The Shocking Truth About JJ Maybank's Real Dad: 5 Major Revelations From Outer Banks Season 4

The family history of fan-favorite Pogue, JJ Maybank, has been completely rewritten. As of late 2025, the most recent episodes of Outer Banks Season 4, Part 1 delivered a massive, game-changing twist concerning the identity of JJ’s father, a storyline that has been central to his character arc since Season 1. The emotional and tumultuous relationship with his abusive, on-again, off-again father, Luke Maybank, was the foundation of JJ’s character, but a stunning confession has now revealed that the man he knew as his dad is not his biological parent, setting the stage for an explosive Season 4, Part 2.

This deep dive explores the full, updated truth about JJ Maybank’s paternity, the new characters introduced, and the profound implications this revelation has for the future of the beloved Pogue crew. The long-standing mystery has finally been solved, and the answer is far more complicated—and dangerous—than any of the Pogues could have ever imagined, tying directly into the season’s central treasure hunt: the "Albatross" plotline.

The Full Biography of JJ Maybank's Paternal Figures

The character of Jackson Jesse "JJ" Maybank, portrayed masterfully by actor Rudy Pankow, has always been defined by his loyalty, quick wit, and deep-seated trauma stemming from his home life. For three seasons, the audience knew only one father figure, but Season 4 introduced a new, complex layer to his family tree.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Luke Maybank: The Adoptive Father and Troubled Pogue

• Name: Luke Maybank
• Role: Adoptive Father
• Actor: Gary Weeks
• Relationship with JJ: Abusive, alcoholic, and often absent. Luke’s substance abuse and criminal activities were the primary source of JJ’s emotional turmoil and financial instability.
• Status in Season 4: Luke returns in Season 4, Part 1, still on the run from authorities since Season 2. His return is fraught with tension and culminates in a desperate situation, leading to his major confession to JJ.
• Key Plot Point: Before the major reveal, Luke Maybank's actions forced JJ into impossible situations, such as when JJ nearly sacrificed himself and his friends' treasure to help Luke escape the police.

Chandler Groff: The Biological Father and New Mystery

• Name: Chandler Groff (Birth Name: Jackson Jesse Groff)
• Role: Biological Father
• Actor: Anthony Crane
• Relationship with JJ: Previously unknown to JJ. Chandler Groff is a mysterious man introduced early in Season 4. He is heartbroken over the death of a man named Wes Genrette and the presumed death of his partner, Larissa.
• Key Plot Point: Chandler is connected to the "Albatross" treasure hunt. He shows a surprising belief in JJ's potential, a comment that now, in retrospect, takes on a chilling new meaning, implying he knew who JJ really was all along.

The Shocking Truth: Who Is JJ Maybank's Real Biological Father?

The biggest twist of Outer Banks Season 4, Part 1 came in the final moments of the first half, completely upending the Maybank family dynamic. The revelation of JJ’s true paternity is not just a personal shock for the character but a critical piece of the season's overarching mystery.

The Confession: Cornered and desperate, Luke Maybank finally breaks down and reveals the truth to JJ: Luke is not his biological father. He admits that JJ’s birth parents are Chandler Groff and Larissa Genrette.

Luke Maybank adopted JJ, raising him as his own son after the presumed death of JJ's biological mother, Larissa. For years, Luke allowed JJ to believe his mother was merely one of Luke's many short-lived girlfriends, keeping the true story—and JJ's true identity—a secret.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

The revelation is devastating for JJ, who has spent his entire life yearning for the love and stability Luke could never provide. The emotional weight of this family secret explains much of JJ's deep-seated abandonment issues and his fierce loyalty to the Pogues—John B, Sarah Cameron, Pope Heyward, and Kiara Carrera—who have become his true family.

The Story of Larissa Genrette and the Albatross

JJ’s biological mother, Larissa Genrette, was believed to have drowned with her infant son (Jackson Jesse Groff) years before the events of the series. The complexity deepens because Larissa is connected to the Albatross, the treasure that the Pogues are currently hunting.

Chandler Groff, the biological father, is also deeply entangled in the Albatross plot, which involves the death of Wes Genrette. This means that JJ’s entire life, and the very existence of the Pogues’ latest adventure, are intertwined with a family secret that has been hidden for decades. His birth name, Jackson Jesse Groff, is a direct link to this new, mysterious family.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

This shocking identity twist fundamentally changes JJ’s place in the world. He is no longer just the troubled son of a Pogue deadbeat. He is now the key to unlocking a dangerous, high-stakes treasure mystery, and his biological father is a new, potentially sinister figure in the Outer Banks lore.

The Albatross and The Maybank Legacy: What Happens Next?

The mid-season cliffhanger leaves JJ in an impossible position: dealing with the aftermath of Luke Maybank’s confession while simultaneously grappling with the reality that his biological father, Chandler Groff, is a key figure in the current treasure hunt. The emotional stakes for Season 4, Part 2 could not be higher.

The Implications for JJ’s Character Arc

The knowledge that Luke Maybank is not his biological father offers a strange form of freedom and a new set of challenges for JJ. While the revelation does not erase the trauma inflicted by Luke, it provides a new perspective on his identity. JJ has always struggled with the "Maybank" name and the reputation that came with it. Now, he has the chance to forge a new path, potentially embracing his birth name, Jackson Jesse Groff, or, more likely, sticking with the family he chose: the Pogues.

The Danger of Chandler Groff

Chandler Groff’s intentions are still unclear. Is he a loving father who was forced to abandon his son, or is he a dangerous player in the treasure hunt who views JJ as a valuable asset? The nature of the Albatross treasure suggests that anyone connected to it is likely to be involved in illegal or morally ambiguous activities. The Pogues, particularly John B and Sarah, will undoubtedly be wary of this new figure entering their circle, especially given their history of dealing with manipulative adults like Ward Cameron.

The Future of the Pogues

The Pogues—JJ, John B, Pope Heyward, and Kiara Carrera—are a found family built on shared experience and intense loyalty. This major family secret will test their bond. Will the group rally around JJ as he navigates this identity crisis? Absolutely. Their support will be crucial as JJ processes the fact that his whole life was a lie orchestrated by the man he called "Dad." This intense, personal storyline adds a fresh layer of emotional complexity to the high-octane adventure fans expect from the show.

The unveiling of Chandler Groff as JJ Maybank's biological father is one of the most significant plot twists in the history of Outer Banks. It elevates JJ's story from a subplot about a troubled teenager to a central narrative thread tied directly to the show's core mystery. As fans eagerly await Season 4, Part 2, the question remains: Can JJ Maybank, now Jackson Groff, finally escape the shadow of his past and find the stability and love he deserves, or will his true heritage pull him into a new, even more dangerous world of Kooks and treasure hunters?