The Pogues have spent much of their time hunting treasure on the sun-kissed beaches in the Outer Banks, but season 5 featured a more somber tone. The adventures weren’t as carefree, and the relationships weren’t as laid-back. However, the series still showcased some romance. Some moments highlighted how these couples would do anything for each other, while others added some much-needed levity.
While John B and Sarah remain the frontrunners, we’ve watched their journey from the beginning as it ebbed and flowed; we also enjoyed three other main couples. I never thought I’d like Rafe and Sofia as much as I did, but his redemption pulled me in. Pope and Cleo didn’t get as much screen time as many fans would have liked, but they were adorable when they were together. Kiara didn’t necessarily end up with someone, but she got justice for JJ, and she let go of her anger, remembering the good times with him. Check out our ranking of these couples from worst to best, though none of them were that bad.
4. Rafe and Sofia
I never thought I’d like Rafe Cameron after he looked down on the Pogues. It was difficult to fault Sofia for betraying Rafe after she heard him taunt that he’d “never date a Pogue.” He’s more like his little sister than he wanted to be, except his temper runs hot. Rafe initially refused to forgive Sofia and even threw all her stuff to the curb. Only after she began crying did he soften, forgive her, and propose to Sofia again.
Outer Banks season 5 showed the depth of their love. When Rafe learned he needed to go on the run again, Sofia risked everything to help him. She even got thrown in jail for aiding and abetting. Instead of saving his own hide, Rafe stayed and attempted to break Sofia out of jail. It took until the hurricane for him to do it amid the chaos, and it was the ultimate sacrifice. As soon as it was safe, the two of them left, knowing they might never return. While I hated that Rafe might never see Sarah again, I liked how he evolved enough to sacrifice himself for those he loved.
3. JJ and Kiara
I’m still grieving JJ’s loss. He was the heart and soul of the group. It took three seasons for him and Kiara to officially become a couple, and we only got one season of them happy before he was ripped away at the end of season 4. Kiara was rightfully determined to make Chandler Groff pay for killing JJ, and then she became fixated on the Blue Crown’s ability to bring back the dead.
Nothing would have made fans happier than for Kiara and JJ to get another chance. No one likes regrets. But the Blue Crown didn’t possess supernatural powers to resurrect JJ. Instead, it allowed Kiara to remember the good times they shared. I wish we could have seen some new flashbacks with Rudy Pankow.
I’m unsure if that was a personal issue between him and Madison Bailey, but I’ll admit they cast some wonderful younger versions of JJ and Kiara. Those scenes melted my heart and provided some closure, but I wanted some current ones, too. Kiara finally let go after that and began living her life again, dedicating some of it to his memory, which was lovely.
2. Pope and Cleo
While Pope and Cleo have always supported each other, they navigated more adult issues in Outer Banks season 5 and were the only other long-running couple. Cleo provided an emotional anchor for Pope while he struggled with his grief over losing JJ and killing Lightner to save her. Many fans were disappointed that Cleo’s presence was lessened this season since she and Pope worked so well as a team.
Pope meant well when he proposed to Cleo so she wouldn’t be deported, but women crave romance, and she was deported and was forbidden to return to the United States after she helped the Pogues escape. After the Pogues found millions in the Royal Merchant gold, Pogue realized he was gifted a second chance to profess his love, and his next proposal included a ring and romance. The couple finally got the happy ending they deserved as they achieved Cleo’s immigration papers, moved into Tannyhill Mansion, and rebuilt Heyward’s Seafood business.
1. John B and Sarah
Naturally. John B and Sarah are the frontrunners. They’ve stood by each other when the chips were down. This season, they seemed more isolated, as some of their storylines focused on reconnecting with Sarah’s mom and John B’s risky choices. I appreciated that these arcs brought them closer as they prepared themselves for marriage and parenthood, but I missed seeing them interact with the entire group more.
John B and Sarah finally got a hard-won happy ending, showing that Kooks and Pogues could co-exist. They rebuilt the Chateau and hosted their wedding there, where almost everyone on the island attended, including Sarah’s mother, who came in. It was a bittersweet ending, seeing their new son, JJ, there, but not their old friend; it was obvious he was there in spirit. It was the perfect ending for this couple and the show because it highlighted how far they’ve come, from the Kook Princess and the Pogue who started it all.
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