The Final Hunt: 7 Shocking Cast Updates For Outer Banks Season 5 (Including The Pogue Who Won't Return)

The sun is setting on the Outer Banks. As of this December 2025 update, the Netflix hit adventure-mystery series has officially been renewed for its fifth and final season, with production well underway in South Carolina. Fans can expect the Pogues' epic treasure hunt to conclude sometime in 2026, but the journey to the finale is already filled with massive, heartbreaking, and controversial cast changes that will redefine the core group.

The biggest update revolves around a beloved original Pogue, whose confirmed exit has sent shockwaves through the fandom, forever altering the dynamic between John B, Sarah, Kiara, and Pope. This definitive list breaks down every confirmed returning actor, the major character upgrade, and the shocking departure that sets the stage for a final, emotional showdown between the Pogues and the Kooks.

The Returning Core Pogues and Kooks: A Final Biography

The heart of Outer Banks has always been the tight-knit group of teenagers known as the Pogues, alongside the complicated, wealthy Kook family, the Camerons. For the fifth and final season, the majority of the main cast are confirmed to return, bringing their intense character arcs to a close. Here is the essential list of the main actors and the roles they will reprise for the final chapter.

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• Chase Stokes as John B. Routledge: The leader of the Pogues, still entangled with Sarah and the central figure in the ongoing treasure hunt saga.
• Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron: The Kook-turned-Pogue, whose relationship with John B is set to face its most mature challenges yet.
• Madison Bailey as Kiara Carrera: A key member of the Pogues, whose relationship with Cleo and her own family's expectations are expected to be a major focus.
• Jonathan Daviss as Pope Heyward: The brains of the operation, whose arc will likely focus on his future beyond the Outer Banks and his role in avenging a fallen friend.
• Drew Starkey as Rafe Cameron: Sarah’s troubled older brother and primary antagonist. His redemption or final descent into villainy remains one of the most anticipated storylines.
• Carlacia Grant as Cleo: The newest Pogue, who has fully integrated into the group and is expected to take on a more central role in the final season's adventures.
• Austin North as Topper: The original Kook boyfriend, whose presence often complicates the John B and Sarah dynamic.

This group of actors has been the foundation of the Netflix Original Series since 2020, and their return ensures the final season maintains the energy and chemistry fans have come to love.

The Shocking Confirmed Exit: Why JJ Maybank Won't Return for Season 5

The most significant and devastating cast update for Outer Banks Season 5 is the confirmation that Rudy Pankow, who played the fan-favorite Pogue, JJ Maybank, will not be returning as a series regular. This news directly stems from the dramatic and tragic events of the Season 4 finale, where the character of JJ Maybank was killed off.

JJ Maybank was the reckless, loyal, and often troubled heart of the Pogues, known for his deep bond with John B and his complicated relationship with Kiara. His death, which occurred during a high-stakes moment in the treasure hunt, has been confirmed by multiple sources and cast members, including Madelyn Cline, as the definitive end for the character. Rudy Pankow himself has spoken about the character's beautiful and selfless portrayal, acknowledging the finality of JJ's exit.

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While the character will be absent from the final season's main action, the emotional fallout of JJ's death is set to be the primary emotional driver for the returning Pogues. Fans can likely expect his memory to be a central theme, potentially through flashbacks or emotional tributes, as the remaining friends seek justice and closure in their final adventure. This shocking twist ensures the final season will be the most emotionally charged and high-stakes chapter yet.

New Series Regulars and Key Supporting Cast Upgrades

The final season is not just about who is leaving, but also about who is stepping up. Two familiar faces from the supporting cast have been officially upgraded to series regulars for Outer Banks Season 5, signaling a much larger role in the overarching narrative.

• Tony Crane as Chandler Goff: The promotion of Tony Crane is a major development. Chandler Goff is JJ Maybank’s biological father, and his increased presence as a series regular suggests that the final season will delve deeply into the aftermath of JJ's death and the complex family dynamics that defined his life. This storyline is expected to be a dark and emotional one, as the Pogues grapple with their loss and the troubled history of their friend.
• Cullen Moss as Sheriff Shoupe: The local law enforcement figure has been a recurring character since Season 1, often caught between the Pogues' antics and the corruption of the Kooks. His promotion to a series regular indicates that the final treasure hunt will involve a significant law enforcement element, possibly with Shoupe finally playing a pivotal role in exposing the criminal enterprises that plague the Outer Banks.

Furthermore, other key supporting actors are expected to return to conclude their storylines, including Caroline Arapoglou as Rose Cameron and Julia Antonelli as Wheezie Cameron, ensuring the Cameron family drama remains a central conflict.

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The Final Season Plot Rumors: Parenthood, Vengeance, and Closure

With the cast confirmed and the shocking departure of a main Pogue, the plot for the final season is set up for a dramatic finish. While Netflix has kept a tight lid on official details, several major plot rumors and confirmed character arcs are circulating that point to a mature and high-stakes conclusion.

The John B and Sarah Parenthood Rumor

One of the most talked-about storylines is the possibility of John B. and Sarah Cameron facing "impending parenthood." This development would force the central duo to confront adult responsibilities while still navigating the dangers of their treasure-hunting life. The idea of the Pogues having to protect a child—potentially named after JJ—adds a layer of emotional risk and finality to their adventures, forcing them to choose between the life of a Pogue and a stable, Kook-like future.

Rafe’s Final Redemption or Ruin

Drew Starkey’s character, Rafe Cameron, is poised for a major final arc. Fans and critics alike are speculating whether Rafe will finally find redemption for his past actions, or if he will fully embrace his villainous path, potentially becoming the final, ultimate antagonist the Pogues must face. His complicated relationship with his sister, Sarah, and the shadow of their father, Ward Cameron, will undoubtedly define his final moments on the show.

The Vengeance Mission

The most immediate plot driver will be the Pogues' reaction to JJ's death. The final season will likely center on a mission of vengeance, with John B, Sarah, Pope, Kiara, and Cleo uniting to expose or confront the figures responsible for his demise. This emotional quest for justice will serve as the final, unifying adventure for the group, ultimately bringing the entire series' themes of loyalty, class warfare, and found family to a powerful conclusion.