Across the three seasons of Outer Banks that have been released so far, the main characters that we know and love have gone through so much development in such a short amount of time. It's an action-packed, fast-paced show that never stops moving, but it still finds all the time to allow the characters' experiences to shape who they are. Each character was portrayed wonderfully by their actors, no matter how much we hate their characters in the show.
Now that we've spent enough time with the characters, there's definitely been enough time to determine which characters are the most likable, and which characters deserve everything coming to them. With backstabbing and sabotaging being an all too common occurrence both for and from the main characters, certain people always seem to be willing to do anything to get what they want. Considering all of their actions, here are the main characters of Outer Banks ranked by likability.
9 Ward
Ward being last on this list was a given. In the beginning, played by Charles Esten, Ward didn't seem like any sort of problem for John B. and his friends, rather just a super rich guy on the opposite end of the class spectrum. However, as soon as it was revealed that Ward wants the treasure more than anything else, the dominoes kept on falling and falling, each time making everyone hate Ward even more.
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The character wouldn't have been able to be disliked if it wasn't for Esten's performance, easily one of the standouts of the show. His range made audiences feel bad for the character at times, but fall straight back into his overwhelming desire for the gold that makes Ward such a great villain. All the unthinkable things he's done to the group, including his own daughter Sarah, mean that he has to be the most unlikable main character.
8 Rafe
Rafe being so far down on this list is unfortunate, as the violent, desire-filled person that he evolved to be was a by-product of wanting to prove himself to Ward. After feeling that he hasn't ever been good enough, doing everything he can to 'help' his father achieve his goal, Rafe ends up committing some of the worst acts throughout the show. Drew Starkey delivers another standout performance, making another great villain full of depth.
The first major moment that shows this was when he shot Sheriff Peterkin at the end of Season 1, in a bid to stop Ward from being arrested. This moment led to a whirlwind of problems for everyone, from John B. being framed and having to flee the country to Ward having to cover up both himself and his son for the crime. Moving forward from this, Rafe is fully corrupted by greed and ambition, leading him to make constant awful decisions with massive repercussions.
7 Topper
In Season 1, Topper (Austin North) was depicted as the almost opposite of John B. regarding the class divide, with Topper being one of the most prominent Kooks (the nickname for the rich) on the island. Like most other Kooks, he naturally didn't like or want anything to do with the Pogues. The focus that was put on his unjustified hate for people like John B. and JJ instantly put a sour taste in everyone's mouth.
However, as the seasons progressed, Topper began a sort of redemption arc in the eyes of the audience, all of which was driven by his deep love for Sarah. At the end of Season 1, Topper helped John B. and Sarah escape the Police when he didn't owe anything to John. As well as supporting Sarah when John B. lost focus on the relationship, Topper's viewpoints and actions prevent him from being slightly higher on this list.
6 Cleo
The only real reason that Cleo (played by Carlacia Grant) isn't higher up on this list is due to her not having as much time to develop as the rest of the cast. Being introduced in Season 2 originally against John B. and Sarah, towards the end of the season she warms to the group's adventurous spirit, eventually joining the group as a full-time Pogue.
Ever since joining the group, Cleo has always had the Pogues' backs, sometimes keeping them all grounded with her honest, real perspectives. As the show moves forward into Season 4 and potentially further, Cleo is sure to continue being an important character for her new family essentially, meaning she can climb higher as one of the most likable characters across the board.
5 Kiara
Being one of the original Pogues from Season 1, Episode 1, Kiara (played by Madison Bailey) has had a lot of screen time, meaning she's one of the best known in the show. Coming from a richer family than the rest of the group, Kiara has had so many moments where she has put her future on the line out of love for her friends, giving her so many moments for the audience to rally behind her.
Besides the main treasure hunt plot, the show focuses a fair amount on relationships that are bound to be present with a group of teenagers. Something that fans weren't happy with Kiara with was how she handled her situation with Pope, giving him false hope that their friendship may brew into something more. Especially with her undeniable chemistry with JJ.
4 John B.
Having the lead protagonist not closer to the front may be a little controversial, however, Chase Stoke's character John B. has had quite a few moments where he's let his emotions take over. Starting with the positives, John B. plays a key role in keeping the group together, with his friends willing to do anything for him. Audiences have developed a strong connection with John B. through his countless heroic moments and how determined he is to make his friends as rich as possible.
But John B. has had a few standout moments where his decision-making was questionable. Although a defining moment for John B., when Ward 'dies,' he doesn't comfort Sarah after she thinks she's lost her father. Although, understandably, John B. would be happy to see Ward gone, at least comforting Sarah would have helped.
In Season 3, he also spends all his time with his father, causing a huge feeling of doubt in Sarah about their relationship. Although her cheating was a bad move, John B. should have realized that he wasn't there for Sarah for a long time. John B. also rubs it in Sarah's face that she doesn't have a father figure in her life anymore, which was one of the harshest moments for Sarah in the entire show.
3 Sarah
Throughout the show, Sarah (Madelyn Cline) went from the princess-like girl on the island from one of the richest families to an all-out Pogue, constantly proving that her priorities lie with John B. and Co. From the get-go, it was clear that Sarah didn't want to be stuck in the life already planned out for her. Despite JJ, Kiara, and Pope being overly hesitant about letting her in, Sarah would go on to earn the trust of everyone, risking her life and going against her family for what she believed in.
Although she had some major slipups which is why she isn't higher up on the list, Sarah always came back to where her loyalties truly lie, along with the strength to distance herself from her corrupted family. Things like cheating with Topper were moments that she regretted, but ultimately stop her from being higher on the list.
2 Pope
Pope (Jonathon Davies) is one of the characters who has been through a lot personally throughout the show. Another character who has both parents in his life, he comes from a solid family dynamic, with an academic gift. One of Pope's standout moments was when he ran out halfway through his scholarship interview, all because he realized something that could help the Pogues find the treasure. Knowing how much it means to John B. especially, the fact that he sacrificed what he's worked so hard for shows how deeply he cares for his friends.
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Another aspect that puts Pope so high on the list is how he always stays true to himself and always pulls through for the Pogues, even when everything starts to catch up to him outside the treasure hunt. Even when his chance with Kiara falls through, he remained as loyal as possible. Seeing him find a spark with Cleo in Season 3 was one of the best feel-good moments due to how much Pope is loved.
1 JJ
Undoubtedly the fan-favorite character in the show, JJ (Rudy Pankow) is perhaps the character with the most underlying pain, with the awful situation with his abusive father. Despite how hard things are for him at the place he calls home, his love and care for his best friends, especially John B., sees JJ trying everything in his power to help with whatever the plan is while keeping their best interests at heart.
Seeing his problems get worse and worse with his father but staying so focused on the safety of his friends is what makes JJ so easily likable. Although Pope hated to see him with Kiara, JJ always tried to make sure that Pope wasn't affected by it. JJ even refrained from being too close with Kiara when he knew Pope was around. Overall, JJ's unwavering selflessness and loyalty to his friends, despite everything going on behind the scenes, makes him the most likable main character in the show.
