Something has changed in Outer Banks, and if you’ve been watching since Season 1, you feel it too. The show just isn’t the same anymore—and one big reason? JJ Maybank.

For three seasons, JJ (played by the incredible Rudy Pankow) has been the heart and soul of the Pogues. His reckless, loyal, wild, and deeply emotional energy made him a fan favorite. But with Outer Banks heading into its fourth season, many fans are starting to worry—where is JJ’s storyline going? Is he fading into the background? Is he even coming back at all?

One thing’s for sure: Outer Banks without JJ just doesn’t feel right. Let’s break down why JJ is the real MVP of the show and why Outer Banks desperately needs to give him the spotlight he deserves in Season 4.

🌊 JJ Maybank: The Heart of the Pogues

If there’s one thing every Outer Banks fan can agree on, it’s this: JJ is irreplaceable.

From the very first episode, JJ stood out as the wild card of the Pogues. He was the one who took the biggest risks, fought the hardest, and made sure his friends were always taken care of—even when he had nothing to give.

🔥 He’s fiercely loyal. JJ would literally take a bullet for his friends (and let’s be honest, he’s come pretty close).
💔 His backstory hits HARD. Growing up with an abusive father, JJ has endured more pain than anyone should.
😈 He’s chaotic, unpredictable, and always entertaining. Every JJ moment is iconic—whether he’s stealing a hot tub, robbing a drug dealer, or single-handedly saving the Pogues from disaster.

But most importantly? JJ has the biggest heart of them all.

And now, fans are scared that Outer Banks is forgetting about him.

📉 Has JJ’s Storyline Been Sidelined?

Let’s be real—JJ’s arc in Outer Banks hasn’t been as strong as it should be.

In Season 1, he was at the center of some of the show’s biggest moments. He went through hell trying to escape his father’s abuse, protect his friends, and help find the Royal Merchant gold. He was wild, reckless, and unpredictable—but he was also the emotional core of the group.

Then came Season 2. JJ had some solid moments (the boat heist, his emotional breakdown after losing his father’s bail money), but it still felt like he was pushed to the side while the focus shifted to John B and Sarah’s relationship drama.

And in Season 3? JJ deserved better. Yes, we got the long-awaited JJ and Kiara romance, but even that felt rushed. JJ didn’t have a clear storyline of his own—he was mostly just reacting to everything happening around him.

This is JJ Maybank we’re talking about. He’s more than a sidekick. More than comic relief. He’s one of the best characters in the entire show—and if Outer Banks doesn’t bring him back to the spotlight in Season 4, they’re making a huge mistake.

💔 Fans Are Begging for More JJ in Season 4

If you scroll through Outer Banks Twitter, Reddit, or TikTok, one thing is clear: fans LOVE JJ—and they’re not happy about how he’s been treated.

📢 “JJ carried this show on his back and they just keep sidelining him???”
💬 “No JJ = No Outer Banks. Simple as that.”
🔥 “Season 4 better be all about JJ because I’m TIRED of him getting ignored.”

And honestly? They’re right. JJ isn’t just a fan favorite—he’s essential to the heart of Outer Banks.

With Season 4 on the horizon, the show has a chance to fix things. JJ needs a real storyline—one that lets him shine as more than just the comic relief.

🛶 What Should Happen to JJ in Season 4?

Here’s what Outer Banks NEEDS to do if they want to keep fans happy and bring JJ back in a big way.

1️⃣ Give JJ a personal mission. Enough of him just following along—let him take charge of a new treasure hunt or personal quest.
2️⃣ Explore his family trauma. His father’s abuse shaped him, but we haven’t seen JJ truly process it. Season 4 could be his chance to finally find closure.
3️⃣ Strengthen his relationship with Kiara. Fans waited THREE seasons for them to get together—now we need to see real development, not just a rushed romance.
4️⃣ Let him lead. JJ has always been second-in-command to John B, but what if Season 4 puts him in a position where he has to take charge?

If Outer Banks does this right, JJ’s arc in Season 4 could be the most powerful yet.

But if they sideline him again? Fans are going to riot.

⚠️ No JJ, No Outer Banks!

Outer Banks was built on adventure, loyalty, and brotherhood—and JJ Maybank embodies all of that.

Without him, the show loses a huge part of what made it so special.

So, Netflix—if you’re reading this, here’s the message from the fans: Bring JJ back. Make him the star of Season 4. Give him the storyline he deserves.

Because Outer Banks isn’t the same without him.

Do you agree? Drop a comment and let us know how you feel about JJ in Season 4! 🏴‍☠️🔥