural progression that will test their resilience as a couple.

Madison Bailey returns as Kiara Carrera, who is poised to be the “spine of the season,” according to Josh Pate. After losing her boyfriend JJ—played by Rudy Pankow, who won’t return following his character’s shocking death—Kiara’s journey will be one of vengeance and healing. Bailey has expressed mixed emotions about the show’s end, writing on Instagram Stories, “No goodbyes yet! Let’s do this thing,” hinting at her commitment to delivering a powerful performance in Kiara’s final arc.

Jonathan Daviss is back as Pope Heyward, the brainy Pogue whose future remains uncertain after Season 4. Did he go to jail for his role in the Morocco chaos? Will he find closure in the treasure hunt? His steady presence will likely anchor the group as they face their toughest challenges yet. Rounding out the Pogues is Carlacia Grant as Cleo, the Nassau native who became a full-fledged member in Season 3. Wounded but alive at the end of Season 4, Cleo’s expected to get more focus this time, with Pate noting to Deadline, “We definitely want to develop Cleo and honor her character as well.”

The Kooks and Beyond

The antagonistic Kooks and supporting players also return to stir the pot. Drew Starkey is confirmed as Rafe Cameron, Sarah’s volatile older brother whose redemption arc took a step forward in Season 4. After breaking up with Sofia and bonding with the Pogues to avenge JJ, Rafe’s path in Season 5 will explore his fragile emotional state and shifting alliances. Starkey’s availability might be limited due to other projects like Queer, but his character’s arc remains crucial to the finale.

Austin North reprises Topper Thornton, the perennial Kook rival whose role has waxed and waned across seasons. With the Pogues’ world expanding beyond Kildare Island, Topper’s involvement could tie back to unresolved tensions. Fiona Palomo returns as Sofia, Rafe’s ex-girlfriend, whose betrayal in Season 4 left her fate uncertain. Showrunners told Deadline, “We love those characters. They’re still in play for sure in Season 5,” suggesting Sofia might seek redemption or revenge.

The villainous side gets a boost with J. Anthony Crane back as Chandler Groff, the ruthless treasure hunter who killed his own son, JJ, in Season 4. Shannon Burke has teased that Season 5 will delve into Groff’s motivations, telling Deadline, “Some of the work of Season 5 is going back and understanding why he did it.” Pollyanna McIntosh also returns as Dalia, the cunning leader of the Lupine Corsairs, whose pursuit of the Blue Crown will keep the Pogues on their toes.

Newcomers and Familiar Faces

Season 5 introduces fresh blood to the Outer Banks universe, though specific new characters remain under wraps as of April 2025. Given the show’s history of adding impactful recurring roles—like Cleo in Season 2 or Sofia in Season 3—expect at least one or two significant newcomers to shake up the narrative. One teased addition is Finch, a mysterious figure mentioned in Season 4 but yet to appear. Jonas Pate told Teen Vogue, “His character is going to be developed going forward,” hinting at a “formidable presence” that could serve as the season’s big bad or an unexpected ally.

Familiar faces from earlier seasons are also slated to return, wrapping up loose ends. Caroline Arapoglou is expected back as Rose, Sarah and Rafe’s stepmother, who was absent in Season 4 following Ward’s death. Julia Antonelli will likely reprise Wheezie, their younger sister, offering a chance to explore the Cameron family’s closure. These returns align with the creators’ promise to “bring everything home,” as Josh Pate told Deadline, ensuring all major stories are resolved.

What to Expect from Season 5

With the full cast locked in, Season 5 is shaping up to be a rollercoaster of emotion and action. The Pogues’ pursuit of the Blue Crown—now in Groff’s possession—will drive the central plot, but revenge will be a key theme. Kiara’s vow to avenge JJ, paired with Rafe’s parallel quest, sets the stage for a showdown with Groff and Dalia. Meanwhile, John B. and Sarah’s journey into parenthood adds a layer of domestic stakes to their treasure-hunting chaos, echoing the show’s blend of high-octane adventure and heartfelt drama.

The creators have long planned a five-season arc, sparked by a 2017 photo of teens on a beach during a power outage. “We imagined a mystery that would lead to a five-season journey of adventure, treasure hunting, and friendship,” they wrote in a letter to fans on Instagram. Season 4’s feature-length finale was their “most powerful episode” yet, and they’re aiming to top it with Season 5. Production begins in spring 2025 in Wilmington, North Carolina, with a 2026 premiere expected, following the show’s typical 12-16 month production cycle—assuming no delays like those caused by the 2023 strikes.

Why Fans Are Buzzing

The confirmation of the full cast has reignited excitement for Outer Banks, especially as it heads into its swan song. Fans of the Pogues’ underdog spirit and the Kooks’ scheming ways are eager to see how it all ends. JJ’s death sparked backlash, but the creators are committed to honoring his legacy, with Josh Pate telling Tudum, “We’re planning a story of redemption, and a season that embodies the friendship that JJ had come to represent.” Theories abound about the Blue Crown’s rumored wish-granting powers—could it bring JJ back via flashback or magic?—though Pankow’s exit seems final, per his heartfelt farewell on Tudum.

The mix of returning stars like Stokes, Cline, and Bailey with newcomers and the promise of a satisfying conclusion has Outer Banks trending across platforms. The show’s blend of teen romance, swashbuckling adventure, and found-family vibes has made it a Netflix staple since 2020, and Season 5 aims to land the plane on a high note, as Stokes told Entertainment Tonight: “It’s not about how the plane takes off, it’s how you land it.”

One Last Ride

As Outer Banks Season 5 looms on the horizon, the confirmed cast signals a fitting farewell to a series that’s captured hearts worldwide. With production ramping up and the Pogues facing their final adventure, fans can expect a season packed with thrills, tears, and triumphs. Whether you’re Team Pogue or just along for the ride, this last chapter promises to deliver the closure and chaos that’s defined Outer Banks from the start. Stay tuned for more updates as the treasure hunt races toward its epic end.