Get ready to sleigh your stocking stuffer game this holiday season, because we've curated the ultimate list of 30 must-have goodies under $35! From heart-shaped sunglasses that scream sass to the coziest fuzzy socks that will have you Netflix-and-chill ready, we've got you covered. Whether you're shopping for your BFF, sister, or treating yourself (because, let's be real, you deserve it), our lineup is bursting with trendy finds and timeless classics. So, grab your shopping list and dive into the holiday magic with these wallet-friendly treasures that are sure to spark joy and spread the festive cheer. Let the stocking stuffing begin!
Anthropologie
Tights might sound like a strange gift, but gifting red tights is a sign that you know whats up with the trends!
Amazon
It's time to embrace those heart eyes, darling! Cutesy accessories are the perfect little gift for any stylish romantic.
Anthropologie
Perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to a simple hairstyle, these hair ties are a must-have for achieving that Instagram-worthy look.
Target
Say goodbye to blemish blues with Starface Pimple Patches. Stick one on and let the healing magic begin!
Anthropologie
Gentle on the locks and oh-so-chic, these scrunchies are the secret to achieving that effortlessly messy bun with a touch of glamour.
Urban Outfitters
Brand New
Take someone's scent glands on a journey with MOODEAUX's fun-sized Supercharged Skin Scent Dry Oil Perfume Spray! Just like the name suggests, it has a delicious-smelling blend of fragrances and oils that help trigger a happier mood. From pink pepper to raspberry and saffron, your nose buds will be taken on a heavenly ride once they smell this for the first time.
We love MOODEAUX at Brit + Co and are excited to announce you'll be able to get your hands on the Dry Oil Perfume Sprays in 25 Urban Outfitters stores nationwide! Be sure to check out the official announcement here!
Anthropologie
Now your fav boozy bae can pop open their favorite drinks with a jingle, and let the holiday vibes flow. It's a party in a bottle opener!
Anthropologie
A gentle reminder to slow down, relax, and take your time when getting lost in the pages of your favorite book.
Sephora
Universally flattering, this iconic shade adds a touch of mystery and allure to any pout.
Urban Outfitters
These trendy and hassle-free nails are a game-changer for anyone looking to level up their manicure game without the commitment.
Target
Forget filters and digital screens – these vintage-inspired cameras bring back the joy of film photography. Snap, click, and relive the memories!
Anthropologie
Embrace the vintage aesthetic with Mermade Hair's pretty pink rollers. They're essential if you want to achieve a cute and flirty bedtime look.
Amazon
Forrest Gump's mom didn't lie when she told him, "Life's like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get," because it often feels that way. But you can always count on Ferrero Rocher's chocolates to provide the same high-quality taste they're known for every time. We know your mom or grandma can't stop eating them so why not surprise them with their own gift boxes?
Sephora
Still can't get your hands on Dior? Opt for this luxe lip treatment from Clarins!
Skims
Comfy, cozy, and effortlessly cool, these holiday socks from Skims will help Santa decide if someone deserves an extra present or a lump of coal.
Skims
Comfort meets style in these chic boxers that redefine the meaning of intimate gifting. Because let's be real – everyone loves Skims!
Amazon
The Magic Eight Ball is your pocket-sized oracle for those burning questions. Will your crush text back? Shake it up and find out!
Anthropologie
Delicate and charming, they add a touch of elegance to any outfit. Embrace the art of understated glam!
Anthropologie
A perfect blend of fashion and function, these earmuffs keep the "It Girl" warm while turning heads.
Anthropologie
Luxuriously soft and oh-so-cuddly, these socks are the perfect companions for a cozy night in.
Anthropologie
These high-quality essentials are a game-changer for achieving perfectly groomed brows and precision plucking.
Urban Outfitters
From being a beauty routine essential to a casual brunch accessory, this accessory is the perfect blend of style and comfort.
Urban Outfitters
Packed with skin-loving ingredients, these masks are your ticket to a radiant and refreshed complexion.
Nordstrom
This playful accessory is a statement piece that holds your tresses in style.
Free People
Dive into deep and meaningful conversations with the We're Not Really Strangers Card Game. Perfect for game nights with friends or intimate moments with a loved one, this card game is a journey into connection and discovery.
Sephora
This captivating scent is perfect for those who love a touch of enigma in their fragrance collection.
Salt Nails
We swear by these easy-to-apply and study press-ons by Salt Nails! Not only are they stylish, but they don't interfere with everyday life! If you know a mom who dreads getting her nails done because of her baby or toddler's car seat, she'll love this stocking stuffer idea!
Amazon
We all know a few snackers in our lives who love eating on-the-go. With these yummy Medjool Dates, they'll be able to enjoy something that's fresh, tasty, and healthy. Plus, they're filled with mouth-watering natural nut butter from Realsy's "family-owned date farm!
Looking for more holidayhelp? Be sure to sign up for our weekly shopping newsletter for all your gifting inspo needs!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
In the age of live action remakes, plenty of our favorite Disney Princesses have gotten the IRL treatment. Mulan, Ariel, and Jasmine's stories are all available to stream on Disney+ (plus the upcoming live Lilo & Stitch), and now, not only are we getting an animated Moana 2 this fall, but Disney is also giving us a live action remake of the 2016 movie.
Dwayne Johnson as Maui on the set of Disney’s live-action #Moana film. 📷 pic.twitter.com/3DhYDc7ZVc
— Film Crave (@_filmcrave) November 20, 2024
The first leaks from the live Moana show off Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Maui. While I was a little apprehensive about a live-action version of the movie, this actually makes me excited! It takes "embodying a role" to a whole new level.
So I’m not gonna lie.. I forgot a live action version of #Moana was actually happening BUT non the less I’m genuinely sat for it!
— Joey Lever #TASM3 (@FilmmakerJoey) November 17, 2024
Here’s a few on set pics of Moanas wa'a kaulua 👀#disneypic.twitter.com/wIXwAXsVYs
And the set looks BEAUTIFUL. Considering they're filming in Hawaii, I'm not surprised.
Walt Disney Studios
Moana is currently scheduled for a July 10, 2026 release date. According to a Disney press release, the movie starts filming summer 2024.
Walt Disney Studios
The live-action Moana will be played by Catherine Laga‘aia. “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” she says in a Disney press release. “My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Laga'aia stars alongside Dwane "The Rock" Johnson as Maui (who he also voiced in the animated film), John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as the revered Gramma Tala.
Even though original voice actress Auli‘i Cravalho isn't returning as Moana, she'll be executive producing the new Disney movie!
Walt Disney Studios
Yes, we're getting a live-action Moana! The new movie will be directed by Thomas Kail (who did Hamilton on Broadway and Disney+ as well as We Were the Lucky Ones), with Dana Ledoux Miller and the original film's screenwriter Jared Bush penning this script.
Are you excited for the live-action Moana? This is going to be a perfect summer movie!
This post has been updated.
Your sister deserves the world — you know it, I know it, and she definitely knows it. But what do you give someone who deserves the world when there's so much to sift through? If finding the perfect gift for your sister feels like a herculean feat, join the club! I've got an older sister whose priorities have shifted after getting married and having kids, so I'm always on the hunt for the best present to get her. Fortunately, I've found all the best gifts for her that she'll actually use — and I'm ready to share them with you, too!
From the best of beauty finds to some self-care goodness, these top-notch gifts were carefully considered because this little sister knows Christmas is better when your sibling keeps you in mind!
Sephora
Your sister's wash day routine won't be the same once you introduce her to this blowout kit. Before I got boho braids, I decided to use it to dry my natural hair and it literally cut my blowdrying time in half! I have thick coils so it usually takes a while for me to gently stretch my hair without damaging it, but not anymore!
This kit includes:
I personally love the drying concentrator and the oval brush attachment because they give me the softest blowout I've ever had!
Calista Tools
If your sister already has the perfect curling iron and blow dryer, you can still gift her something that boosts her hair. Calista Tools' Classic Volume Duo includes a pro heated round brush and the embellish flex spray to create the same look she'd get with the T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler Blowout Kitfor a fraction of the price.
Kora Organics
Give your sister the gift of powerful antioxidants in skincare form this year! Kora Organics has so many products that boosts skin's glow — trust me — so this brightening trio is a great place to start for anyone.
The set includes:
EADEM LLC
Has your sister been complaining about her stubborn dark spots? She'll love if you surprise her with EADEM's Even Skin Set! She'll get the following:
Fur
Has your sister been looking for the perfect bikini waxafter-care? Tell her to get intimate with Fur's Full Frontal Set! It's dedicated to providing the softest skin that doesn't suffer from inflammation and ingrown hairs which sounds like my kind of party. All products have been gynecologically tested, so they're 100% safe!
The set includes:
Supergoop!
Don't tell me it's 2024 and your sister still hasn't found a sunscreen she loves. *Sigh* Okay, lean in closer so I can hold your hand while I talk about the Supergoop! Endless Glow SPF Set. Besides being TSA-friendly, this gift will add an extra glow to your sister's visage and I know she'll love that.
She'll get:
Sephora
I've been wearing Tower 28's 'Ube Vanilla' shade in their Tinted Lip Treatment and I can't get enough. This means your sister deserves to know about this miniature set! Unlike other lip oilsand treatments, this formula isn't sticky whatsoever! It has shea butter, jojoba oil, and lysine in it to provide a super kissable pout.
P.S. I've noticed that my lips are visibly softer and haven't been peeling or cracking as much since I've been wearing this!
Sephora
Celebrity Makeup Artist Natalie Dresher has nothing but rave reviews about this cute pocket puff! She says, "My absolute favorite tool for on the go mattification (is that a word? Or did I just coin that?). A must have for those going out for special events, it’s compact and fits in the tiniest of purses."
Sephora
Why commit to just one blush when you can have three? At least that's what I think you'll say to your sister when she opens this cute gift. I love that it's by a black-owned brand, but I'm even more excited that these blushes are vegan. They have kaolin clay, avocado oil, and vitamin E in them which has all the makings of a smooth, hydrating finish.
Sephora
Dresher says, "One swipe and your eyeshadow is done with these Armani Beauty eye tints. They are user friendly and even the most beginner makeup user can figure out how to apply these! I love shade 67S Sparkle because it looks great on all skin tones making it a universal shade."
Stila Cosmetics
You think your sister's iconic, right? I sure think my sister is so I''d love to add this to the running list of gifts I'm choosing for her. Everything is, once again, TSA-friendly, so your sister can take everything with her at all times.
She'll love getting:
Lilac St.
I've been wearing these press-on nails for the past two weeks because they're the best I've ever worn. I personally think you should gift your glamorous sister these cuties before Christmas because she'll want to have something nice on her nails when she goes to take holiday pictures.
Cult Gaia
If your sister has been looking for a new fragrance that she and others will love, I'm sure she'll fall in love with Cult Gaia's new scent, 'Mast.' It's a mix of Italian Bergamot and tropical coconut — two blends that make me want to spray on every piece of clothing I have!.
I really love that your sister won't have to fret about parabens, sulfates, BHA, mineral oils or other formaldehydes! I mean, clean beauty is truly the way to go!
Amazon
Does your sister love the sweet blend of gourmands and florals? If you answered yes, you absolutely have to gift her Sabrina Carpenter's Sweet Tooth Eau de Parfum. It smells like a decadent blend of cherries, chocolate, vanilla orchid, musk, and a few other things that'll make her smell divine.
Kohl's
Not everyone loves wam or musky scents, including your sister. She may enjoy something that smells 'fresh' which is why Valentino's Born In Roma fragrance will work for her. It'll remind her a little of summer, helping to keep some of seasonal depression away.
Étoile
Your sister's going to need somewhere safe to store her new beauty goodies while traveling so make sure you gift her Étoile's Duo Vanity Case. It's eco-friendly, makeup-proof, and includes a portable mirror. Tell her to be careful if she decides to pack a couple of skincare products because oils can stain it.
Target
Staying hydrated is one of the best ways anyone can boost their wellbeing which is why your busy sister needs a Stanley Tumbler. She can't survive on coffee alone — even if she thinks she can! This tumbler is actually in collaboration with e.l.f. Cosmetics so you know the color payoff and water intake are the best things your sister needs to help power through her day.
Amazon
I'm not going to pretend self-care is easy because there are some days you and your sister aren't going to be in the mood. If it seems like your sister has forgotten how to take care of herself and fan the relaxation fans, surprise her with these stress relief cards. She'll be provided with an activity, it's objectives, and ways to implement it in her daily routine!
Skims
It's time for your sister to have an unparalleled spa day at home. Your only job is to gift her this Cozy Knit Unisex Robe from Skims! Not only is this robe super comfy, but it's also leopard print! I'm telling you now, your sister needs this.
Amazon
My bias is showing with this gift idea, but I'm sharing it anyway! After a while, everyone needs a good eye product to keep dark circles at bay. If your sister is pulling late nights because she's studying or has to wake up with a newborn, she absolutely needs Good Molecules' Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel. It helps bring much needed life back into the under eye area and even plumps the delicate skin back up.
Amazon
When your sister's done placing her new eye gel on her eyes, make sure she opens the other gift that contains this Pure Silk Sleep Mask. It'll block out light and make sure her eyes stay protected.
Amazon
While you're at it, throw in a satin pillowcase for good measure. It's good for reducing frizz and breakage, especially if your sister has naturally curly hair or braids!
Amazon
Your sister's days of getting her hair and the sleeves of her shirt wet are over because you're absolutely getting her this spa set. I would ask, but I already know this is at the top of your gift idea list for her because you can't get enough of it.
Oomiay
Sometimes big sisters aren't a huge fan of flashy jewelry, but that doesn't mean you have to stay away from dainty pieces! Oomiay has so many cute options that will fit her style, like this bubble initial letter necklace! I'm currently wearing one and I only take it off when I have to shower! It's sturdy and fits perfectly in the middle of the chest, making it the only necklace your sister will want to wear.
The Sage Vintage
Does your sister prefer charm bracelets over necklaces? Your best bet is buying her one from The Sage Vintage! You'll be able to customize the charms based on things your sister likes and surprise her with something that feels 100% personalized.
Target
If your sister is always on cooking or baking duty, save the strength of her arms by investing in a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. She'll lose her mind over the 10 attachments that come with it and the depth of the mixer itself.
P.S. It's by Hearth & Hand Magnolia which may also score you the best sibling award if she loves this brand!
Target
Wait, an air fryer under $100 exists and it's available at Target? Yes! Tabitha Brown's exclusive collection has so many goodies, but I just know your sister likely doesn't have time to think about making elaborate meals multiple times per week. Ease her mind with this digital fryer that'll let her roast, dehydrate, or even reheat meals!
Your sister will probably brag about her weekly dinners once she starts using this, but she can because "that's her business!"
Bola Grills
If your sister wants to practice grilling without lugging around something heavy, she'll absolutely love the BOLA Grill Master. Though it looks tiny, it's filled with amazing features that will make everyone want to gather at her house for barbecues and even Thanksgiving. From it's cast iron grate to the thermometer that reads up to 900° F, this is a gift that keeps on giving!
Ruggable
If your sister's favorite rug has been dismantled by her pets or kids, she may have mentioned how she's in the market for something that won't show as many stains. Though it's more of a big ticket item, Ruggable's Frances Vintage Teal Blue Rug was made with your sister in mind.
It's one of those rugs that instantly gives a room personality and gets better with time. It's spill-proof, but she can still wash it if she feels like it needs to be refreshed!
Sweet July
It's cozy season so your sister needs a couple of throw blankets to choose from. I actually can't get enough of Sweet July's Alma design because it's so abstract and goes with any design aesthetic. It's also reversible so she can lighten or darken the mood as she sees fit!
Baloo
I've recently invested in a weighted blanket and I'm not sure what I was doing before. This takes sleepmaxxing to another level so I'm sure your sister will appreciate it! It's sustainably made, but that. doesn't mean it's not washer friendly! She'll enjoy how easy it is to fall asleep and clean one of the best blankets on the market. Again, trust me!
Amazon
What's a home decor gift without a scented candle? I'm not sure I want to find out so don't make your sister suffer! Gift her the warm and inviting scents of bergamot, fresh lime, Jasmine, tuberose, sandalwood, and cedar. It'll even match her new throw or weighted blanket.
Target
I know your sister spends her nights reading a book instead of binge watching new shows sometimes so make sure she has a cute lamp on her bedside table. I personally have this same lamp on my desk and it's so soothing when I'm working in the morning instead of opening my blinds or turning on a bright overhead light.
Amazon
Do I love uplifting moms? Uh, yes! They deserve so much love and tenderness considering all of the things they have to endure. If your sister has recently joined motherhood or is a seasoned mom who's expecting, this candle will bring a smile to her face. I promise you she'll never forget unwrapping it and knowing you're the one who gifted her this!
Amazon
Moms are often getting up and down for various reasons, so make sure your sister has something cozy on her feet like these cloud socks. They'll provide a nice barrier between her feet and the carpet or hardwood floors she has to cross to find a snack or break up a little sibling quarrel.
Amazon
If she doesn't care for wearing socks around the house, you can always gift your sister these cute slippers. They're open-toe, making them the fuzzy, breathable footwear she'll love padding around in.
Amazon
I'll never forget when my sister gifted me a pregnancy journal when I was pregnant with my son. I still have it and love reviewing different moments from it. Plus, I always think about how it was such a nice gesture from my sister.
From one former pregnant mama to your eyes and ears, this is something you can give your sister if she's currently expecting. She'll always look at it and remember the moment she unwrapped it.
Amazon
It doesn't matter if your sister is on team breastfeeding or not, her boobs are going to be sore during and after pregnancy — blame it on the hormones. She'll need something soothing in her bra to help combat any aches and pains so please get her these therapy packs.
Amazon
The fourth trimester aka postpartum can be really tough for some moms. If your sister has recently given birth and is struggling, don't be afraid to let one of her gifts be these affirmation cards. She'll need reminders that she's not only doing a great job, but that she deserves to be patient with herself.
Amazon
I so wish I would've discovered these activity cards during my sister's last pregnancy, but all that matters is that they're in my orbit now! In addition to affirmation cards, helping your sister rediscover things she likes post-birth is such a huge way of showing her that you still her as a person outside of motherhood.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
Major Outer Banks season 4 part 2 spoilers ahead. Like, the biggest spoiler of the whole series.
Outer Banks season 4 has come and gone, and after just completely weeping during the finale, I'm ready to commune with my fellow heartbroken Pogues. We've had four seasons of crazy adventures around the OBX (and around the world), and after surviving yet another storm, finally finding the Blue Crown, and even beginning a reconciliation with Rafe, we had to say goodbye to one of the Pogues during part 2— and I'm so genuinely upset I don't know if I can watch the show again. Here's what actually happened during that insane Outer Banks season 4 ending.
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
After traveling to Morocco to find the Blue Crown, the Pogues (and Rafe, who I guess is a Pogue now??) once again find themselves in a race against Chandler Groff and Dalia & Lightener. Our favorite couples get some quality time, like JJ and Kiara talking about the legend that the crown grants wishes, but right when the group finally starts to crack the treasure map, a sand storm splits them up: Sarah and John B. running from Dalia's men, and Pope and Cleo holding off Lightener while JJ and Kiara find the crown.
And things look up when JJ actually does find the crown! And he and Kiara escape Dalia! But when they run into Groff, who holds Kiara at knifepoint, JJ is forced to choose between the crown and the girl he loves. He willingly gives the crown up, pulling Kiara to safety in a heartbreaking parallel to their sweet hug from season 1. And in a moment of heartless cruelty, Groff stabs JJ anyway, leaving him in Kiara's arms as Groff runs away with the treasure.
It's truly one of the most devastating scenes in recent TV. Kie sits with JJ as he struggles to breathe and he asks her to take care of the other Pogues before telling her he already got his wish — her. They say one final "I love you" and JJ dies. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you I was weeping.
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
"It’s something that's engineered to be gratuitous," showrunner Shannon Burke told EW. "JJ totally is at peace, that’s the intent. He’s gotten past this. He’s been in a bad place and has been spinning for a lot of the season...And you feel when he comes back [after saving Sarah] that he’s in a better place and that there’s a long and bright future with him and Kiara, so it makes it extra tragic, what happens." Yeah, Shannon, you could say that.
“We wanted to begin in a place of innocence and then go to a place that at least one point to go is really dark for [the kids], and then have them come out of it," he adds in a Deadline interview. "That’s the overarching plan for the show. It was always JJ that was going to be, we just weren’t sure how we were going to play it.”
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
Fans weren't happy about the choice to kill off such a fan favorite character, claiming it felt rushed and that the relationships between JJ and the rest of the group were weaker this season. Well, according to one DeuxMoi source, JJ's death was actually supposed to happen in the series finale. But with all those cast drama rumors, Rudy Pankow is rumored to have asked to be written off the show early.
"They filmed episode 10 before the last episodes of the first half & Rudy didn't tell the cast so it threw them off," the source says. "In the last episode you can see how mad everyone was at Rudy. It's a mess and it pissed off production but they are going to brush it off like it's ‘always been the plan.’”
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
I'm simultaneously pissed and very impressed with this finale. JJ's death immediately started trending on social media, and the fact that a single scene could get such a visceral reaction from millions of fans shows how much we care about this character. And the realization that burying him in Morocco fulfills his greatest fear of being left alone?? I can't handle it.
Despite the fact John B. checks JJ's pulse and we can see Rafe digging JJ's grave in the sand, some fans are hoping the show will bring him back after Ward, Big John, and Sarah have all technically returned from the dead. The show hasn't forayed into true supernatural territory yet, but if the crown really does grant Kie and rest of the Pogues a wish? I'm certain they'd wish JJ back to life.
"Why would they create a treasure with the power of invincibility and wishes if it wasn’t significant?" one X user says in a viral thread. "So either Chandler finds JJ's body in Morocco and uses the crown on him or Kie / the Pogues will wish for JJ's life back."
Stranger Things 4 brought a version of Billy (Dacre Montgomery) back to haunt Sadie Sink's Max, so at the very least we could see memories or scenes with JJ we've never seen before. "I wouldn’t put [Rudy Pankow's return] out of the realm of possibility, Shannon told EW. "I wouldn’t say for sure but I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened."
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
With the "death of the fandom's favorite character" of it all, you might have forgotten that yes — Sarah Cameron is pregnant! Season 5 is sure to give us some more info about the baby and parents-to-be, but considering JJ, who's the baby's godfather, suggested his name is a great gender-neutral option, there's a chance we already know the baby's name ;). It would be the perfect way to honor him TBH.
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
In addition to Sarah's pregnancy, she also finally starts to make up with Rafe, who finds himself stuck with the Pogues in Morocco. Cleo has somewhat avenged Terrance's murder with Lightener's death — even though Pope's the one who will take the fall for it. Killing one of this season's bad guys was a huge step for Pope since John B. wasn't able to pull the trigger. And considering Pope is still on the run from the cops AND the Marines are waiting on him I have no idea what's in store for him next season.
But the showrunners did give us a clue as to what the final season of Outer Banks will revolve around: revenge.
Netflix
“[Revenge] is where we start but I think it will go through different iterations,” Jonas Pate says (via Deadline). “If you look at The Count of Monte Cristo, one of the greatest revenge stories, you start with revenge, but it goes to understanding and forgiveness, so revenge goes on to different iterations of that, but revenge is where we start for sure.”
In the final moments of the Outer Banks season 4 ending, the Pogues sit around a fire in the aftermath of JJ's death. And when they finally acknowledge that JJ wouldn't rest until he had avenged them, Kiara vows to get even and it's one of the most chilling moments of her entire character arc.
"What’s interesting about her is she’s this 'save the turtles, save the dolphins' kind of person, and when you see her at the end of [season] 4, she definitely does not look that like anymore," Shannon Burke tells EW. "She has turned into a different person and we’re excited for that and [Madison Bailey's] really excited for that."
"We’re planning a story of redemption, and a season that embodies the friendship that JJ had come to represent," co-creators Josh and Jonas Pates tell Netflix. "JJ's death was a hard but necessary piece of the architecture for the story, and we plan on honoring that as much as we can because we love the character as much as the fans do."
What did you think of the Outer Banks season 4 ending? Let us know on Instagram.
This post has been updated.
Outer Banks fans cried saying goodbye to JJ when part 2 dropped on November 7, but I wasn't expecting the Outer Banks cast's goodbye to Rudy Pankow to make me equally emotional. The TV show is a standout because of how electric the cast's chemistry is onscreen — and how close they are offscreen.
But according to some sources, a rift reportedly formed between Rudy Pankow (JJ) and Madison Bailey (Kiara) after fans picked up on their chemistry and started shipping them IRL...like, really intensely. Despite the fact the creators promise this was the plan since season 1, OBX fans are convinced their rumored fallout is the reason Rudy left the show.
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
After fans have been VERY loud about the supposed cast drama, Carlacia Grant (Cleo) made me laugh out loud when she posted her OBX 4 Instagram post — and seemingly called fans out in the comments. The roundup includes cast group pictures, a snap of Drew Starkey, and Morocco, and she captioned the post, "If I drop these are y’all gonna act right?"
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey were best friends during season 1 (Madison called Rudy her "bestie," and said that in any situation, "he's the first person I'm going to call"). But rumors of a fallout came after the show went viral in 2020. Fans picked up on their onscreen chemistry and started shipping the actors in addition to shipping their characters JJ and Kiara (the internet shipped the fictional couple so hard, in fact, that the relationship was written into the show despite it not being the team's original plan).
"Madison and Kiara, and Rudy and JJ, are two different people," Madison said in a 2020 Entertainment Tonight interview after the relationship started picking up steam. "Let's keep the ships on the show. But as far as the show, I'm all for it."
After publicity for Outer Banks season 2 began, fans noticed Rudy and Madison didn't seem to have the same connection in public, and even appeared to avoid each other on set — a far cry from their adorable interactions during press for season 1.
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
Fans started outright blaming Rudy's girlfriend Elaine Seimek, who was originally a PA on the show, for causing a rift between the two actors. Madison herself shut down the rumors with a TikTok promising they all had no problems, while Rudy Pankow took to Instagram to defend his girlfriend.
"To those who are creating such displeasure and opinions about the one I love and my relationship, it’s time to stop," Rudy Pankow said in an August 6, 2021 post. "I want to express the importance to spread positivity and needing to know when it is unfair to express your own distaste for something or someone, especially when you can do it behind an anonymous identity. I was always told the best version of yourself is your most humbled self…I make this statement as my most humbled self and would be so grateful if we all would move forward in positivity and respect."
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
The Outer Banks cast drama rumors only intensified after a June 2023 dinner, when Madison Bailey and her partner Mariah Linney reportedly unfollowed Elaine on Instagram. Not to mention the fact Rudy Pankow isn't in any of the Outer Banks season 4 cast videos.
After JJ's death rocked the internet, creators Josh and Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke said that it was always the plan to kill JJ. "For a long time we had known that someone was going to die," showrunner Shannon Burke told Teen Vogue. "We thought it was going to be JJ all along."
However, the fact that JJ and Kiara have been dating for almost 2 years at this point, yet barely react to the other heading into danger has fans thinking Rudy asked to leave the show. And rumors that they filmed multiple endings to give Rudy the option to stay only adds fuel to the fire.
When new episodes of the show dropped in November of 2024, fans almost immediately clocked that Rudy and Madison appear to have used body doubles for a cuddling scene — while Madelyn Cline and Chase Stokes (who dated from June 2020 to November 2021) were cozied up across the campfire.
Even though an anonymous source suggested Rudy and Madison aren't friends anymore, and that their chemistry onscreen in season 1 was because they'd fallen for each other IRL, a source told People the actors are not feuding.
But one DeuxMoi source just spilled some serious tea, telling the site that, "Rudy asked them to write him off because of the drama! Production got mad and they had to refilm episodes," they said. "They filmed episode 10 before the last episodes of the first half & Rudy didn't tell the cast so it threw them off. In the last episode you can see how mad everyone was at Rudy. It's a mess and it pissed off production but they are going to brush it off like it's ‘always been the plan.’”
They also revealed that apparently, the plan was to kill JJ off in the series finale, which honestly kind of makes sense.
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
Rudy and Madison first met after Rudy had booked the role of JJ and Madison was headed to a final audition. Despite the fact they had mutual friends, they didn't meet until they were on the same plane to Charleston. She told Harper's Bazaar in 2020 that she said hello when they crossed paths, then found a DM from him on social media. “He was like, ‘I knew you were Kiara the second I saw you,’" she said. "I was like, "Oh my God, did this guy three seats up really just DM me?’ He went and found our mutuals, found my page, and messaged me.”
Well, during press for Outer Banks season 4, when the cast was asked who would be most likely to fall in love with a stranger on a plane, Carlacia Grant (Cleo) answered with Madison, leading fans to believe she was confirming the romance rumors.
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
Rudy Pankow exited Outer Banks after season 4, and Madison Bailey finally spoke about what JJ means to her in the cast's official goodbye — and got emotional talking about how well Rudy brought the character to life.
"We all read the character on the page," she says. "And we know what you brought to it and you turned it out and really made something of it and paid respect to the depth of the character while bringing a lightheartedness that the show desperately needed."
And during a cast video hyping up JJ's (and Rudy's) best moments from the series, fans were beaming when Rudy and Madison dissected some of the best Jiara moments from season 3. "this video healed me❤️🩹 thank you netflix!" one TikTok user wrote in the comments of Madison talking about JJ and Kiara's first kiss. "I’m so happy [they're] friends bro like fr 🥺🥺," another user said.
Check back here for the latest updates on the Outer Banks cast drama. Read up on why Outer Banks Fans Are Really Not Happy With THAT Death In The OBX Season 4 Ending.
This post has been updated.
