Netflix has been busy this October, dropping a slew of new content from the heartwarming Season 3 of Heartstopper to the mind-bending film The Platform 2 (and yes, we can help you decipher that ending). Amidst these releases, the streaming giant unveiled the new episodes of Outer Banks Season 4 on Thursday, October 10th. After a wait of over a year and a half, fans were eager to return to the adventurous shores of North Carolina. But following an already struggling third season, this fourth installment seems to sink even deeper. Much like with Elite, perhaps it’s time to consider pulling the plug.

A New Treasure Hunt in Season 4 of “Outer Banks”

At the end of Season 3, the Pogues struck gold—literally—by finding El Dorado and returned to the Outer Banks as local legends. Fast forward 18 months, and they’re presented with an offer they can’t refuse. The premiere episode of Season 4 fills us in on what transpired during that time gap between their jungle escapade and their next big adventure.

Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out as the group had hoped. Despite bringing back a whopping $1.1 million in gold, their fortunes take a nosedive. JJ, ever the wildcard, squanders their loot, leaving the friends back at square one. Desperate, they accept a mission to track down a necklace that once belonged to the infamous Blackbeard—all in an effort to lift a mysterious curse.

A Fourth Season Running on Empty

What follows is yet another treasure hunt that feels all too familiar. Sinister villains thwart John B, Sarah, Pope, JJ, Kiara, and Cleo at every twist and turn. Cue the obligatory chase scenes, meddling law enforcement, and a mounting body count. It seems lessons aren’t learned, with characters repeating the same mistakes—JJ’s reckless antics are particularly grating this time around.

The bigger issue is the lack of compelling stakes. Beyond the recycled treasure hunt plot, Outer Banks appears to have exhausted its narrative fuel. With most characters now in relationships and on good terms, the series has lost much of its initial spark. The result? You might find yourself tempted to speed through episodes just to reach the end (and honestly, we couldn’t resist doing the same), eager to reclaim your time.

Dear Netflix, It’s Time to Let “Outer Banks” Go

After investing in three and a half seasons, it’s fair to ask if Outer Banks has run its course. Our heartfelt request to Netflix: please spare us a fifth season that feels unnecessary. Sometimes, it’s better to conclude a story before it drags on and loses whatever charm it once had.

In the end, while Outer Banks started as a thrilling adventure with a charismatic cast, its latest season feels like it’s treading water. For the sake of the show’s legacy and the audience’s patience, perhaps it’s time to sail into the sunset.