17 Cookbooks to Make You the Hostess With the Mostest

Jaguar's Coupe

Though originally crafted for a May holiday (hola, Cinco de Mayo), this spicy drink can be a total fall mocktail. It's zesty and sweet all at the same time, and brings some warmth via bell pepper juice. Give this one a try when you don't feel like sipping on some alc. (via Nikola Nikoletić, Head Bartender at Patent Pending for Brit + Co)

Sleepy Girl Mocktail

Easily crafted with just 3 ingredients, this Sleepy Girl Mocktail encourages relaxation and a refreshing night of sleep. It's perfect for cozying up and sipping alongside your favorite book! (via Brit + Co)

Ginger, Orange, Cranberry, + Raspberry Spritz

For this sipper, you'll use a can of Cranberry Raspberry Spindrift alongside some fresh ginger and orange to craft a crisp glass that's sure to bring forth fall feels. (via Spindrift)

Espresso Martini Mocktail

The girlies love an espresso martini – so make sure you've got this virgin recipe in your arsenal for your besties who don't drink. Use some pumpkin spice syrup to truly make this a fall mocktail you can't miss! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Honey Blackberry Mint Mocktails

Blackberry and mint is *the* combo of the season. Those bubbles, though! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Apple Lemonade

Apple juice (or cider) gets a citrusy twist from lemon juice in this crisp, refreshing fall mocktail. (via The Endless Meal)

Sparkling Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail

All fall cocktails require for that extra oomph is a splash of kombucha – this holiday-forward one will provide a great flavor transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, with the help of cranberry. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Non-Alcoholic Juicy Julep

This sip is seemingly summery, but we urge you to make it work for fall. It's heavenly. (via Completely Delicious)

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Swap the bourbon for sparkling water (or apple cider!) to make this fall-spiced cocktail a true mocktail. (via Amanda Wilens)

The Hermoine Granger

To make this cute Harry Potter-inspired mocktail, substitute the vodka for lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Woodford Spire Cocktail

Trade bourbon for black tea to make this cranberry-lemonade cocktail a very delish fall mocktail. (via Barley & Sage)

Pomegranate Pomander Spritz Mocktail

Non-alc bitters and vanilla extract work together to really forge some unforgettable flavors in this fall mocktail. (via The First Mess)

Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice

Inspired by the pumpkin juice at Harry Potter World, this fall mocktail mixes apple cider, pumpkin puree, and apricot nectar with vanilla and pumpkin spice – yummm. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Cranberry Mocktail

The thyme garnish on this fall mocktail is a no-brainer for amping up the seasonal vibes! (via Crowded Kitchen)

What are the best foods to bring to a potluck?

​The best foods to bring to a potluck are easy-to-make dishes and finger foods like cheese dip, corn on the cob, casseroles, guacamole, slow cooker mac and cheese, potato salad, caprese, charcuterie boards, jalapeño poppers, sliders, pinwheels, and pasta salad. Your potluck dish should be ready to eat when you arrive to the function. Attendees should be able to eat the treat you brought straight off a plate, so soups and stews aren't recommended. We have all the fuss-free recipes you need to prepare for a potluck!

What can I bring to a potluck without cooking?

Store-bought chips and dip, sweet tea, bread rolls, ice cream, fruit salad, charcuterie cheeses and meats, and veggie trays are all fantastic options to bring to a potluck. No cooking necessary! If you're not going the food route for your upcoming potluck, volunteer to bring napkins, cups, utensils, and paper towels. The potluck host will thank you!

What to bring to a potluck last minute?

Easy, quick snacks that you can make without needing to heat up anything are your best bet for last-minute potluck prep. Dips, guacamole, lettuce wraps, salsa, salad, and no-bake finger foods are all great options.

What snacks do you bring to a potluck?

Potato chips, pigs in a blanket, fruit kebabs, hummus and pita bread, roll-ups, bruschetta, cookies, brownie bites, deviled eggs, and potato skins are stellar snacks to bring to a potluck. You want to pick up snacks that are easy to eat and easy to clean up, too.

Pastitsio

This baked pasta dish hails from Greece, and it has a tomato-meat-bechamel filling for a cozy, hearty dish. (via Brit + Co)

Butter Board

If this TikTok trend isn't for serving a crowd, we don't know what is. Smear butter on a small cutting board, then have fun decorating your snack with everything from seasonings to hot honey. (via Brit + Co)

Spinach Dip

Trust us, everyone's gonna be shoveling this creamy, leafy dip once you set it out. Spinach dip is always a good potluck idea! (via Brit + Co)

Easy Potluck Idea for Green Goddess Salad

This salad is so easy that you'll be able to fix enough for your guests without a hitch. The cheesy, garlicky, citrus dressing tastes just as good as it sounds, and the *crunch* this salad delivers is out of this world. (via Brit + Co)

Rainbow Bread

Okay – we already love bread, but rainbow bread? We will never pass up the opportunity to make this colorful recipe. We're pretty sure that your friends will agree, especially if there are children involved. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Chicken Pasta

Our tummies are always grumbling for pasta, and this hearty potluck recipe has got to be the best use of the carb. The thing that truly makes this a genius potluck idea is that you can transport it from place to place without taking it out of the Instant Pot. (via Brit + Co)

Citrus Rosé Sangria Recipe

Sangria is a great cocktail for cookouts and potlucks alike, because it's super easy to make in large batches. This recipe boasts all your favorite summer citrus fruits, forming a refreshing sip. (via Brit + Co)

Tomato Basil Orzo

This orzo recipe from Half Baked Harvest is served cold, which means you can make it ahead of time and just keep it in the fridge until you're ready to leave. This is the ultimate easy potluck dish! (via Brit + Co)

Hummus

Once you make this gorgeous and easy hummus recipe for your potluck, you can serve it with an array of colorful veggies, chips, and other dippers that bring the snack table to life. (via Brit + Co)

Dirty Soda

Okay, this one might not seem like your average potluck recipe, but considering all you need is soda and coffee creamer to make it, it's hard to ignore. We love this potluck-friendly drink. If you like cream soda, we're sure you'll love it too! (via Brit + Co)

Gluten-Free Baked Avocado “Fries”

We love French fries. We love avocados. This potluck idea is a match made in heaven. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Potluck Idea for Crock Pot Corn On The Cob

Need to cook 20 cobs of corn for the potluck, but don't have a ton of time? Throw them in your crock pot and let them marinate in a homemade garlic butter sauce for an easy side dish that comes together without too much effort. (via Brit + Co)

Cauliflower Rice Keto Casserole

If your potluck ends up being on a rainy, chilly day (i.e. you'd rather be curled up with a book than outdoors), consider a veggie-packed casserole that will warm everyone up. This healthy recipe features chicken, veggies, and plenty of cheese. (via Brit + Co)

Al Pastor Tacos

Tacos in all forms are a glorious ode to the potluck, but this pineapple al pastor version truly lives rent-free in our heads. This recipe yields a deliciously juicy taco filling that you can totally prep in-advance for your next function. (via Brit + Co)

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

You will always have something to eat (and share for a potluck) when you bust out this pasta recipe. It's made of all pantry staples: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, anchovies, red peppers, and whatever herbs you have. (via Where Cooking Begins / Brit + Co)

Spicy Sriracha Dip

Dip is the *easiest* potluck snack ever. Whip up this spicy one and load up the plate with veggies, chips, crackers, or whatever you like to dunk! (via Brit + Co)

Charcuterie Board

This is the perfect large group appetizer, especially if that group is comprised of all your gal pals. There's nothing better than a board slathered with gourmet meats, cheeses, and the best finger foods around. Let's get to snacking! (via Brit + Co)

Elote Pasta Salad

If you can't get enough of this Mexican dish, try it in pasta form! It still has all the delicious ingredients found in authentic elote, just deconstructed with some pasta added in. Considering we'll eat nearly anything if there are noodles involved, this sounds good to us! (via Brit + Co)

DIY Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Among many upsides, slow cookers are also great for making our favorite dish: mac and cheese. It's easy, tasty, reliable, and you'll have a *ton* of macaroni and cheese when you're done. Who wouldn't want that? (via Brit + Co)

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

These little buffalo sliders are a cinch to make. The secret (and time-saving) ingredient? Rotisserie chicken! (via Brit + Co)

Mini Baked Potatoes

While these little spuds might take a bit longer than most recipes on this list, they are totally worth it. Both you and your guests will be happy you took the extra time when you taste the robust flavors. (via Brit + Co)

Spring Salad Recipe

This salad might have "spring" in the title, but don't be fooled: the ingredients will still taste amazing in the summer, fall, and winter. (via Brit + Co)

Southern Biscuits

There's truly no better potluck idea than slathering succulent biscuits with hearty, flavorful chicken and dipping them in some dang good dipping sauces. With this potluck-ready recipe, you can have all of that, and more. (via Brit + Co)

Layered Fruit “Cake”

Stack rings of watermelon and cantelope, then fill with a sweet yogurt, whipped cream filling for a healthy and refreshing potluck dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Carrot Hot Dogs

Whip up a bunch of these plant-based babies before your BBQ potluck, and just bring all your favorite hot dog toppings in various Tupperware. Assemble, dig in, repeat. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Cheese Crisps

Swap your potato chips for these crunchy crisps made out of shredded cheese. The jalapeños in the center add an extra kick, but you can remove the seeds to take some of the spice out! (via Brit + Co)

Keto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

You can just grab one head of lettuce at the grocery store, and you'll have enough wraps to feed your whole potluck! Leave out the cheese and walnuts if you prefer plain chicken salad, but we'd recommend at least trying the toppings out. (via Brit + Co)

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

A combo of lime juice, garlic, salt, and spices transforms plain shrimp into a tasty dish that you will not want to miss. Pair the shrimp with your favorite peppers, and you have a dinner you'll want to make over and over (and over) again. (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Whether you're having sandwiches, tacos, or you're just digging into this beef brisket with a fork, every meat lover at your get-together will love this slow cooker recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Chocolate + peanut butter = pure heaven. Whip up this no-bake cake in no time for your next potluck dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Toum Lebanese Garlic Dip

This dip goes with just about everything you could think of. Veggies and chicken are the best dipping foods to pair with it, but Gladys recommends dipping French fries in the garlicky dip! Our favorite part of this recipe might just be the fact you don't need a food processor to make it. (via Forks and Foliage)

Bacon Guacamole Potluck Idea

Arriving with chips and guac in hand always ensures your popularity among the potluck party. The fact that this guacamole is chock-full of bacon means you'll be a whole celebrity. (via The Recipe Critic)

Cucumber Bites

This snack is cost effective, since two cucumbers will yield almost 30 of these tasty bite-sized treats. Prep these cucumber bites for your next potluck, or an easy and healthy recipe. (via Joe's Healthy Meals)

Fresh Mango Salsa

Homemade salsa always tastes so much better than the stuff you can get off the shelves. This simple, colorful mango salsa is sure to be a hit come Taco Tuesday. (via Cookie and Kate)

Gluten-Free Flatbread Pizzas

Gluten-free guests will be elated when they see there's something at the potluck they can actually eat. The toppings on this flatbread are so delicious that even if you're not gluten-free, you'll love how the rich flavors come together. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Creamy Pea Salad With Bacon

It's a lot easier to load up on green veggies when they're paired with crispy bacon and an ultra-creamy sauce. Don't skimp on the red onions — they really liven up the whole dish. (via The Recipe Critic)

Grilled Mexican Corn (Elote)

Plain corn on the cob is such a classic potluck staple, but it's even better than usual when smothered in mayo, crema, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a spritz of lime juice – elote style. (via Averie Cooks)

Summer Farro Salad

The granola guests will appreciate that you brought this healthy offering to the potluck. This colorful salad recipe features plenty of veggies, fruit, and whole grains. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Pack your pasta salad with savory ingredients like olives, feta cheese, salami, and sun-dried tomatoes to craft a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Toss it all with kale and chopped cucumber for a nice hit of freshness. (via The Recipe Critic)

Curried Brown Rice Veggie Salad Potluck Dish

Cater to the vegetarians at the potluck by serving a hearty rice salad, made with plenty of veggies for fiber and nuts and edamame for protein. (via Letty's Kitchen)

Easy Potluck Idea for Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Salad

The instant pot makes cooking big-batch recipes lickety-split. Steam potatoes in record time, then add in all your favorite toppings to make an easy dish. (via Wondermom Wannabe)

Caprese Pasta Salad with Garlic Marinated Tomatoes

Shake up your usual pasta salad routine by swapping macaroni for spaghetti. Fresh tomatoes, capers, and bocconcini (tiny balls of mozzarella) round out this easy potluck dish. (via Foodiecrush)

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus

Make this hummus as a side dish or appetizer, and then bring everything you could possibly want to dip: crackers, carrots, peppers, and celery. The sky's the limit! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Raspberry Iced Tea

Iced tea is a summer staple as far as we're concerned, and this raspberry iced tea is going to make even the most dedicated soda fan want a glass. Your potluck friends won't be able to get enough! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Healthy Strawberry Pineapple Sherbet

This no-churn sorbet recipe only takes five minutes to make, which means it's the perfect last-minute potluck recipe for when you're crunched for time. Frozen strawberries and pineapple will give it that ice cream consistency! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Mexican Tortilla Roll Ups

Pinwheels are some of the best finger foods around because they're great for people who love every kind of food, and they generally contain ingredients that appeal to picky eaters. Plus, they're very affordable to make. (via Culinary Hill)

Soft Pretzel Bites with Mustard Cheese Dip

Soft pretzels and cheese dip are a classic combo for movie nights and potlucks alike. The real star of this recipe is the mustard cheese dip, which is comprised of cheddar, dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper. (via Barley & Sage)

Easy Potluck Idea for Jalapeño Poppers

We're huge fans of spicy food, and jalapeño poppers are one of our favorite potluck apps. The cheese evens out the spice from the pepper. Plus, this version has bacon. (via Salt & Lavender)

Asian Grilled Flank Steak

What we love about serving rare, grilled flank steak at a party is that it's finger-lickin'-good, hot or cold. Serve with lettuce leaves and marinated cucumbers so guests can make their own steak wraps. (via The Recipe Critic)

Ham and Cheese Croissant Sliders

Balance out all those frilly salads at the potluck by serving a tray of ooey, gooey croissant sliders. Stuff them with ham and cheese, then brush with butter, top with poppy seeds, and bake until warm. We're salivating already. (via Crazy For Crust)

Montreal Steak and Pepper Kebabs Potluck Idea

Even inexpensive steak gets tenderized and flavorful, thanks to a zippy Montreal steak seasoning blend made with red wine vinegar. Stack your delicious steak cuts on a skewer among grilled veggies for a hearty potluck snack. (via Foodiecrush)

Blueberry Hand Pies

Blueberry hand pies are sturdy enough to remain intact even after a ride in the car. Use canned blueberry pie filling and store-bought pie crust for this potluck dessert if you're really pressed for time. (via Leite's Culinaria)

Easy Potluck Idea for Crustless Fresh Strawberry Pie

Embrace the flavors of summer with a crustless strawberry pie that puts the best fruit front and center. (via Averie Cooks)

Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars

Even if you don't keep M&M's and Oreos in your pantry, you can easily sub them out with your favorite candy bars for an equally scrumptious dessert. While you're picking up the candy for this recipe, buy a box of cookie mix to prep everything if you're really crunched on time. We won't tell. (via Averie Cooks)

No-Bake Nutella Pie

Feed dessert to a crowd without even turning on your oven with this easy recipe for fluffy, mousse-like, no-bake pie. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Potluck Recipe for Apple Nachos

Melted peanut butter over apples is a tasty, but healthy snack or dessert. Add cacao nibs and chopped nuts, and you're good to go. Feel free to swap the PB for seed butter if you can't have nuts! (via Trial and Eater)

Black Bean Corn Salsa

Your potluck partygoers will love sinking their teeth into this chunky medley of fresh veggies and black beans! Serve with tortilla chips, or use this salsa to drizzle atop a freshly grilled steak. (via Amanda Wilens)

Vegetarian Mexican Pinwheels

Make these Mexican pinwheels up to a full day in advance, or put them together right before you get to the party. Accommodating vegetarians has never been so easy. (via Sprinkles and Sprouts)

Best-Ever Italian Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is sure to be an exceptional pairing to whatever you've got going on the grill. (via The Girl On Bloor)

Buffalo Chicken Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw's tastier than ever when it gets a fiery kick from Buffalo sauce. Make this easy coleslaw recipe as a side dish to top sandwiches or meats with! (via Meg's Everyday Indulgence)

Chicken Salad with Cranberries

Chicken salad is a no-fail, always-fresh selection for potluck parties. This one achieves the ultimate balance between sweet and savory with the addition of cranberrries. (via The Fast Recipe)

Southern Style Mac & Cheese

What's a potluck without potluck sides that accentuate the main entrees? Southern Mac & Cheese is a comforting staple that everyone will be doubling back for. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip with Caramelized Onions

Dips are an essential add to any potluck spread and they're so easy for those of us who lose track of time. This savory take on the classic spinach dip is bound to be a crowd pleaser. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

S'mores Snack Mix

Just pour this yummy mix into a bowl and you're all set! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

​We're Back On The Outer Banks!

FINALLY! After a couple of seasons in the Caribbean and South America, Outer Banks is back, well, on the Outer Banks. Honestly, this automatically makes the season better because it provides a ton of familiarity, nostalgia, and comfort for readers. And it also provides a realistic, grounded aspect to the adventure. Because let's be honest, a group of teens hopping on a tiny plane and taking part in a jungle treasure hunt requires a little too much suspension of disbelief for me. Plus, just like Gossip Girl wouldn't be the same without Blair and Serena hitting up Bergdorf's, a Pogue beach & surfing day just feels right.

​The Pogues Open Their Own Bait, Tackle, & Deep Sea Charter Business

The first episode of Outer Banks season 4 catches us up on that season 3 time jump. After learning how much money they actually have their hands on, the Pogues move into JJ's old house (renaming it "Poguelandia 2.0"), and open a bait, tackle, and charter shop. While I have a few questions about how six teens literally built a business without the help of a contractor, I love seeing this group lead regular lives. The shop plays into their strengths and allows them to cultivate their relationships in normal settings instead of life-or-death ones. Friendships are made in those boring moments, IMO.

​The Group Is Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

After Outer Banks season 3, the one thing I said I didn't want the show to do was go into supernatural, ghost territory. And for a moment, I thought that's where we were going. Wes Genrette and his son-in-law Chandler Groff hire the Pogues to find Blackbeard's treasure, but it doesn't take long for them to realize they're in over their heads (again).

Wes is a direct descendent of Francis Genrette, the man responsible for killing Blackbeard and his wife Elizabeth. Now, Elizabeth haunts every generation of the Genrette family, and once she appears, you don't have long to live. Wes reveals his daughter Larissa (Chandler's late wife) saw Elizabeth a week before she died, and Wes himself has seen her, which means his days are numbered.

At the end of part 1, the Pogues are on a mission to find Elizabeth's amulet & break the curse, which also puts them on track to find the Blue Crown. Their race against Lightner and Dalia brings Pope, Cleo, Sarah, and John B. to Charleston — and leavesPope and Sarah trapped in a crypt as it slowly floods.

Turns out, Chandler Groff was behind the ghost murders the whole time, something Shoupe should have clocked a long time ago.

​John B., JJ, And Their Friends Have A Beach Day Run-In With The Kooks

Because so much of Outer Banks season 4 takes place on the OBX, it means John B., Sarah, JJ, Kie, Pope, and Cleo are once again clashing with Topper, Rafe, and the rest of the Kooks. Despite the fact this season features plenty of death-defying stunts, the scene that will stick with me the most is when the Pogues and Kooks wind up at the same beach access.

I audibly gasped when Ruthie, Topper's new girlfriend, plays chicken with the Pogues on the beach, almost hitting Kiara with her Jeep and running over a turtle hatch in the process. (IRL, protecting endangered sea turtles & their hatches are a big deal on the Outer Banks, so this definitely got a visceral reaction from me).

At the end of the day, the major (and arguably, the most painful) conflict of this teen drama is how the Kooks make the Pogues feel like they don't belong anywhere. And if you ask me, exploring this tension and these relationships is where the show truly shines.

Lightener Is Determined To Take Out The Pogues

That being said, I found the villains this season, Lightner and Dalia, to be way scarier than I expected — especially once Lightner killed Terrance and almost killed Cleo. Every time he showed up onscreen, my heart started pounding like he was chasing me! The thought of being stuck in my bait shop alone with a creepy guy, especially one brandishing a knife? Thank you, next.

​Luke Returned To The Outer Banks

After JJ & Kiara said goodbye to JJ's dad Luke in Outer Banks season 2, he's been totally off the grid. Except, apparently, he hasn't? JJ learns Luke is back when he visits Barracuda Mike, but the father-son bonding quickly takes a turn for the crazy when Luke drops a piece of news that changes everything: he isn't JJ's biological father. Chandler Groff is.

JJ Has Actually Been A Kook This Whole Time

JJ's entire character is based around the fact he's proud to be a Pogue. He hates the Kooks and everything they stand for, which is why when Luke reveals he isn't JJ's biological father, and that JJ is related to the Groff/Genrette clan, it totally sends JJ into orbit.

JJ Destroys Downtown

And by "sends JJ into orbit," I mean he literally destroys downtown Kildare...with a baseball bat (okay Steve Harrington!).

This Kook identity is something JJ's been running from the entire series — even before Kie had to reassure him that finding the gold didn't make them Kooks — and he's going to have to do some serious soul searching to figure out who he actually is now.

I was wholly sold on the theory Outer Banks 4 would reveal JJ and Sarah were siblings, but this is a pretty good alternative. And who knows? Maybe they're actually cousins.

​Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

If this show has proven anything, it's that the OBX is far from paradise. This season, some big names are trying to turn The Cut — including Poguelandia 2.0 — into an extension of the wealthier Figure Eight. Things get even more complicated when Hollis, who worked with Ward before he died, wants to trick Rafe into being her financial partner...and then gets his girlfriend Sofia to convince him to sign her contract.

Rafe Proposes To Sofia...And Then Breaks Up With Her

It doesn't take long for Rafe to learn Hollis tricked him. And despite proclaiming his love for Sofia, proposing, and telling her nothing could get in the way of their relationship, Rafe breaks up with her and kicks her out of his home the second he finds out she conned him. Messy, messy.

The one silver lining is that it sends Rafe back to Sarah and her friends! Is he finally turning into the kind and protective older brother fans want him to be?

Sarah Learns She's Pregnant

After she starts feeling sick, Sarah takes a pregnancy test that comes back positive...and Kiara immediately finds out. Despite the fact adding a baby to the Outer Banks dynamic is a wild concept, this is exactly the kind of domestic, sweet ending I would have hoped for Sarah and John B. And Kiara's statement that Sarah's going to be an amazing mom? I couldn't agree more.

The Pogues Head To Morocco

Remember how excited I was for the Pogues to return to the Outer Banks? Well, that doesn't last long because in the final episode of Outer Banks season 4, the group heads to Morocco to find the Blue Crown. It's definitely not smooth sailing, but I really love seeing John B. and Sarah, Pope and Cleo, and JJ and Kiara work in their pairs.

​Rafe Begins His Redemption Arc

Drew Starkey admitted after season 1 that he didn't care whether Rafe got a redemption arc, and I agreed at the time. I found the idea of Rafe, who was so driven to please his father he'd literally murder for him, incredibly compelling. Plus, he's been the ringleader of the War on Pogues this whole time, so suddenly making him sympathetic towards them felt like backtracking on his character.

Rafe still has his moments (like saying he'd never date a Pogue after finding out Sofia was from The Cut), but now that him and Sarah are finally moving towards reconciling, it seems like we could actually be getting a Rafe redemption after all. But that doesn't mean I want Kiara and Rafe to get together. Let's keep things platonic people!!

JJ Dies In Kiara's Arms

If you're a fan of OBX, or you've been on the internet at all over the last week, then you already know where this is going. After the group splits up, it's total chaos. Pope ends up killing Lightener after Cleo's wounded, while JJ finds the Blue Crown.

When Chandler Groff threatens Kiara, JJ gives up the treasure in exchange for Kie — and Chandler kills him for no reason anyway. Fans went wild over the season 4 ending, and more than one told me they were heartbroken. Outer Banks will never be the same, that's for sure.

"Revenge"

After they bury JJ's body, the group gathers around a campfire and acknowledges that if any of them had died, JJ wouldn't rest until they were avenged. Kiara stands up, looks into the fire, and mutters "revenge" before the screen cuts to black.

Season 5 is going to be one wild ride, because based on Kiara's pure, white hot anger, and Rafe's love of all things vengeful, I can only imagine what kind of havoc this group is going to wreak on Chandler Groff.