The Wholesomeness of Outer Banks
Outer Banks, paradise off-screen?
by LYLA YOUNG ★ FEBRUARY 17, 2023
TV shows have their fair share of behind-the-scenes drama. Shows that have quickly left a monumental imprint on television, like Euphoria and Gossip Girl, show us that there is drama when the cameras are not rolling. From feuds to chaotic love affairs, even just beefing serves as a reminder of the more toxic side of the entertainment industry. However, one show does not fall into this trap that most teen dramas get themselves into, and that is Outer Banks.
Outer Banks first came out during quarantine. People quickly fell in love with the beachy action show, including me. For a moment, we could all escape from the world's uncertainties and follow the journey of five fiercely loyal friends: John B (Chase Stokes), his childhood best friend JJ (Rudy Pankow), Pope (Jonathan Daviss), Kiara (Madison Bailey), and after some convincing, Sarah Cameron (Madelyn Cline), who once she joins the Pogues,—in addition to proving all is not what it seems—is not going anywhere!
Credit: Pinterest
This fellowship embarks on a compelling adventure surrounding searching for treasure and uncovering the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of John B’s father. The Kooks (obnoxious rich people), which consist of Sarah’s ex-boyfriend Topper (Austin North), his frosted tips, and his posse, among them being her tormented cruel brother Rafe Cameron (Drew Starkey), look down on the Pogues. Their quest adds fuel to the fire of the pre-existing feud between the two groups.
There are plenty of twists and turns—characters go from enemies to lovers, enemies to friends, have family drama, and even go overseas. Mainly what drives the action in the show is centered around power struggles and class. Carlacia Grant joins the party in season 2 as Cleo, who, despite a rocky start, proves to be a real ally to the Pogues. Especially after *that* plot twist at the end of the second season, season 3 can’t come soon enough!
Credit: Harper’s Bazaar
If there’s any important takeaway from this show, it is that no matter how messy life can get, having friends by your side makes it easier. This powerful theme about the rewarding nature of unconditional friendship emerging in one of the century’s darkest moments kept people’s spirits up. But perhaps what makes this show even more genuine is the relationship between the cast, who are all friends off-screen. Yes, you heard that right. During the production of season 2 and now season 3, the cast is adding a little more joy to our Instagram feeds with photo dumps documenting the fun times they are having together off-screen.
Co-stars Madelyn Cline, Jonathan Daviss, and Carlacia Grant are looking cool as ever! And, we really have to give double snaps to the fine Drew Starkey for putting on such a convincing performance as a psychopath that we absolutely despise when he is the complete opposite and total sweetheart irl. While Topper, alongside the Cameron Family and the Pogues, are sworn enemies on screen, off-screen, they are besties! And might I say, they are all so cute!
The split between Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline did make things awkward on set. However, they both eventually did the mature thing and came to a truce because they knew their work took precedence over any unresolved feelings. The cast also supports each other in their other acting projects outside the show. Recently, Madelyn Cline made her film debut in Glass Onion, the sequel to the murder mystery Knives Out, as the charming yet eccentric Whiskey. And her Outer Banks co-stars were sure to show their love for her at the premiere.
From videos of them marveling at their shenanigans to potential sneak peeks of behind-the-scenes, this tight-knit cast is having their fun, and quite frankly, so are we. I can’t wait to see what future projects these actors take on as they prove their talent and dedication season after season. In a show where the theme is centered around friendship, it makes the show and its plot all the more strong as the love they have for one another comes through.
Season 3 of Outer Banks will be released via Netflix on February 23rd. We’ll have our popcorn ready!
Cover Photo Credit: Pinterest