A Peek Inside Our Halloween Bash With Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard

Hi friends! Brit here, founder of Brit + Co. I love Halloween because it's one of the most creative holidays, when you can really express yourself and have some fun no matter what age. This year our team had a blast throwing the ultimate Halloween party with co-hosts and all around good people Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, who launched their organic baby line Hello Bello this year. My husband Dave and I sat with them to chat about everything from this year's family costume to their parenting and marriage tips (more on that) to Frozen spoilers and more. As you can see from my costume, I am beyond excited for Frozen 2 to hit theaters Nov. 22!

We kicked off our fright fest with plenty of haunted DIY stations, ghoulish activities, creepy decor, and of course, fun DIY costumes. The food was spooktacularly cute too: candy apples, mozzarella witch fingers, chocolate spider cookies and jalapeño mummies. My favorites were the pumpkin mac and cheese and the classic “worms in chocolate dirt” dessert.

We all got our DIY on, Halloween style! Kids made their own spooky masks, haunted balloon ghosts with LED lights, and they even scored a DIY trick or treat bag with vinyl decals for decoration. Our face painters and balloon artist conjured up all kinds of cool costume props, designs, and haunted hats. Here’s my little guy with his balloon sword and DIY Tic Tacs costume.


As we sat down to chat with our co-hosts, we learned more about Hello Bello. The brand originated from Kristen and Dax's passion for making plant-based baby products that are accessible to everyone. All Hello Bello products (diapers, bubble bath, wipes, lotion and a really great sunscreen) focus on sustainability, natural ingredients, and affordable prices. Walmart stocks them nationwide, or you can buy from their website. They also donate diapers to organizations dedicated to getting kids the things they need. This week, they announced a 20 percent discount for all first responder families to support fire victims, and those risking their lives to save their communities.

Kristen and Dax have two kids, ages four and six. Their best parenting tip: "Have patience. Breathe deep. One strategy is not going to work for two human beings [about raising two kids]. Stay flexible," said Dax. For couples ready to hit the aisle: "Go into it knowing it's a beating,” said Dax. “But it's worth it. You gotta go in knowing it's going to be endless work. It’s just like your body: you're not going to work out, have that perfect six pack, and never have to exercise again.” They did a family costume this Halloween, as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The little ones dressed up as Rudolph and a Christmas tree. Even the dogs went as elves and a snowman!

Of course, we had to talk about a little thing called Frozen 2. "Frozen has matured with its audience,” said Kristen. “It's a little bit more dramatic this time, as you can see from the previews. It's still a story about the sisters, but we're no longer in Arendelle, and Elsa has started to hear a mysterious voice calling to her. You will meet a lot of new characters and you’ll learn a lot about their past, and what will threaten the kingdom.” Kristen shared. Spoiler alert: We’re also in store for some really amazing songs, including one by her!

What a phenomenal night. Huge thank you to our co-hosts: the Hello Bello team, Kristen Bell, and Dax Shepard. Hope y’all had a very Happy Halloween!

Until next year!

Brit

Photography by Brittany Griffin and Anne Carney

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard family photo from @kristenanniebell




We love Halloween here at Brit + Co, I mean really love it. And we also embrace the celebrations in all of their forms, from IRL blow-out bashes to WFH office parties. If you've got a virtual Halloween party to attend on Zoom with your remote team or friends across the country, here's how to get dolled up for the best costuming and celebrating from a Zoom-y distance. Keep reading for fun ways to dress up with wigs, makeup, and festive tops without having to worry about what you've got on the bottom — basically, the costume version of a mullet. Happy Halloween!

Brit + Co

Pirate

Ahoy, matey! Just grab a red scarf, eyepatch, striped shirt and a fishtail side braid for this classic and super easy costume.

Brit + Co

Flamingo

This makeup is on point. Here's how to DIY this feathery look.

Brit + Co

Unicorn

Fulfill your magical dreams with this DIY unicorn costume.

Brit + Co

Cleopatra

Stand out with a costume that's part-Ancient Egyptian, part-badass babe. With some eyeliner and well-chosen accessories, you'll be able to craft up a Queen-of-Egypt-inspired Halloween costume that's sure to blow your Zoom party guests away.

Brit + Co

Rosie the Riveter

White button down and red polka dot headscarf, easy peasy. For the hair, pin up half of your hair and twist it up into a bun. Then take the rest of your hair and create another bun a little lower on your head. Top the look off with the scarf, and you'll be riveting in no time. :)

Brit + Co

Princess Leia

Best buns on the planet! Create this iconic hairdo with this easy hair hack.

Brit + Co

Elsa

Does Frozen still melt your heart? Be everyone's favorite snow queen with this DIY costume.

Brit + Co

Holly Golightly

Top off your top knot with a tiara, then add a LBD, pearls, coffee and sunnies.

Brit + Co

Angry Bird

We've seen this costume before, but this look is too dang cute to pass up. Especially when all you need is a yellow wig and some craft supplies. Draw out the face onto felt and cut it out, then glue the head piece to a headband. Everything else can be taped to the wig.

Brit + Co

Creepy Clown

Whether you're going for a clown or a mime vibe, this kinda creepy, kinda cute look will achieve all of your Halloween dreams.

Brit + Co

Day of the Dead

Dress up as a Dia de los Muertos sugar skull with this easy DIY tutorial.

Brit + Co

Lady Gaga

It's been quite some time since Gaga donned her signature bow, but we'll never get enough of it. Head to our Hair Bow tutorial here for the full how-to.

Brit + Co

Pumpkin

Okay, this may be really, really basic, but it is a Halloween staple. Plus, it's the one time of year you can wear all orange, all the time. Grab an orange wigand go!

Brit + Co

Queen of Hearts

Ace this Queen of Hearts costume with ared wig or red spray dye!

Brit + Co

Frenchie From Grease

Here's an excuse to break out that cute pink wig in your closet. Add a Pink Ladies jacket and bubble gum and you're ready for beauty school!

Brit + Co

Strawberry Shortcake

You can go with the full Strawberry Shortcake costume or just order a pink wig and bonnet— then add freckles and a pink top and you're Zoom ready!

Brit + Co

Pop Art

If you are looking to really up your costume game and stand out on Zoom, go for this pop art makeup look. Pop on some comic leggings (totally WFH-friendly!) and yellow wig too.

Brit + Co

Vampire

Don a black lip and eye makeup, then use that same eye makeup or black face paint to create a faux widow's peak. Spooky!

Brit + Co

Jem

We are as obsessed with our '80s cartoon characters as we are with wig costumes. For bright pink tresses, Jem is an absolute must!

Brit + Co

Cruella de Vil

This fierce villain oozes style, even if she is totally evil. Use spray hair dye on half of your head, then top off the look with red gloves, a faux fur coat, cigarette holder and a little Dalmatian. Oh, and that evil cackle is essential.

Brit + Co

Kitty

Every girl's backup costume is also the perfect Zoom costume. We made our ears by attaching black foam ears to a headband, but you can easily find a readymade option at just about any store this time of year. Get the full Black Cat makeup tutorial right here.

Brit + Co

Witch

Don a black witch hat and follow this makeup tutorial for this spooky cool green witch.

Brit + Co

Black Swan

The hair hack here is that slick top knot and the crowning tiara, though the key to the whole scene is obviously those crazy eyes. Here's a great tutorial right herefor gals who want to go all out.

Brit + Co

Minion

Learn how to get the look of the cutest minion costume ever!

Brit + Co

Katy Perry circa 2014

Or go for any of Katy Perry's Dark Horse video costumes with these Brit + Co DIYs.

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Brit + Co

Mad Hatter

This Mad Hatter costume is pretty easy to replicate. Grab a brown jacket from your closet, orange wig and top hat. The thread holster is made by stringing thread spools onto yarn and draping it over the shoulder. The makeup is an understated version inspired by the original, but really easy to recreate. And yes, those are fake eyelashes as eyebrows!

Brit + Co

Mime

You can just stay on mute!

Brit + Co

Pippy Longstocking

Recreate Pippy's completely insane pig tails with this easy DIY trick.

Brit + Co

Barbie

Your co-workers will immediately get the idea once you show up with your pink visor, watercolor swimsuit and bike shorts outfit! They may even get a little jealous!

Brit + Co

Poison Ivy

"That girl is poison" best describes former botanist turned green seductress Poison Ivy. See how you can DIY this costume here!

Brit + Co

Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy

Maybe you prefer to be a bada**, take no prisoners green goddess like Gamora from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. For fun, you can try your hand at method acting by acting like her during your virtual Halloween party. Just try to keep the sarcasm on the lighter side.

Brit + Co

Minions

To make things more fun, you and a few co-workers can dress up as Minions! It's a DIY-costume that's inexpensive and funny.

Brit + Co

The Sanderson Sisters

Hocus Pocus is basically life for the Brit + Co team so it only makes sense to show up to your virtual Halloween party wearing one of the above costumes!

Planning any virtual Halloween gatherings? Share your costumes with us @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial

Things are heating up betweenSelena Gomez and Benny Blanco since late last year to the surprise of some, but it seems like the couple's romance is just getting started. They're not shy about PDA and posting each other on social media and pretty much telling anyone who doesn't like it to get lost. We love how fiercely supportive they are of each other, giving us so many good green flags! Here's everything we know about the lovely new couple so far.

Keep reading For The Latest News On Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco's Relationship

Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco's Relationship Timeline:

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

March 2019

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco first collaborated on the song "I Can't Get Enough" along with Tainy and J. Balvin in 2019. Though they were featured in a cute scene together, there weren't any rumors about them being romantically linked then.

August 2023

They didn't work together again until late summer 2023 when he produced Selena's single "Single Soon" with Cashmere Cat.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

December 2023

Before 2023 ended, Selena started leaving comments on Instagram that suggested she and Benny Blanco were in fact together. One of the comments she left appear on this Instagram fan page and it reads, "He is my absolute everything in my heart."

Some fans weren't so thrilled to see the two together though and they weren't afraid to express their opinions. But, this only prompted Selena to leave more comments that defended her relationship with Benny.

People grabbed a screenshot of one of the comments Selena responded that revealed the couple had been together for a while. "Not mad. It’s been 6 months bb. I will always defend my friends, family and fans till the day I die," she wrote. They even shared another screenshot from Selena's Instagram Story that showed her wearing a "B" ring on one of her fingers.

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME

December 15, 2023

Soon after that, Selena shared a photo carousel on Instagram that included some of her favorite moments in New York and Benny Blanco can be seen in BTS moments. The last picture of the carousel features them sharing a kiss in a black and white photo that basically confirms the responses the singer had for fans.

December 28, 2023

Before the new year began, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco spent some time at a cute art exhibit during a date. From the looks of things, it seemed like they discovered their love language of physical touch early on.

Presley Ann/Getty Images for GQ

January 2, 2024

Feeling the love of being with Selena, Benny Blanco took to Instagram Stories to officially signal that the two are dating. People grabbed a few more screenshots that Benny shared and all we can see is the happy glint that was in Selena's eyes.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

January 3, 2024

The next day the couple were seen court side at one of the Los Angeles Lakers' game. Once again, their love language was on full display in the most intimate way. A source revealed to People that they understood why people had so many opinions about Selena's relationship with Benny. "Everyone was a fan of hers before Only Murders [in the Building], and now everyone is protective of her."

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

January 15, 2024

Later that month, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco showed up to the Emmy Awards together. They were sitting side-by-side and weren't afraid to show affection with each other.

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for AFI

March 2024

When Benny Blanco's birthday rolled around, Selena Gomez shared a sweet message to him on Instagram. She wrote, "Happy birthday baby! Your emotional endurance, positive disposition, unbelievable talent (that blows me away), undeniable humor and loving, kind heart absolutely kill me. I love you @itsbennyblanco 🎂🥹."

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

April 2024

Although we're only four months into the new year, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship is still going strong! The Only Murders in the Building star has been seen smiling in every pic she posts which indicates she's genuinely happy in her relationship. A source hinted to People that the two are doing well. "It’s a very serious relationship, and they’re making long distance work while she’s in New York for work commitments," they said.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Spotify

April 25, 2024

In an interview with WSJ, Benny Blanco gave his POV of how his relationship with Selena Gomez began and it was the cutest revelation. "It’s crazy how your partner could just be sitting there the whole time, right in front of your eyes...And then you have a Clueless moment where you're like, Wait, I'm in love," he says.

A man who compares his relationship to that moment in Clueless where Cher and Josh admit their feelings for each other gets brownie points from us!

May 15, 2024

It looks like Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship may be ready for the next step — that's if you ask Mr. Blanco. He appeared on The Howard Stern Show yesterday to chat about everything, including his relationship with Selena. When Howard Stern asked, "You want to have kids with Selena? Have you told her you want to have kids yet," Benny replied, "That’s my next goal, to check the box. I have a ton of godkids. I've got a ton of nephews. I love being around kids."

However, he's not in a rush and wants everything to happen naturally. All that matters is that the two of them are in each other's life. He said, "I just know that when I look at her, I just say, ‘I don’t know a world where it could be better than this.’ That’s what I always say to her.”

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

May 29, 2024

Selena Gomez tells TIME just how much Benny Blanco means to her — no matter what anyone else says. "My own fans, who I adore and feel like have shaped who I am, will say the most hurtful things to me about how I live my life," she says. "But he has the strength in him that none of that noise fazes him. It’s really impressive, and I just cherish every moment with him. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that he’s not going anywhere any time soon.”

Selena Gomez/Instagram

October 27, 2024

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco looked amazing in their Alice in Wonderland couple's Halloween costume. "Curiouser and curiouser," Selena wrote on the post, which is totally reminding us of Taylor Swift's 1989 (hello "Wonderland"!!!).

Selena wore a corset dress in what looks like slate blue with cap puffed sleeves and a tulle skirt, along with a blonde wig, black bow, and slingback shoes. Benny went all out as the Mad Hatter with face paint, a wig, a top hat, and a waistcoat. We'd follow them down the rabbit hole!

November 11, 2024

Benny Blanco's been featured in People's'Sexiest Man Alive' issue and we're kind of feeling it! What started off as an unlikely choice for Selena has turned into a deep understanding of why she loves him so much. The man is an excellent host, cook, and gentleman which makes him an off-the-charts lover. And when it comes to date night, he believes in making sure every time is special. "I [still] go all out for every date. It doesn't mean spending your entire bank account. It means being attentive and listening," he said.

His most memorable dates with Selena involve the times she "rented out a whole botanical garden" and he "got her Taco Bell" before proceeding to make her "movie-theater nachos" and deep-frying her "favorite pickles from Texas" for Valentine's Day.

He also gushed about his favorite time of the day. "I'm a real morning person. It's my favorite time to spend with Sel, because we both wake up really early. It's like our moment before the rest of the world wakes up." Not only that, but the music producer is thrilled he has "a true best friend" he gets to spend his life with.

What do you think about Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship?Follow us on Facebook for more celebrity news!

This post has been updated.

We have a serious appreciation for all things creative, like these plus-size Halloween costumes, and we have a hunch you’ll love some of our newest finds, too. Afterward, if you still haven’t decided on which costume to wear this Halloween, gather your group of besties and get their opinion — or, better yet, pick out a group Halloween costume, and you can all dress up together! Here are 40 of the most curve-lovin’ (and seriously hot) plus-size Halloween costumes you’ll find out there this season.

Yandy

Cruella de Vil

Cruella de Vil will always hold a special place among our most-feared villains, right alongside Voldemort and Ursula. After all, she’s going after puppies! But on Halloween, the celebration of the gruesome and morbid, this evilness equates to fabulousness, and we’ll more than forgive you for dressing up like her… just this once.

Walmart

Maleficent

Channel your deepest, darkest powers and channel your inner Maleficent this Halloween. “So you see, the story is not quite as you were told.”

Amazon

Cozy Deer

Wait, so we can look cute *and* be toasty-warm?! We’re sayin’ yes to this fuzzy zip-up.

Yandy

Sexy Stewardess

Get ready for liftoff in this flight attendant costume. If you’re a travel-lover, this is the perfect way to bring your passion into your costume.

Brit + Co

DIY Jessica Rabbit Costume

This has to be the ultimate curvy bombshell character to channel on Halloween. The dress, gloves, hair, and makeup are bold and will definitely put your bangin’ bod front and center. (via Brit + Co)

Amazon

Sexy Kitty

Frisky attitude not included. This plus size Halloween costume might look simple, but it’s anything but basic.

Amazon

Flapper Girl

There’s nothing as fun — and a little dangerous — as the glitz and glamour of the ’20s. Throw on a long string of pearls or do your makeup to look like a ghostly flapper for that extra creative edge.

Brit + Co

DIY Ursula Costume

We’ll always be a sucker for classic Disney costumes. And if you want to give Ursula that extra-special take, you can follow this relatively simple DIY for the costume contest win! (via Brit + Co)

Halloween Costumes

Sea Siren Mermaid

This is — hands down — one of the best mermaid costumes we’ve ever seen. From the form-fitting metallic mermaid “tail” to the bustier top, this is for sure a look to emulate if you want to flaunt your curves.

Yandy

Storybook Alice

Down the rabbit hole you go this Halloween. You never know what’s going to happen when you channel this fairytale classic!

Halloween Costumes

Sea Siren

You had us at gold, sequins, and tulle. Oh, and we’re always down to rule the sea!

Amazon

Ninja

Pop off this Halloween in a comfortable disguise that’s both sleek and sexy.

Amazon

Beauty And The Beast Belle

We’ll always love our classic Disney princesses, especially this beauty.

Amazon

Minnie Mouse

You don’t need a Mickey to look fly as heck in a retro-inspired Minnie Mouse getup.

Amazon

Empress Divine

One of the best reasons to dress up as an ancient Egyptian is obviously the cat-eye makeup.

Amazon

Goth Red Riding Hood

Pay homage to one of your favorite fairy tales with a sexy twist. Plus, if you haven’t worn a cape before, you truly haven’t lived.

Amazon

Flirty Cop

It may be illegal to impersonate a police officer, but no one ever said a flirty cop was off-limits!

Halloween Costumes

Cinderella Fairy Godmother

We could all use a fairy godmother, albeit notthis scheming one from Shrek. Still, this is a hilarious costume, and we’re definitely eyeing that wand and wig combo.

Yandy

Commando Cutie

Serve your country by wearing this retro army green uniform.

Amazon

Harley Quinn

We’re impressed with the mismatched thigh-highs and color-coordinated armbands on this plus-size Halloween costume.

Amazon

Cozy Bat Costume

The name of this costume says it all. If you’re in the mood to prioritize comfort, you’ll feel extra-snuggly in this cozy bat costume.

Amazon

Ghostbuster

If you loved the all-female Ghostbusters as much as we did, grab your friends and go as the whole crew. The best part? On Halloween, there will be plenty of monsters to bust, which makes a great conversation-starter!

Amazon

Queen Bee

Everyone at this year's Halloween party will be buzzing about you in this flattering bee costume. You are the queen, after all!

Amazon

Poison Ivy

Wow, here’s a sexy take on the evil Poison Ivy.

Amazon

Oktoberfest Fraulein

The beer maid costume is always a safe choice. It’s cute and classic, and you get to wear pigtails.

Yandy

Sexy Nurse

They’ll need a nurse after you knock ’em out with this costume!

Amazon

Snow White

If you’re going to wear this outfit out on the town, you’ll definitely have at least seven admirers following you wherever you go.

Amazon

Pinup Sailor

Sail the open seas with this cute and comfy sailor costume. This retro getup is all about the accessories!

Yandy

Miss Muerte

Another way to celebrate Halloween is to celebrate the dead. Do it in style with this awesome costume.

Amazon

Cozy Skeleton

If you’re into traditional bones, this comfy number will surely scare the living dead out of you.

Amazon

Grease Pink Lady

This is the perfect Halloween costume for when you don’t really want to dress up. Flats? Check! Awesome jacket to keep you warm? Double check!

Walmart

Supergirl

No one is going to mess with you in this costume, and you just might feel faster than a speeding bullet.

Halloween Costumes

Spanish Senorita

With plenty of sass and a whole lot of ruffles, this costume will have you dancing for joy.

Amazon

Mrs. Incredible

Be your own superhero with this sleek Elastigirl costume. You would look totally incredible in it.

Amazon

Dark Alice

We wouldn’t drink the tea that this Alice serves. While we do love the original blue that Disney’s Alice wears, we are really digging this all-black dress too.

Amazon

Batgirl

Trick-or-treat in the name of justice! Grab Superman and bring him along too, because you two are friends now, remember?

Amazon

Hippie

Keep this Halloween totally tubular by donning this adorable retro dress with go-go boots and a fun '70s eye makeup look!

Amazon

Friday The 13th Miss Voorhees

If you’re team Jason, then you need to buy this sexy number. While we’re not sure who would ultimately win this fight, we’re sure this outfit is already winning our hearts.

Walmart

Justice League Wonder Woman

While Superman is cool and all, we are particularly fond of Wonder Woman. She’s a badass chick that we are ready to represent. Flying an invisible jet doesn’t hurt, either.

Yandy

Cat Burglar

Feeling feisty? Go classic cat with a twist. Meeeow.

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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 with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Major Outer Banks season 4 spoilers ahead!

ICYMI, Outer Banks season 4 dropped its second half on November 7, and fans have a lot of very strong feelings about it. Despite the fact JJ's entire character arc is about defiance, hope, and being the ultimate Pogue, Outer Banks season 4 ended with his biological dad, a kook named Chandler Groff, killing him in cold blood.

It's an absolutely devastating ending for everyone's favorite character, and fans are having a hard time coping with the loss. The fact we only got 10 episodes of JJ and Kiara together (a relationship written into the show after viewers picked up on the chemistry between Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey) makes it even worse — and a lot of fans are saying they won't watch the show again.

"I can’t even watch the previous seasons anymore knowing how it all ends," viewer Jordyn Bruder says in an email. "JJ was the literal heart of OBX and he was the glue that held the Pogues together. There is no OBX without JJ."

Outer Banks Fan Reactions To JJ's Death

​In which episode does JJ die?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

JJ dies at the end of Outer Banks season 4 episode 10, "The Blue Crown" after rescuing Kiara from his father Chandler Groff. "I feel mad, betrayed, disappointed and heartbroken to say the least," Bruder adds. "JJ went through a lot of crap through the show and he was the one character who deserved his happy ending the most. When the series first came out, people fell in love with JJ and [Kiara]."

While the cast obviously found out about the ending while filming, fans are frustrated with how they chose to promote the show. "Obviously the cast can’t spoil a character death, but to blatantly lie and mislead fans by saying that Jiara was 'evergrowing' and fans would be happy with how the season plays out?" Bruder says. "Jiara fans deserved so much better than what we got, ESPECIALLY when they knew they were killing JJ off."

Why are Outer Banks fans so upset?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The show is the kind of phenomenon that made instant stars out of its cast, but it also made waves because of how the first season portrayed issues like classism, substance abuse, and domestic abuse. "As someone who has been around domestic abuse, I think the handling of the character JJ was detrimental culturally," another fan (who would like to remain anonymous) says. "The character suffered abuse at the hands of a man who was not even his biological father, and the writers almost framed it as if that was okay because in the beginning, his father loved him. Instead of telling a story to victims of abuse about hope and making it through trials, the writers went the opposite way. I also find it interesting that they stated this was a planned death. I think writing a character who is suffering from anxiety and clear mental health issues as well as abuse who is very young like JJ only to let him fall in love and kill him right when he starts to feel happiness doesn’t necessarily make a lot of sense narratively."

Another viewer adds that ending JJ's story that way felt "disrespectful...especially when in an interview following the episode, one of the creators literally referred to his death as pointless." She even says "it feels almost like the show died along with him."

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Actress Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron) called JJ the "heart of Outer Banks"and for a lot of fans, JJ also became a beacon of hope, a reminder that you can endure, persevere, and come out stronger on the other side. Since the first season of the show dropped during April 2020, it's been one consistent, fun thing for TV fans since the COVID-19 pandemic began, which makes the loss feel even greater.

"Seeing him die at the hands of another abusive father was honestly kind of sickening," the viewer adds. "It’s also unfortunate that his death didn’t seem to mean anything. A character death like this would be one thing if it meant something. If he had died protecting his friends or actively protecting Kiara, rather than having already saved her and then getting killed afterward, it might’ve be easier to get past."

"It’s like a connection to something good and steady was just broken," X user @onlykiep4l says. "Killing a character that has literally gone trough so much trauma and was finally happy just doesn’t make sense. It’s not just the character that’s gone — it feels like a part of the show has ended too."

Why does JJ get killed off?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Rumors have been circulating for years about behind-the-scenes drama between actors Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey, which has fans believing Rudy asked to be written off the show(for the record, Outer Banks creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke have said it was the plan from the beginning). With Rudy's exit, the writers had a difficult choice in front of them. JJ isn't the kind of guy to abandon his friends, meaning the writers obviously felt like killing him was the only option. But according to an additional viewer, "Outer Banks hasn't been that type of show."

"To attempt to turn this fun, summer, boat show into some dark, depressing story where the heart of the show is gone destroys everything that the show started out as," she says.

Another anonymous fan calls the choice "a character assassination," adding other moments from the season that feel like a different character than the one fans have come to love: barely reacting to John B. and Sarah's pregnancy announcement, or to the fact Rafe had come to talk to Kiara — especially after his reaction to Rafe catcalling Kie in the first season is a moment that led fans to ship them in the first place.

The fan continues by calling JJ's treatment a "lack of respect" toward the character. "The fact that the writers tried to make us dislike him, to soften the blow of him dying. It didn’t work. It has everyone distraught because many people’s favorite character ended up dying after 'finding happiness' for about 10 minutes in Episode 10."

​Does Sarah get pregnant in Outer Banks season 4?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

But JJ's death isn't the only moment that has fans reeling. In addition to the fact viewers are saying the Pogues barely reacted to the death of their lifelong best friend, Pope is now a murderer and Kiara makes an absolutely chilling vow to get revenge on Groff — a far cry from the characters we fell in love with in season 1.

"Outside of the JJ of it all, a lot of plot lines/dynamics in part 2 felt off," one of our anonymous fans continues. "Sarah’s pregnancy plot line, especially when coupled with the quote from a creator about ‘giving her a baby specifically because she wasn’t ready’ feels incredibly tone deaf given the current state of things here in the US. The fact that there wasn’t even a conversation of if she wanted to continue with the pregnancy felt very icky. Overall, episodes 1-4 of this season did feel like Outer Banks, but everything after that felt like it was from an entirely different piece of media."

Jackson Lee Davis/NetflixYep, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Just Killed Off THAT Character

However, some fans are excited to see where the show goes from here. "JJ was such a strong character and his presence will obviously be missed, [but] I am excited to see how the Pogues react and what they do to get revenge on Groff," Virginia McGrew says in an email. "I also think that the scene of JJ dying with Kiara was extremely well done and emotional, making his passing even sadder. I ultimately believe that JJ’s passing serves as a reminder of the themes the show."

"JJ made the group even more aware of friendship, the importance of chosen family, and loyalty, which was seen throughout the season and especially in the finale," she continues. "Now that he is gone, the other Pogues will have to step up even more, creating a shift in their dynamic. While many believe that Outer Banks might not be worth watching after this finale, I truly think that it is only going to get even deeper and more interesting."

Let us know your thoughts on the Outer Banks season 4 ending on TikTok. And check out why This Heartbreaking Outer Banks 5 Theory Makes THAT Death Even More Emotional.

Outer Banks season 4 part 2 finally dropped November 7, and after theories were swirling around our favorite Pogues — is Sarah pregnant? Will JJ die? Will the group FINALLY get their hands on some treasure (and NOT lose it?) — we got the answers we'd been waiting for. And unfortunately, not all of them were answers we wanted. Sarah is indeed pregnant but the Pogues finally avenged Terrance, but in the final moments of the Outer Banks season 4 ending, we also lost JJ which is something I literally can't believe I'm writing. JJ and Kiara are the one couple fans latched onto (and that the cast and crew never saw coming) and to finally see them in a relationship only to lose JJ 10 episodes later? I'm heartbroken.

Creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke recently revealed Outer Banks season 5 will be "an epic fifth and final season," and there's one theory going around that makes that finale even more emotional. Here's everything you need to know aboutOuter Banksseason 5. Bring it on home John B.!

Keep Reading For The Latest News On Outer Banks Season 5

  • Outer Banks season 5 will be the last season of the hit Netflix show.
  • The series will follow Kiara and the Pogues getting revenge on Chander Groff for JJ's death.
  • Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke say "it will be our best [season] yet."

Is JJ really dead?

@unsiredd#obx#outerbanks#jjmaybank#johnbroutledge#johnb#sarahcameron#obx4#fyp#foryou#fireworks♬ Where'd All the Time Go? - Dr. Dog

There are a few theories about how Outer Banks season 5 will handle JJ's death (aside from Kiara's chilling vow to get revenge, of course). Some fans have their fingers crossed the group will use the Blue Crown to wish him back to life, while others are holding onto hope he was simply unconscious. But there's one theory that stands out among the rest to me: JJ is really dead, and this whole time, John B.'s narration has been telling his unborn child about his namesake.

The show teased Sarah and John B. will name their baby JJ, and since Outer Banks is all about family, friendship, and spending time with one another, the reveal that all along, Outer Banks has been the story of the Pogues' adventures would literally be the perfect way to send them off. I'm literally crying just thinking about it.

Will there be a 5th Outer Banks?

Yes, we're getting a fifth and final season of Outer Banks coming to Netflix soon. While we don't have an official release date yet, we're expecting to see the last installment in 2025 or 2026.

In their official letter "to all Pogues," creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke explain how a photo of teenagers on a beach during a power outage inspired them to create the hit show we've all come to know and love. "From this beginning, we imagined a mystery that would lead to a five-season journey of adventure, treasure hunting, and friendship," they say in an official letter. "At the time, seven years ago, it seemed impossible that we would really get to tell the whole five season story, but here we are, at the end of our fourth season, still chopping away."

"Now, with a little sadness, but also excitement, we're putting Season Four behind us and turning to Season Five, in which we hope to bring our beloved Pogues home in the way we imagined and planned years ago," they continue. "Season Five will be our last season, and we think it will be our best yet. We hope you'll join us for one more paddle out to the surf break."

I can't wait to see Outer Banks season 5, and TBH five seasons will round out the show perfectly considering each season focuses on a different Pogue. That means season 5 will probably focus on Sarah alongside Kiara's revenge. 👀 Stay tuned for all the OBX5 info you need to know.

Here's Yep, Outer Banks Season 4 Just Killed Off THAT Character in case you're still processing.