From JJ to Rafe: Every Outer Banks character, ranked definitively by their overall vibes

We’re all patiently waiting for season four of Outer Banks, wondering what it will be that is going to shock us this time. Rumours are circulating all over X with people predicting character deaths, hidden family links, and a load more drama. It might have had you thinking about your favourite (or least favourite) characters – who could you cope with leaving the show?

We all love the Pogues, but everyone has to admit that they have had their irritating moments. In all honesty, they could have easily kept the gold in the first couple of seasons and got Ward put in prison immediately… but then I guess it wouldn’t be entertaining. Of course then you’ve got Rafe, who has a love/hate relationship with pretty much every single viewer. The thing with Outer Banks is that there’s so much going on, and so much emotion, that it’s hard to keep our opinions of the characters up to date. Everyone thinks differently. So, here is a definitive ranking of every Outer Banks character, from the absolute worst to the best ever.

15. Big John

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I’m sorry, but what is wrong with this man? He was missing and presumed dead for nearly a year, leaving John B by himself in the Outer Banks. When finally reunited with his son in season three, Big John genuinely couldn’t have cared any less. He used John B to help him with his violent and criminal activities, and then actually chose the treasure over saving his son from being shot. The worst character, hands down.

However, “bring it on home John B” is a pretty iconic saying. So credit to him for that one.

14. Carla Limbrey

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There’s not much to say about Carla Limbrey because she truly didn’t bring any vibes. In fact, she didn’t really bring anything to the show at all. Carla caused the Pogues a lot of problems, including having her brother, Renfield, attack them multiple times. It’s just not the vibe.

13. Ward

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We couldn’t do a Outer Banks character ranking without mentioning Ward, the ultimate villain of Outer Banks – but he’s still ranking higher than Big John. Honestly, every dad in the show isn’t great but Ward just kept taking it too far. He tried to kill Big John for the gold, and then stole it from John B, and then even tried to kill his own daughter at the end of season two. His redemption in season three made him a tiny bit more likeable, but he still had everyone on the edge of their seats with his lies. Too greedy.

12. Topper

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Topper is genuinely just unbearable. Every time he shows up on screen, I think we all sigh a little bit. Even Kie was quite obviously sick of him in the last season. Topper is so uptight and serious, but acts like he’s the most cool and fun person in the Outer Banks. He has zero vibes, but what would you expect with a man called Topper (who agreed to that).

11. Barry

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Barry might be working against the Pogues, but I can’t lie, he is kinda vibey. He’s always quite funny and puts Rafe in his place, never taking anything too seriously. However, he is reckless and only driven by money – something quite scary when you think about what he and Rafe could get up to in season four.

10. Deputy Shoupe

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Shoupe is finally on the Pogues’ side, but it did take him a while to get there. He’s very calm and collected, something which can be quite infuriating, but in the end it was so satisfying to see him turn against Ward and Rafe. Season one Shoupe was not vibey at all, but he’s risen in the ranks since.

9. Wheezie

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Wheezie is vibes, I guess? She’s kind of just there, no offence to her. We’ve seen her question Rafe a few times but she never actually does anything worthwhile to help the Pogues. Can someone not just tell her what’s going on? I’m sure if she knew, it would bring all new vibes to her character.

8. Rafe

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Now, I’m sure you’re wondering why Rafe is not right at the bottom of this list – but you know, deep down. Rafe is genuinely such an interesting character, you can’t help but be excited for what he’s going to do or say next. And to be honest, he really was bringing the vibes in season three. That new buzz cut is soooo vibey (everyone thinks so).

7. Sarah

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Sarah had to get booted down a few ranks purely for kissing Topper in season three. Bad vibes. She’s been going through a lot, and I think we’re all hoping that she’ll get back to vibey season one Sarah Cameron in the new episodes. Right now, she is the tiniest bit annoying. I just want to scream at the screen – what are you doing?

6. Heyward

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Talking of Outer Banks dads, Heyward is the best. It’s not that hard of a competition, but he’s great anyway. Every time Heyward makes an appearance, he always has amazing one-liners to mock the Pogues. He’s like a sassy reality check for them. Heyward and JJ’s relationship is one of the funniest on the show, making him one of the most vibey characters despite not being in it much.

5. Cleo

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Cleo is just super cool. From the minute she appeared in season two to her now as a fully-fledged Pogue, she’s always brought the vibes. A bit like Heyward, she keeps Pope and JJ on track when they get a bit too excited or angry and, let’s be honest, this might be harder than finding the gold.

4. John B

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John B gets quite a bit of hate, but if you think about it, he actually is a great character. He’s very serious but knows what needs to be done and throws himself into everything. Unlike his dad, he cares for others and would do anything for his friends. He basically brought all the Pogues together, and as a group they’re the vibiest of them all. That’s why he’s the main character.

3. Kie

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Kie has had her handful of annoying moments (like when she literally broke footage of Ward killing someone), but season three Kie was an absolute angel. She brought all the sarcastic and sassy vibes in the most recent season, with everyone loving her all over social media. Plus, her outfits were sooooo good. Even in season one she had the coolest vibes, being introduced by John B as the only girl Pogue who loved to save turtles, listen to Bob Marley, and get dolphin tattoos. Everyone wanted to be her.

2. Pope

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Pope is literally all-round vibes. He’s funny, kind, and a bit of a hot-head at times. Everyone wants a friend just like Pope. His new unbothered attitude in season three really suited him, but we’re all hoping he might go back to school in season four. Plus, him and Cleo are the ultimate chilled power couple, nothing’s gonna faze them.

1. JJ

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Of course, JJ is number one in this Outer Banks character ranking. Everyone knows that JJ is literally the best character; he has the best vibes, energy, one-liners, and a pretty interesting backstory (which has barely been touched on yet!). You can’t help but love him, even in the most serious situations he’ll make you laugh. Although all of the Pogues are super close, JJ is the one who would genuinely take a bullet for his friends – but I hope that he doesn’t have to. Season four JJ has a lot of different possible paths to go down, but he’ll make his scenes the best no matter what he gets up to.

For more like this Outer Banks character ranking and all the latest Netflix news, drops, quizzes and memes like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook. 

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• Here’s where else to watch the Outer Banks cast while you wait patiently for season four

Feature image via Netflix