Ward Cameron and Chandler Groff imagery from Outer Banks.

Outer Banks maintains the record for the most terrible dads by adding Chandler Groff to the list. The show is known for delivering a dangerously exciting treasure hunt that is always intertwined with the Outer Banks characters’ troubled relationship with their parents. Although Ward Cameron and Big John notably drove most of the conflict in past seasons, the other dads have caused their fair share of trouble. If the Outer Banks season 4 ending made anything clear, is that the Pogues’ treasure is each other, and they’ll do anything to stay together, even when it means going against their families.

Whether they are missing, abusive, deadly, treasure-obsessed, or simply dads who cannot accept their kid’s friendships, the Outer Banks parents have never made things easy on the Pogues. When Outer Banks season 4 part 1 introduced a new dad, things were sure to take a dark turn, but they may have exceeded expectations. In a few episodes, JJ’s biological father sets himself up to be the show’s most hated villain. Chandler Groff outshines all the worst deeds done by the terrible Outer Banks dads, breaking Ward’s long-standing record.

Chandler Groff Is Officially Outer Banks’ Worst Dad

Unlike Ward and Big John, Groff Feels No Love For His Son

Chandler Groff, played by actor J. Anthony Crane, in Netflix's Outer Banks.
Big John, played by actor Charles Halford, in Outer Banks.
Ward Cameron, played by actor Charles Esten, in Netflix's Outer Banks.Chandler Groff, played by actor J. Anthony Crane, in Netflix's Outer Banks. Big John, played by actor Charles Halford, in Outer Banks. Ward Cameron, played by actor Charles Esten, in Netflix's Outer Banks.

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From seasons 1 to 3 of Outer Banks, Ward Cameron took the title of worst dad. He tried to kill his daughter and her boyfriend, stole from her friends, and emotionally manipulated Sarah into rejoining the Camerons. For all his (many) faults, Ward genuinely loved his children and ended up putting the treasure hunt behind him to get his family back together. Although it is unclear what he would have done had he not sacrificed his life for Sarah, the villain’s last intentions live on through Rafe’s redemption in Outer Banks season 4.

Chandler Groff is more complicated to understand. However, one thing is clear, he will put himself first. The character has no sentiment for family bonds other than how he can use them. He married his wife for her money, killed his father-in-law for Goat Island, and stabbed his son out of spite after he saw him for the monster that he was. Responsible for most of the Outer Banks season 4 deaths, Groff is a shapeshifter of the worst kind and has no issue betraying loyalties to come out the solo winner.

Though Big John and Ward were murderers and bad parents, they loved their children and ultimately did right by them — the same cannot be said about Groff.

Like Big John, Chandler Groff goes to great lengths to find the treasure he’s after. Both characters abandoned their sons, only to return and use them to pursue riches. However, if Big John’s obsession with the treasure blinded him to John B’s well-being, Groff deliberately puts JJ in harm’s way to get closer to what he wants and doesn’t think twice about getting rid of him when he threatens his quest. Though Big John and Ward were murderers and bad parents, they loved their children and ultimately did right by them — the same cannot be said about Groff.

Chandler Groff Killing JJ Sets Up A Redemption Arc For Outer Banks’ Other Dads

Outer Banks Season 5 Promises Family Reconciliations Brought By The Desire To Honor JJ

Kiara crying over JJ's death in Outer Banks season 4 (2024) Actor Gary Weeks as Luke Maybank in Outer Banks. Kiara's parents, Mike and Anna Carrera, in Outer Banks.  Actor Marland Burke as Mike Carrera in Outer Banks.
Actress Madison Bailey as Kiara in Netflix's Outer Banks. Actors Roger Mitchell and Jonathan Daviss as Heyward and Pope in Outer Banks. Actor Roger Mitchell as Heyward in Netflix's Outer Banks.Kiara crying over JJ's death in Outer Banks season 4 (2024) Actor Gary Weeks as Luke Maybank in Outer Banks. Kiara's parents, Mike and Anna Carrera, in Outer Banks.  Actor Marland Burke as Mike Carrera in Outer Banks. Actress Madison Bailey as Kiara in Netflix's Outer Banks. Actors Roger Mitchell and Jonathan Daviss as Heyward and Pope in Outer Banks. Actor Roger Mitchell as Heyward in Netflix's Outer Banks.

After killing JJ, it’s safe to say that Groff is the only Outer Banks dad who is unredeemable. Compared with all of Groff’s worst, the rest of the dads get a chance to come afloat despite their bad standing with their kids. Outer Banks season 5 might finally see a reconciliation between the Pogues and their controlling albeit caring parents, with Luke getting a unique chance to demonstrate his love for his adoptive son. Although the past saw him neglect, use, and physically abuse JJ, hearing about his murder could have him join the Pogues’ path for vengeance.

Since his past attempts to force Kiara to attend a wayward teen camp backfired, Mike will likely continue his Outer Banks season 4 supportive path — with his redemption having already been set up when he saves JJ from being shot. Heyward could cut Pope some slack after hearing about his friend’s death, however mad he might be about his son ruining his chances at a clean criminal record and a military career. Chandler Groff’s terrible betrayal is set to bring families together, as they attempt to honor JJ’s final wishes to make Poguelandia true and put love above all.