‘Outer Banks’ Creators Warn That JJ and Kiara Will Have to Face a ‘Bombshell’ in Season 4

“Definitely the biggest surprise we’ve ever done is this season,” showrunner Jonas Pate tells Entertainment Weekly.

We have good news and bad news for the Pogues when it comes to Outer Banks returns in season 4.

The good news? Despite the 18-month time jump, all three teen couples — John B (Chase Stokes) and Sarah (Madelyn Cline), Kiara (Madison Bailey) and JJ (Rudy Pankow), and Pope (Jonathan Daviss) and Cleo (Carlacia Grant) — are still happily together when the first five episodes of the Netflix treasure hunting drama premiere on Oct. 10. (The second five episodes premiere on Nov. 7.)

The bad news? It won’t last long for one couple, as creator Jonas Pate warns that a “bombshell is coming” for JJ and Kiara.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Chase Stokes, Madison Bailey, Carlacia Grant, Rudy Pankow, Jonathan Daviss and Nate Bynum in “Outer Banks”

Related: What to expect from Yellow stone, 9-1-1, Penguin and 74 other autumn shows

After finding the legendary El Dorado gold last season, the Pogues finally got their happy ending. JJ and Kiara exchanged “I love yous” and kissed. The six teens were even publicly honored for their treasure-hunting skills! So showrunners Jonas, Josh Pate and Shannon Burke wanted to let them enjoy the moment. “At least for a little while,” Burke says. Entertainment Weekly“As they grow older, the dramatic stakes for their relationship deepen. It’s going to be a twisted and rocky road, and there will be plenty of emotional and puzzling twists for JJ and Kiara.”

Jonas adds that “it’s really hard to talk about their storylines without giving away spoilers” because of the aforementioned “bombshell” coming. “Definitely the biggest surprises we’ve ever done are this season,” he says. “We’re pushing all these relationships and in new ways… it’s not so much about love triangles.”

It’s a relief, especially for John B and Sarah, who haven’t been able to escape their love triangle woes since the show began in 2020. Josh jokes that the central pair “will go through a series of new challenges, but in many ways they’re closer than ever. The challenges are more external.”

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline in ‘Outer Banks’

Related: Outer Banks First look at season 4 reveals romance and happiness for all 3 Pogue couples

Stokes couldn’t be more excited that his on-screen alter ego is finally in a good place with Sarah this season. “They’ve taken everything that’s happened and allowed it to strengthen their relationship,” the actor tells EW. “We’re seeing the end of the fight where they’re really committing to each other. That’s what fans want to see. That’s the heart of the show. It was really nice to commit to that and not have to worry about Topper (Austin North) hanging over our shoulders.”

John B and Sarah’s “consistency” this season was something that was really important to Stokes, his on-screen girlfriend (and real-life ex) Cline, and the showrunners. “This is the couple that started this show, and we worked really hard as artists to bring it to life, and we’re very proud of that,” Stokes adds. “We wanted to make sure we paid homage to the show and did it right.”

And since Pope and Cleo are now officially a couple after their Season 3 finale, that means the Pogues are always on a triple date — so much for the “no Pogue-on-Pogue macking” rule. “Who doesn’t love a triple date? Who doesn’t love a friend-couple?” Stokes says. “It’s the dream. All your best friends living under one roof and running a business together and succeeding in that space. Isn’t that cool?”

Netflix

Jonathan Daviss and Rudy Pankow in the series “Outer Banks”

Related: Outer Banks stars discuss season 3 finale, time jump twist and more

Yes, you heard right – when Season 4 begins, the Pogues will be leaving the treasure hunting business behind to pursue legitimate business and start true business together, a fishing shop and a charter company. “They come back home to the Outer Banks and actually build what they had on the island, but an even better version: Poguelandia 2.0,” says Jonas. “They really are creating their own paradise.”

Stokes says it’s a “deep relief” for the teens to experience a normal life together, without fearing for their lives while they hunt for treasure. “Nobody’s on their backs or running from the law,” she says. “That’s the most beautiful thing. It was important to go back to the genesis of the show, which is these kids being teenagers. It’s really nostalgic in Season 1.”

And the actors felt that way, too. “We all really reconnected as a cast in a way that we didn’t last season, because the storylines were so scattered,” Stokes says. “So it was really, really cool.”

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey and Carlacia Grant in ‘Outer Banks’

Related: Are The Pogues Really Superheroes? Outer Banks stars tell all about near death experiences

But of course, that only lasts “for a second,” he explains with a laugh. To no one’s surprise, the Pogues are soon back in their “G game” thanks to a mysterious benefactor who brings them a new treasure hunt, this time for the infamous pirate Blackbeard. “When we see through some very unfortunate and very Outer Banks-esque moments, it’s just out of necessity,” Stokes says of the new adventure. “So it’s a different version of how they’re going about it.”

“This season is about protecting what they’ve built on the Outer Banks,” Jonas explains.

And which Pogue will be most involved in the search for Blackbeard’s treasure? “There’s a personal connection, and it’s JJ’s year,” Josh jokes. “This is our most powerful season yet. The stakes are getting higher.”

Sign up for Entertainment WeeklyA free daily newsletter with the latest TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favourite stars and more.

However, not everyone will be equally fascinated by another dangerous expedition to exotic locations, which may cause tensions among close friends.

“John B has a lot of trauma from treasure hunting,” says Stokes. “He knows that every time he’s gone on these journeys, people have been hurt, he’s lost people, he’s put people in danger. He’s experienced failure at the highest level – all the Pogues have, so their commitment to this goes deeper than just financial compensation. It comes at a price. But some things that seem shiny are just fool’s gold.”

Outer Banks returns Thursday, October 10 on Netflix.

Read the original article at Entertainment Weekly.