Rachel Beltowski is a screenwriter and film critic, with a passion for character-driven stories and thought-provoking themes. From adventure to horror, Rachel enjoys stories which take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster and allow for personal expression that would otherwise go silent. Rachel was drawn to The Hollywood Insider’s dedication to individual perspectives and positive world impacts. The Hollywood Insiderhas provided a foundation for Rachel to share her insights and leap into the center of the entertainment industry. Rachel hopes to bring a fresh voice into the world of film and television, and share her love of stories with others.
Sep 30, 2022
Photo: ‘Outer Banks’
In the world of Netflix, there’s quite a variety of original content. Though some are more successful than others, it’s clear Netflix has made a name for itself through the various teen-oriented shows and movies they’ve created. From 2018’s ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ (which sparked two sequels), to Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher’s ‘Never Have I Ever’ series, these works center on teenage characters and attempt to cater to the expectations of teenagers and young adults. One popular entry is the hit show ‘Outer Banks,’ which premiered in the spring of 2020, and is now about to enter its third season. The series was created by Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke. ‘Outer Banks’ is part action-adventure and part teen drama, with the scenic setting of the Outer Banks of North Carolina (as the title suggests). For Netflix’s global Tudum event – a fan event in which Netflix releases previews, sneak peeks, and other announcements online – the world got its first look at ‘Outer Banks’ season three.
The new season isn’t coming until 2023, and we can guess that it will be released in either spring or summer of that year, as the show has typically been dropped during those months. There are a lot of expectations and high hopes for all of these lovable characters going forward. The teaser shown has let the fandom get excited once more, so fingers crossed for a new great season!
Generally, when shows hit the third season, they have all the tools to make it the best season yet. The characters are all familiar and well-developed, the writers understand what audiences will and will not respond to, and the overall groove of the show is defined, making it the perfect opportunity to play around more and up the stakes and excitement level. When season two concluded, we were left with the Pogues (our main gang of characters) arriving on a deserted island that they name “Poguelandia,” and thus being reported missing on the mainland. A new badass character, Cleo (played by Carlacia Grant), joins the main group, and (spoiler alert!) John B.’s father, Big John, is revealed to be alive. These notes provide an intriguing premise for season three to deal with.
One of the most obvious questions the new season will answer is: how will they survive on the island? These kids are resourceful and intelligent, but can their tight-knit group stay together and get along as a need to survive kicks in? Another topic that will likely be covered is how all the families are holding up, and how reunions will go down. John B. (Chase Stokes) was under the impression that his father was dead, so the presumed reunion between father and son is going to get messy and emotional. Kiara (Madison Bailey) left her parents on a sour note, and that relationship is one that needs to be mended once the family is reunited. Additionally, this is a teen drama, and one of the biggest aspects of teen dramas are the relationships. Fans love to ship characters together, regardless of how practical some pairings may be. John B. and Sarah Cameron (Madelyn Cline) have been the star couple of the series thus far, though they’ve had some bumps along the road, but will they continue their relationship this season? Kiara and JJ (Rudy Pankow) have long been suspected of becoming a couple from their interactions with one another, but are they truly meant to become a thing? It’s all up in the air for now. Lastly, how will Pope (Jonathan Daviss) react to the loss of the golden cross which belongs to his family? Lots of questions, and lots of anticipation.
It’s no secret that teen dramas can easily become cringey or superficial. Sometimes there’s a gap between what the perception of teenagers is versus what teenagers actually are like. ‘Outer Banks’ combats the typical traps other teen shows fall into through its genre. The drama of it all isn’t usually the focus and more often than not takes the shape of a subplot. The charm of the show stems from its action-adventure basis. Season one is basically a treasure hunt, with our favorite characters searching for clues and taking new risks through their searches. There are so many intense moments and high-pressure situations that keep the audience engaged. Add in the dynamic personalities of the group, and there’s the perfect recipe for a likable show.
With the Pogues being stuck on this island, it appears there are more adventures to be had. The setting of the show creates even more interest, becoming a playground for the adventure. From swampy to beachy areas, lighthouses, churches, and poorer and richer homes, there’s so much this show gives us to explore alongside these characters. Through the genre and setting, this Netflix original stands out amongst all the others and reaches further success.
It’s unknown how long this show will last for, though it’s undeniable that it has gained traction and a loyal fandom. ‘Outer Banks’ could easily get renewed for a fourth season, though it’s unclear if it would span longer than that. Four seasons have become a typical length for various modern shows. Sometimes having fewer seasons is better. The careers of these young actors are off to a good start, and they are already making headway in outside projects, such as Rudy Pankow appearing in the adventure film ‘Uncharted’ earlier this year, Jonathan Daviss taking a supporting role in the recently popular film ‘Do Revenge,’ and Madelyn Cline stepping into the whodunit genre with ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ coming soon. It’s safe to say these faces aren’t going anywhere.
We’ll have to wait and watch how long the plot of ‘Outer Banks’ continues, and what other shenanigans these Pogues and their enemies will get up to. Once again, season three is coming in 2023 and the first teaser is now out. It is a well-crafted show that stands out from many others, and hopefully, the new season will keep raising the exhilaration of it all.
By Rachel Beltowski
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
Rachel Beltowski is a screenwriter and film critic, with a passion for character-driven stories and thought-provoking themes. From adventure to horror, Rachel enjoys stories which take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster and allow for personal expression that would otherwise go silent. Rachel was drawn to The Hollywood Insider’s dedication to individual perspectives and positive world impacts. The Hollywood Insiderhas provided a foundation for Rachel to share her insights and leap into the center of the entertainment industry. Rachel hopes to bring a fresh voice into the world of film and television, and share her love of stories with others.
Rachel Beltowski is a screenwriter and film critic, with a passion for character-driven stories and thought-provoking themes. From adventure to horror, Rachel enjoys stories which take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster and allow for personal expression that would otherwise go silent. Rachel was drawn to The Hollywood Insider’s dedication to individual perspectives and positive world impacts. The Hollywood Insiderhas provided a foundation for Rachel to share her insights and leap into the center of the entertainment industry. Rachel hopes to bring a fresh voice into the world of film and television, and share her love of stories with others.
