By: Ava Silvestri (‘25), Editorial Staff
It is no secret that Outer Banks, streaming on Netflix, is one of the most highly anticipated shows of the season. Fans have been eagerly waiting for Season 3 since the Summer of 2021 when Season 2 last aired. The latest season was released on February 23rd, 2023, leaving fans with mixed emotions–confusion, happiness, and suspense.
For those who aren’t already aware, the premise of the series is centered around two groups of teenagers: the pogues and the kooks. living on the island in North Carolina. The Kooks have what some would call the ‘perfect’ life–money, influence, and opportunity. They are rich and come from the right side of the island. While the pogues do not have the luxury of fancy cars, huge houses, or lots of money. They live more simply with smaller houses, parents who work day and night, and struggle to keep the lights on. In Season 1, the main group of Pogues, John B, JJ Mayback, Kiara Carrera, Pope Heyward, and later Sarah Cameron, go on an adventure to start the treasure hunt that John B’s father started. Characteristically, trouble began, leading to Season 2 of Outer Banks, where two lovers are on the run and don’t see their families for months. Many fans were disappointed with the outcome of Season 2, saying that it was slow and not as action-packed as the first season. According to the article, “Outer Banks Season 2 Review- Is this a worthy follow-up?” a fan says, “Outer Banks does lose sight of what made the first season so good at times. The opening 6 episodes in particular are mainly tied around a relentless game of cat and mouse.” While others loved both seasons. Seasons 1 and 2 of Outer Banks left fans eager to see what would happen next.
After months of anticipation, the trailer for Season 3 was finally released. The action-packed trailer left fans on the edge of their seats, still waiting for the season to be aired on Netflix. As soon as the trailer was released, there were fan theories, edits going around Tik Tok, and predictions for what the new season may hold. One theory that was from the Tik Tok account, Vanityfair, questioned if JJ’s mom would come back and if it would be Rafe and Sarah’s mom as well. Another secret sibling theory was that John B and Sarah were siblings. Another theory was that Kiara would get kidnapped, which seems to be leading toward the right path. Towards the middle of the trailer, fans were left in awe and already making up ship names.
When Season 3 was finally released in February, a huge plot twist included John B.’s father, Big John, who came back to reunite with his son. Fans were left starstruck, surprised, and shocked after the formerly presumed dead character came back. One fan from “Hello Magazines” says, “Outer Banks season 3’s downfall was bringing Big John B back from the dead. His character was annoying and found myself wanting to skip the majority of scenes he was in. Plus the main group wasn’t together enough.” While many fans agree with this statement, another fan argues “I think it was needed for the story arc. I thought it was good to balance John B and Sarah.” With the plot twist of a major character entering the show, a few potential couples also left the fans in suspense.
The season had all of what fans were expecting and more. Some fans created strong opinions against Big John, claiming he had too much screen time and wished other characters were broadcasted longer. At one point, the fans were awed at the love drama taking place between multiple characters. While at other points, fans were left on the edge of their seats with fear of if JJ would make it out of the dilemma he got himself into or if Kiara would escape.
By the end of the season, which consisted of 10 episodes, the characters experienced an 18-month time jump. This jump created intrigue in the situation between characters and loose plot lines. There was a lot of confusion left towards the end of the 10th and last episode when there was an 18-month time jump right before the end. A sophomore at Indian Hills says, “I felt that the 18 month time jump was very confusing especially since Outer Banks has already been renewed for a 4th season. So there is a good 18 months where we don’t know what happened.”
An official announcement was made for season 4 of OuterBanks in Huntington Beach at a Netflix Poguelandia event. All of the Pogues and Kooks-Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Rudy Pankow, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Carlacia Grant, Drew Starkey, and Austin North announced the new season by simply saying “Outer Banks has been renewed for a 4th season” to the crowd of fans. As soon as the 4th season was announced, fans started creating theories for season 4 of Outer Banks. ScreenRant’s “5 Biggest Outer banks Theories After Season 3” shares that the number 1 fan theory was that Sarah kills Topper in season 4.
The popularity of Season 3 is indisputable, as it climbed up the ranks of Netflix’s Top 10 Shows to reach the No.1 spot. OBX Season 3 broke expectations, reaching 154 million views hourly during its release period. Season 2 also experienced major fame, reaching 23.8 million views hourly after its release. All in all, many fans were left satisfied with the events that took place in season 3. AfterBuzztv says, “fans on social media are loving season 3 of Outer Banks. With higher stakes and new characters, the story got even more exciting.” Fans are already waiting for the recently announced season 4 of Outer Banks to answer their newly brewing questions. And always remember, “to have a good time, all the time.” — John B.
