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Netflix has confirmed that Outer Banks is officially returning for its fifth and final season, stirring both excitement and disappointment among fans. The streaming giant recently announced that production is underway, sharing a new cast photo—noticeably missing JJ, whose character met a dramatic end in the previous season. This highly-anticipated chapter promises to close out the wild saga that’s carried viewers through sun-soaked adventures, dangerous treasure hunts, and the enduring bonds of the Pogues.
While Outer Banks entering production is welcomed news, the timeline dampens hopes for an early release. Filming has only just started in June 2025, a staggering nine months after season four’s debut. Given historical production schedules, fans should not expect to see season five premiere before late 2026. For context, the gap between seasons four and five will be the show’s longest yet, as season four itself took an extended 15 months from filming to its October 2024 release. That prolonged timeline is now normal in the streaming era, where elaborate sets, extensive post-production, and global localization stretch out post-filming development.
Netflix has not yet revealed whether the final season will be split in two parts, as it did previously. However, this release strategy has become common on the platform, as noted in coverage on show delays and their impact on audience retention. A recent analysis shows the average wait between Netflix show seasons is now 20 months, with only rare exceptions like Bridgerton managing to grow its audience during such extended breaks. For most, the momentum between seasons dwindles—a risk for Outer Banks as it heads into its conclusion. You can read more about how these gaps affect Netflix shows and the broader streaming landscape in this in-depth feature.
Several factors contribute to these long waits:
With Outer Banks’s young cast increasingly sought after in Hollywood, coordinating schedules for everyone adds complexity and time. The return to normal after years of COVID disruptions and actors’ strikes has yet to consistently shorten these production cycles, except for a select few fast-tracked series.
Showrunner Josh Pate has teased that the creative team always knew how the story should end. “We’ve always known from the beginning what the last scene would be, if we would be lucky enough to get it that far,” Pate told Netflix’s Tudum interview. The character of JJ, who died at the end of season four, leaves a major void. The final season will reportedly focus on redemption and the enduring friendship that JJ represented.
The cast has been vocal about the show’s ending. Actor Chase Stokes (John B), for instance, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt farewell: “My hearts heavy writing this one.. One last ride. Thank you to everybody who has tuned in these past 5 years. You’ve given us more than we could ever give back to you. It’s always gonna be Pogues 4 Life.” Check out Chase Stokes’s Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
There’s a bittersweet sentiment in knowing Outer Banks was always meant for five seasons—a purposeful arc charted from the first episode to the last. Unlike some series that overstay their welcome, Outer Banks leaves at a moment when fans would happily have more. Charleston, the vibrant filming location, once again welcomes the familiar cast for one last adventure.
For real-time updates, sneak peeks, and reactions from the cast, follow the official Outer Banks Instagram and the Netflix Twitter announcement. Fans are already sharing their anticipation—and disappointment at the long wait—across social media, with conversation peaking under hashtags like #OBX5 and #PoguesForLife.
As Outer Banks embarks on its final journey, its legacy as a sun-drenched, adrenaline-soaked coming-of-age epic is secure—even if fans must wait longer than ever to see how it all ends. Stay tuned to official channels and fan communities, as this beloved series readies its big farewell.