The Real-Life Status Of ‘PoPeo’: Are Outer Banks’ Jonathan Daviss And Carlacia Grant Dating?

The irresistible on-screen chemistry between Pope Heyward and Cleo Anderson, affectionately dubbed "PoPeo" by the dedicated fandom, has fueled one of the biggest questions surrounding the cast of the Netflix hit, Outer Banks: Are the actors, Jonathan Daviss and Carlacia Grant, dating in real life? As of today, December 11, 2025, the true relationship status of the stars behind the beloved Pogue duo remains a hot topic, especially with the anticipation for the next season.

The short answer is a definitive no. Despite the compelling and heartwarming romantic arc that developed between their characters on the show, multiple reports and their own public statements confirm that Jonathan Daviss and Carlacia Grant are not a couple off-screen. They maintain a close, professional friendship, which is a testament to the strong bond they’ve built while filming the high-stakes teen drama.

Jonathan Daviss and Carlacia Grant: Biographical Profiles

Before diving into the dating speculation, it is important to know the talented individuals who bring the characters of Pope and Cleo to life. Their professional backgrounds and personal lives often become intertwined with their on-screen personas, leading to much of the fan curiosity.

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Jonathan Daviss (Pope Heyward)

• Full Name: Jonathan Pierce Daviss
• Date of Birth: February 28, 2000
• Birthplace: Conroe, Texas, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Notable Filmography: Outer Banks (2020–present), Do Revenge (2022), Age of Summer (2018), Shattered Memories (2017).
• Role in Outer Banks: Pope Heyward, the brainy, loyal, and morally grounded member of the Pogues, whose character arc includes a significant shift from his initial romance with Kiara to his eventual relationship with Cleo.
• Relationship Status: Reportedly single, or extremely private about his personal life. He has not publicly confirmed a relationship.

Carlacia Grant (Cleo Anderson)

• Full Name: Carlacia Grant
• Date of Birth: January 18, 1991
• Birthplace: New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
• Nationality: American (of Jamaican descent)
• Notable Filmography: Outer Banks (2021–present), Roots (2016), Greenleaf (2018).
• Role in Outer Banks: Cleo Anderson, a quick-witted, resourceful, and fiercely loyal character originally introduced in the Bahamas who later officially joins the Pogues in the Outer Banks, forming a romantic connection with Pope.
• Relationship Status: Reportedly single. She focuses on her career and has not publicly disclosed any romantic partners, similar to her co-star.

The Anatomy of 'PoPeo': Why Fans Believe the On-Screen Romance is Real

The intense fan desire for a real-life romance between Jonathan Daviss and Carlacia Grant is not unfounded; it stems from the exceptional way their characters’ relationship was developed on the show. The Pope and Cleo dynamic is arguably one of the most compelling and mature pairings in the Netflix teen drama, offering a unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and mutual respect.

The initial connection between the two characters began in Season 2 when Cleo, a street-smart resident of the Bahamas, helped John B and Sarah Cameron. By the time she officially joined the Pogues in Season 3, her bond with Pope had deepened considerably. Their relationship is characterized by a "opposites attract" energy: Pope is the meticulous, sometimes anxious academic, while Cleo is the bold, confident survivor. She encourages him to be more spontaneous, and he provides her with a sense of stability and belonging—a true family.

This powerful narrative, combined with the palpable "Pogue love" that the entire cast shares, often leads to speculation about real-life dating. The actors frequently post photos together on social media, attend events side-by-side, and speak highly of each other in interviews, all of which only serves to pour fuel on the fire of the dating rumors. This level of genuine camaraderie is often misinterpreted as a secret romance by fans who are heavily invested in the fictional love story.

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The Reality Check: What Jonathan and Carlacia Have Said About Their Relationship

Despite the widespread enthusiasm for a "PoPeo" real-life pairing, both Jonathan Daviss and Carlacia Grant have been clear that their relationship is strictly platonic. They are close friends and colleagues who share a deep respect for each other’s work and a mutual love for the Outer Banks project.

Jonathan Daviss's Private Life

Jonathan Daviss is one of the more private actors in the Outer Banks ensemble. While some of his co-stars, like Chase Stokes (John B) and Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron) or Rudy Pankow (JJ) and his former partner, have had public relationships, Daviss has consistently kept his personal life out of the spotlight. This privacy is often the reason fans speculate about a hidden romance with his on-screen partner. However, all credible reports indicate he is currently single, focusing on the filming of Outer Banks Season 4 and other projects like the hit film Do Revenge.

Carlacia Grant's Focus on Career

Similarly, Carlacia Grant has also maintained a strong boundary between her professional and private life. She has not been publicly linked to anyone and is generally reported to be single. Her focus since joining the show has been on elevating the character of Cleo—a character with Jamaican descent who has been hailed for bringing diversity and a fresh dynamic to the core group of Pogues. She has often spoken about the importance of Cleo’s role as a strong female character and her deep friendship with the entire cast, including Daviss.

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The 'Outer Banks' Cast: A History of On-Set Chemistry and Real-Life Couples

The constant speculation about Pope and Cleo is also fueled by the history of real-life relationships that have blossomed within the Outer Banks cast, creating a precedent for fan hope. This phenomenon makes it difficult for fans to separate the fictional world of the treasure hunt from the reality of the actors’ lives.

• Chase Stokes (John B) & Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron): The most famous example, this couple dated in real life for over a year before splitting, though their characters remain a couple on the show. Stokes is now dating singer Kelsea Ballerini.
• Rudy Pankow (JJ) & Elaine Siemek: Rudy Pankow has been in a long-term relationship with Elaine Siemek, who works as an assistant to the showrunner, Jonas Pate.
• Madison Bailey (Kiara) & Mariah Linney: Madison Bailey is in a committed relationship with former college basketball player Mariah Linney.

Because so many of the other "Pogues" have found love either with a co-star or someone closely connected to the production, the desire to see the final pairing—Pope and Cleo—also become a real-life couple is intense. However, the current reality is that Jonathan Daviss and Carlacia Grant are simply great actors who have successfully translated their deep professional respect into a believable, fan-favorite romantic storyline for the show's universe.

Conclusion: Separating Pogue Love from Real-Life Romance

The verdict remains consistent: despite the undeniable heat and genuine connection between Pope Heyward and Cleo Anderson in the world of Outer Banks, the actors who portray them, Jonathan Daviss and Carlacia Grant, are not dating in real life. They are two talented professionals who share a strong friendship and are dedicated to their craft, which is why their "PoPeo" romance feels so authentic on screen.

As fans eagerly await the return of the Pogues for Season 4, which promises more high-stakes adventure and the continuation of the Pope and Cleo love story, the focus should remain on their incredible on-screen performances. The magic of Outer Banks lies in its ability to blur the lines between fiction and reality, but for now, the real-life relationship status of Jonathan and Carlacia is simply that of close friends and beloved colleagues.