Netflix’s “Outer Banks” is a fan-favorite series that blends mystery, adventure, and coastal charm. Set on a fictional island shared by two groups, the show follows a group of working-class teens known as the “Pogues” who are constantly at odds with the wealthy “Kooks.” The show’s main character is John B, a Pogue who takes on a dangerous treasure hunt following his father’s disappearance. Season 4, which premiered on October 10th, brings the Pogues back to treasure hunting—this time with a twist. A supposedly cursed treasure of the pirate Blackbeard that can grant wishes to its owner gives John B and his friends a new adventure to take on. These elements raise the stakes, setting the teens on new adventures and challenging their loyalty and identity.
Critics express mixed opinions of the latest season. Some highlight the exciting blend of
genres and stunning cinematography that captures the marshes and beaches of the Carolina Coast. The Harvard Crimson praised the cast’s chemistry and hilarious one-liners, saying it makes the show “relatable and engaging” despite the characters’ often unbelievable adventures. Personally, I think this latest season is a major step up from the previous one. It captures the essence of teenagers being wild and free, unlike the other seasons, where the stakes were more consistently high. Everything was set to normal and Season 4 felt like a combination of all the previous seasons mixed into one. It was also exciting to explore more character development through Rafe and Sarah’s sibling relationship and JJ’s family issues.
JJ faces an identity crisis upon learning his family ties to the Kook community, which challenges his identity as a Pogue. This revelation disrupts his relationship with the group, especially his girlfriend Kiara. It’s clear that Season 4 is JJ’s season: the audience sees how he goes through immense pain from beginning to end, culminating in a shocking ending no fan of the franchise expected. JJ’s actor, Rudy Pankow, said this storyline was particularly intense for his character, describing it as a “gut punch” that drives a wedge between JJ and his friends.
This season also introduced supernatural elements through the curse tied to Blackbeard’s treasure. This kept the audience intrigued as the season progressed. Showrunner Josh Pate commented on these elements, calling them “supernatural-adjacent” and noting that they add a haunting twist without departing too far from the show’s adventurous roots. While watching the show, I couldn’t get my head around the supernatural elements; a show that once followed broke teens trying to find hidden gold in their town now revolved around a dead pirate’s crown with the power to grant wishes.
Ultimately, Season 4 builds suspense with a midseason cliffhanger and promises more twists as the Pogues chase Blackbeard’s treasure. As “Outer Banks” heads toward the latter half of its fourth season, audiences wait eagerly to see if the Pogues can conquer these new threats–or if the curse will get the better of them.
