Outer Banks fans have seen JJ Maybank (Rudy Pankow) and Kiara Carrera (Madison Bailey) grow from best friends to so much more.
The hit Netflix series, which debuted in 2020, is focused on a group of teenagers who accidentally find themselves at the center of a dangerous treasure hunt.
When JJ and Kiara’s close bond was introduced during the first two seasons, fans were quick to point out the chemistry between the couple. Ahead of season 3, creator Josh Pate confirmed that JJ and Kiara will be “the big romance” of the season.
“Later on in the season, almost a whole episode is devoted to that relationship. It was a big card we really wanted to play and make it a big thing,” he shared with Entertainment Weekly in February 2023, noting that “internal struggles” would create issues for the pair.
He added, “So it won’t be like a romantic rival [coming between them], at least not for a while, but more like JJ’s demons and how is he going to deal with his traumatized past and settle into something that’s healthy without being self-destructive.”
Once the group returned to their hometown, JJ pushed Kiara away because he felt he wasn’t worthy of her. His concerns are validated when Kiara’s parents condemn him in front of her — which led JJ to steal money from Mike.
During season 1, JJ hinted at his feelings when he told John B (Chase Stokes) he tried to explore a romance with Kiara. John B and Kiara ultimately kissed twice before things quickly fizzled out between them.
Although only JJ appeared to be romantically interested in his best friend, Kiara asked John B if he filled him in on their brief connection. Kiara’s question about what JJ knew about her love life caught fans’ attention.
Throughout the first season, viewers found out that JJ was living in an abusive household. Kiara and JJ’s friendship took a major turn when she noticed the bruises on his body. As a result, the pair shared a heartbreaking hug as Kiara understood JJ better.
As Kiara and JJ continued to grow closer as friends, her bond with Pope (Jonathan Daviss) turned romantic. Pope expressed his interest in Kiara — which she chose to explore ahead of the season 1 finale. The series, however, told a surprising story as it consistently showed JJ’s reaction to Kiara and Pope’s blossoming romance.
In season 2, Kiara and JJ developed a better understanding of one another. Meanwhile, Kiara’s relationship with Pope came to an end just as quickly as it began. JJ — who offered the former couple plenty of awkward glances before their split — brought Kiara along for the ride when his father needed his help. Despite the tension between her and JJ’s dad, Kiara showed how much she cared for his son.
While preparing for the last battle, Kiara and JJ ended up on the same team. They shared a sweet conversation about their similar hopes for their future before JJ sacrificed his life for Kiara. After saving JJ from drowning in the ocean, Kiara seemingly developed a different view of her best friend.
Following a one month time jump, season 3 of Outer Banks explored JJ and Kiara’s new relationship in Poguelandia. The twosome both vocalized their love for the island and weren’t thrilled about having to leave. Once Kiara gets kidnapped by Singh, JJ stopped at nothing to bring her back.
JJ and Kiara got their own moment when she returned to the group in the Caribbean. After a passionate hug, JJ and Kiara shared another sweet moment that Pope walked in on. He gave JJ his blessing to explore his feelings for Kiara — but things quickly took a turn.
Kiara’s attempted to make JJ see how special he is to her. However, the duo faced major issues when Kiara discovered that JJ took from her parents and proved them right. JJ refused to apology even after Kiara told him she loved him.
JJ tried to do the right thing by letting Kiara know he felt bad about the situation. Before they could have a proper conversation, Kiara was taken to a wilderness retreat because of her parents. Ahead of the finale, JJ relentlessly tracked Kiara down and saved her from the new environment. He apologized for his mistakes — and the couple shared a kiss.
Part 2 of season 4 kicked off with JJ learning that Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane) is his biological father, which led to a series of bad decisions from JJ. Despite his ups and downs, the Pogues, including Kiara, followed JJ to Morocco to track down Groff, find the blue crown and get justice. During the season 4 finale, JJ decided to hand over the treasure to Groff and protect Kiara and their friends in the process. “I already have everything,” JJ told Groff before handing over the crown. “I have everything I’ve ever wanted, things that you’ll never have.” Despite getting what he wants, Groff stabbed JJ leaving him to bleed out in Kiara’s arms. Before he died, he told Kiara he loved her and she vowed — along with the rest of the Pogues — to avenge his death.
