The Shocking Truth: Is Groff Actually JJ's Dad In Outer Banks? The Season 4 Family Tree Explained

The question that rocked the *Outer Banks* fandom has a definitive, and deeply shocking, answer as of December 11, 2025: Yes, Chandler Groff is definitively revealed to be JJ Maybank's biological father. This explosive plot twist, which served as the major cliffhanger for the first part of Season 4, completely rewrites the history of the beloved Pogue and sets the stage for a dramatic, high-stakes confrontation that defines the latest chapter of the treasure hunt. The revelation not only gives JJ a new, sinister family connection but also exposes a dark, hidden past that ties him directly to the season's main antagonist.

The latest season of the Netflix hit didn't just introduce a new treasure—it unearthed a devastating family secret that changes everything we thought we knew about JJ. The truth about Chandler Groff and his connection to the Maybank family is a fresh, urgent piece of information that has fueled intense discussion and theory-crafting among fans, especially concerning the devastating events that follow this paternity reveal.

Chandler Groff: The New Antagonist and JJ's Biological Father

The character of Chandler Groff (portrayed by J. Anthony Crane) is introduced in *Outer Banks* Season 4 as a mysterious and initially sympathetic figure, the grieving son-in-law of the Pogues' new contact. However, his role quickly escalates from a background player to the primary antagonist, serving as a new, formidable adversary in the style of previous villains like Ward Cameron.

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Groff's backstory is intrinsically linked to the season’s new treasure hunt, making him an immediate threat to the Pogues. The true shock, however, comes when the show reveals a deep, personal connection to one of the core members of the crew. This twist mirrors the show's previous narrative strategy of making the treasure hunt personal, but this time, the stakes are raised for JJ in a way no one anticipated.

The Shocking Paternity Reveal: Jackson Groff

The truth about JJ's parentage is uncovered late in *Outer Banks* Season 4, Part 1, during a harrowing confrontation. For three seasons, JJ Maybank (Rudy Pankow) was known as the son of the abusive Luke Maybank. Luke's troubled history and his treatment of JJ were a defining characteristic of the character's struggle, making his eventual disappearance and presumed death a complicated relief for JJ.

• The Revelation: It is confirmed that Luke Maybank was *not* JJ's biological father.
• The Biological Parents: JJ's birth parents are Chandler Groff and Larissa Genrette.
• The Real Name: As a result of this paternity reveal, it is also confirmed that JJ's actual birth name is Jackson Groff.

This revelation completely recontextualizes JJ's life. He is not just a Pogue from the Cut; he is the biological son of a wealthy, ruthless figure now actively working against his friends. The initial trauma of his father's abuse is instantly replaced by the terrifying reality of being connected by blood to a new, powerful enemy. The emotional weight of the name "Jackson Groff" represents a complete severance from the identity he had built with his Pogue family, a devastating realization for the character who values loyalty above all else.

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The Fallout: Groff's Villainy and the Season 4 Part 2 Aftermath

The confirmation that Chandler Groff is JJ's father is not a moment of heartwarming reunion; it's a tragic catalyst for the season's darkest events. Groff is established as a sinister and calculating villain, drawing immediate comparisons to Ward Cameron's manipulative tactics. He is shown to be a man who will lie and manipulate to achieve his goals, even using his own family's history as a weapon.

The true, shocking fallout of this father-son relationship is revealed in the subsequent episodes of Season 4, Part 2, which push the boundaries of what fans expected from the series:

The Final Confrontation and JJ's Fate

The discovery of his true parentage drives JJ to a desperate confrontation with Groff on Goat Island. This encounter is fraught with emotional tension, as JJ attempts to process the decades of lies and the new, dangerous identity thrust upon him. The confrontation culminates in a devastating and controversial moment for the fandom.

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According to the latest plot summaries and fan reactions to Part 2, Chandler Groff's villainy reaches its peak when he is directly responsible for the death of JJ. This event is a massive shift in the show's dynamic, as Groff, much like Ward Cameron before him, commits a heinous act against a Pogue, solidifying his status as a truly irredeemable antagonist. The shocking scene, where the Pogues are reportedly seen burying JJ's body, is the ultimate, tragic consequence of the Groff-Maybank-Genrette family secret.

Topical Authority: The Maybank-Groff Entities

The storyline surrounding Chandler Groff and JJ is rich with topical entities that deepen the lore of *Outer Banks* and its themes of class, identity, and hidden history. The core entities involved in this major plot development include:

• Chandler Groff: The biological father, main antagonist of Season 4, and the false heir to Goat Island.
• JJ Maybank (Jackson Groff): The Pogue whose life is upended by the paternity reveal.
• Luke Maybank: JJ's abusive, non-biological father who raised him.
• Larissa Genrette: JJ's biological mother, who was also connected to the Goat Island mystery.
• Goat Island: The location central to Groff's treasure hunt and the setting for the final confrontation.
• The Pogues: John B, Sarah Cameron, Kiara Carrera, Pope Heyward, and Cleo, who must now cope with the loss of one of their own at the hands of their new enemy.
• Ward Cameron: The previous main antagonist, whose actions are mirrored by Groff's betrayal and violence.
• The Treasure Hunt: The driving force that brought Groff and the Pogues into conflict, ultimately exposing the family connection.

This storyline is a masterclass in narrative escalation, transforming a simple question—"Is Groff actually JJ's dad?"—into the most devastating and talked-about plot point of *Outer Banks* Season 4. The answer, confirmed through the show's narrative, is a resounding yes, but the cost of that truth is the highest the Pogues have ever paid.

The Impact on JJ’s Identity and the Future of the Pogues

The reveal that JJ is Jackson Groff is more than just a plot twist; it is an existential crisis for the character. JJ has always defined himself by his loyalty to the Pogues and his rejection of the Kook lifestyle, despite his friends John B and Sarah having connections to it. Being the son of the season’s most dangerous Kook-like figure shatters his established identity.

The emotional arc of JJ in Season 4 revolves around grappling with this new reality. He must confront the possibility that the man who raised him, Luke, may have been trying to protect him from Groff, or perhaps simply used the situation to his advantage. The show uses this deep dive into JJ's family history to explore themes of nature versus nurture, and whether his Pogue spirit can overcome the dark bloodline of the Groff family.

For the remaining Pogues, the tragedy of JJ's fate at the hands of his biological father serves as a dark and powerful motivator. The conflict with Groff is no longer just about treasure; it's about revenge and justice for their lost family member. The dramatic events of Season 4, Part 2, including the reported burial scene, set a somber and determined tone for any potential future seasons, ensuring that the legacy of Jackson Groff, the Pogue, will drive the crew's actions moving forward. The question is no longer *if* Chandler Groff is JJ's father, but how the Pogues will make him pay for the devastating truth.