9 Easy Ways to Organize Your Kid’s Winter Clothes

Mittens, mittens everywhere. Your kiddo’s winter clothes are on the family room floor, under their dresser, falling out of the closet, and half stuffed into all the most accessible pockets on your purse. Before the winter-wear completely takes over your house, you need to make a change. Fortunately, we have you covered when it comes to painless organization ideas for your tot’s winter gear.

1. Buy a bench. Do your kids toss their boots off into… Well, you’re not really sure where they go, once they walk through the door. Give the littles a place to sit down and take off their winter footwear with a near-the-door bench. To make use of the vertical space, instead of a regular bench, choose a combo style that incorporates a storage shelf. Try: ClosetMaid Cubeicals 3-Cube Storage Bench ($62).

2. Create a clothesline space. Hang clothes along a laundry room or mud room wall. String up hats, mittens, wool socks, and other winter items with clothespins. Not only will you know where everything is, but soaking-wet snowy gear can dry while it’s hanging up! Try: Honey Can Do Retractable Clothesline ($11)

3. Install kid-height hooks. There’s no major mystery behind your child’s inability to hang up their coat: Your tiny tot simply can’t reach the adult-height hooks and hangers. The better able your child is to hang up their gear, the more likely they are to do it. Before adding coat hooks (which you can also use for mittens, scarves, and hats), measure your child’s reach. Try: AmazonBasics-Wall Mounted Coat Rack ($20)

4. Use shoe holders. Over-the-door clear plastic shoe holders are an ideal organization option for gloves, mittens, winter socks, and hats. Fold an item, stash it in a pocket, and pull it out when your child is ready to wear it again. The clear cover lets you see everything without having to guess what’s in where. Try: Whitmore 24-Pocket Over the Door Shoe Organizer ($13).

5. Stash snowy stuff in buckets. Label a plastic bucket with each item category (such as gloves, hats, or socks). Play a fun little matching game and ask your child to find the bin that goes with their gear. Along with holding the items, the bucket will catch and keep any melting snow. Try: Sterilite 10-Quart Bucket ($5)

6. Keep gear in cubbies. Daycare centers get it. Those completely cute bins that they use to stash the kids’ stuff in neat rows are genius. Create your own at-home cubby system, labeling one for each family member to keep your toddler’s mittens separate from your preschooler’s hat. Try: SimpleHouseware Foldable Cube Storage Bin ($17 for 6)

7. Put kitchen clips to good use. Use those oversized chip clips for something other than snacks. Clip together pairs of mittens or socks to efficiently organize them. You can also clip together hat and glove sets or pairs of boots. Try: OXO Good Grips Magnetic All-Purpose Clips ($7 for 4)

8. Hang everything together. Your toddler’s coat, hat, and mittens can all go on the same hanger. Designate one hanger for each family member, keeping all of their gear in one place. And, bonus, this is the perfect way to drip-dry your winter-wear. Just move the hanger over the tub or into the shower, letting the water go down the drain. Try: Neaties Heavy Duty White Plastic Hangers ($24 for 24)

9. Try swivel hooks. These multi-hook gizmos have arms that move in and out, allowing you to hang multiple items in one space. Add each family member’s items to one swivel hook set, or designate hooks for each type of gear. Try: Kes Metal Swivel Hook ($11)

How do you keep track of your child’s winter wear? Tweet us tips @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

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Salad isn't known as being a winter comfort food, but seasonal produce like persimmons, squash and pomegranate make *perfect* salad toppings this time of year. After indulging in holiday goodies for the last few weeks (months?), your body will be craving a nutrient-dense lunch or dinner this winter. Stay healthy and keep your immunity up by getting your veggie servings in for the day with these filling and delicious winter salads.

Quick and Easy Winter Salad Recipes We'll Be Making This Month

Harvest Cranberry, Persimmon and Burrata Salad

Half Baked Harvest

If you’ve never had a persimmon, get yourself to the farmers’ market and buy some this weekend. Kind of like an apple, they’re sweet and crisp and pair perfectly with creamy burrata (but let’s be real… what doesn’t pair perfectly with burrata?).

Warm Quinoa, Kale and Squash Salad With Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette

The Green Life

This salad features delicata squash, which is about to become your new favorite veggie. And you don’t need to peel it, which makes this salad a super convenient dinner tonight.

Herbed Kale Salad With Persimmon, Pomegranate and Maple-Cumin Dressing

The Bojourn Gourmet

If kale salad isn’t your jam, this recipe will change your mind. You can sub out the herbs for whatever you may have left over in your fridge to make this totally customizable.

Bourbon Roasted Pear Salad With Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts

The Suburban Soapbox

This salad will make up for every disappointing salad you have ever ordered or eaten. Pears are roasted with bourbon and brown sugar and then tossed with leafy greens, blue cheese and sweet, crunchy candied walnuts for a perfect holiday salad.

Candied Hazelnut, Kale, Apple and Bacon Salad

Self Proclaimed Foodie

This salad is next-level with its mix of textures and flavors. On Sunday, mix the kale and apple with the dressing and you’ll have lunch ready for the entire week.

Harvest Salad With Pomegranate Allspice Dressing

The View from Great Island

This salad makes a beautiful accompaniment to heavier dishes. The pomegranate dressing is fresh and tangy and pairs perfectly with creamy gorgonzola and sweet acorn squash.

Winter Kale Salad With Almond Butter Dressing

In It 4 the Long Run

You only need six ingredients for this winter salad. It's easy enough to double or triple for a get-together and healthy enough to get all your veggies for the day.

Roasted Butternut Squash Fall Kale Salad

Emilie Eats

Who said salads have to be greens-based? Take advantage of the bounty of winter squash at the market this time of year and make this drool-worthy salad for dinner this week.

Baby Kale Salad With Oranges, Pomegranate and Maple-Tahini Dressing

Can You Stay for Dinner?

This salad packs a nutritional punch that can't be beat. It's delicious too!

Roasted Mushroom and Romaine Salad

Cookin' Canuck

Super-simple ingredients make this comfort salad a go-to for busy weeknights. The mushrooms are tossed with olive oil, rosemary and garlic and then roasted for an earthy bite. Get your vitamin B fix and a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which helps to support the immune system. (via Cookin' Canuck)

Sweet Potato Pomegranate Salad

Two Peas and Their Pod

You *need* to make this potato salad right now. You’ll give the summer barbecue favorite an even yummier upgrade with sweet potatoes, feta cheese and pomegranates.

Brussels Sprouts & Kale Salad With Apple, Gorgonzola + Candied Pecans

Ambitious Kitchen

The best part about kale salads is they get better the longer they sit in dressing. If you’re hosting a dinner party, this salad is the great starter for that very reason.

Brussels Sprout Salad With Butternut Squash, Pomegranate and “Fried” Goat Cheese

Coley Cooks

Brussels sprouts may have gotten a bad rap in the past, but they are the *it* veggie this winter. The goat cheese is rolled in bread crumbs and baked to make this salad feel extra special while still being ultra healthy.

Twelve Superfoods Salad 

Averie Cooks

Winter reminds us of the hunting and gathering period that often occurs right before this time so our minds immediately thought of this superfoods salad. It has sunflower seeds, walnuts, edamame, kale, blueberries, grapes, olive oil and more in it, making it the perfect replenishing meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad With Rosemary Cider Vinaigrette 

The Original Dish

Satisfy your taste bud's desire for something that fulls robust and earthy this fall. This is one of those yummy winter salad recipes that's going to give you a bit of caramelized and spicy flavor so you'll almost feel like you're not eating something that's on the healthier side.

Follow us on Pinterest for more healthy meal ideas!

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.

The Outer Banks Season 4 Ending, Explained

  • Outer Banks season 4 part 2 premiered on Netflix November 7.
  • Among various plot twists, the series shocked viewers by killing off one fan favorite character.
  • Here's why the tragedy was "the overarching plan for the show."

Is Rudy Pankow leaving OBX?

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.’”

Is JJ coming back in season 5?

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."

Is Sarah pregnant in OBX 4?

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.

What's up with the rest of the Pogues?

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.

What's going to happen in Outer Banks season 5?

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.

The chilly weather sparks serious comfort food cravings, and vegans don't have to be left out in the cold. With a slew of meat alternatives, convincing vegan cheese, and a lot of creativity from vegan cooks, eating a vegan meal can be every bit as satisfying as traditional comfort food fare. Whether you’re craving filling pot pie or rich mac and cheese, these 23 vegan comfort food recipes will deliver when you need something a little more indulgent.

Minimalist Baker

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Jackfruit is that magical produce that seems to perfectly replicate meat in almost any dish. Thanks to its growing popularity, it's become relatively easy to find in grocery stores. Just make sure you buy a young green jackfruit in water, not brine or syrup. This is the key to achieving proper flavor and texture. Then all you need to do is sauté and add A LOT of barbecue sauce. (via Minimalist Baker)

Natural Girl, Modern World

Mushroom Stroganoff

Balance cozy carbs with nourishing vegetables in this mushroom stroganoff and you get the best of both worlds.

Ela Vegan

Vegan Chickpea Curry

When you mix chickpeas with eggplant, coconut milk, Indian spices, and rice you'll end up with the most satisfying vegan curry. When spicing your curry, be sure to select a blend that incorporates fresh spices to give you the maximum amount of health benefits and flavor.

Nutritional Foodie

Vegan Sweet Potato Nachos

It can be difficult to cut back on carbs when you’re vegan (or for anybody, really). Thankfully, sweet potato tortilla chips are here to solve that problem. Things get serious when you coat them in vegan cheese sauce and then pile them high with your favorite nacho toppings.

Hot for Food

Roasted Corn Chowder

Calling all ambitious chefs with leftover corn on the cob: This corn chowder is a bit involved to make but the results are 100 percent worth it. Corn kernels thicken the chowder that's scented with smoked paprika and thyme for a soothing bite with every spoonful.

Vegan in the Freezer

Dairy-Free Herbed Scalloped Potatoes

Potatoes baked into a casserole that's covered in a creamy white sauce is comfort food at its best. All you need to do is sprinkle a few herbs on top for a little somethin' extra.

Pinch of Yum

Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea Glow Bowl

This spiced bowl will soon be your new go-to for an ultra comforting, super nutritious, plant-based meal. There's so much deliciousness packed into this recipe that it'll be hard to pick your favorite part. Moroccan-spiced chickpeas are simmered in a sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes and then spooned atop couscous that's cooked and fluffed to perfection. Oh yeah, and there’s cucumber salad, some lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs to the max.

Vegetarian Ventures

Creamy Vegetarian White Chili

By this point in winter you probably want soup for every meal, and that's where this white chili comes in. It’s warm, filling, tasty, and not average in any way. Pro tip: Add lots of toppings for a wide variety of texture in your bowl.

This Savory Vegan

Vegan White Mac and Cheese

If you dream about a mac and cheese without the taste of nutritional yeast, this recipe will make your dreams come true. It turns out that the answer is vegan cream cheese and a dash of hot sauce. Who knew?! Now that the secret is out, feel free to share — and don’t forget to make seconds!

Fooduzzi

Buffalo Chickpea Pizza

Buffalo sauce and chicken is a match made in heaven. Buffalo sauce with roasted chickpeas is pretty darn good too. With a buffalo hummus base that incorporates just the right amount of spice, and a crispy cheesy topping, this recipe is about to be your new obsession.

Lazy Cat Kitchen

Vegan Pad Thai

Pad Thai is one of the easiest dishes to veganize because it already comes layered with an array of crunchy vegetables and cubes of tofu. The tricky part is substituting the fish sauce, but this is actually easier than it seems. You can either buy a non-fish-based fish sauce, or simply prepare your own by infusing soy sauce (or tamari) with a bit of seaweed and dried mushrooms.

Feasting on Fruit

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recreate a comforting, nostalgic childhood favorite with these gluten-free, vegan treats. You may even find you like them better than the original.

Veggies Don't Bite

Vegan Pizza Burrito

You’ll thank us later when you realize that this vegan pizza burrito is pretty much heaven wrapped in a burrito and placed on a plate. It’s also handy to grab when you have to eat on the run.

Munaty Cooking

Baked Aloo Samosas

Indian food is great because so much of it is already vegan. And samosas might be the ultimate choice because they can be an appetizer, a finger food, or a meal. Plus, they're concocted with a host of spices and dipping sauces that will keep your taste buds intrigued and wanting more.

Minimalist Baker

Vegan Sloppy Joes

If you never had sloppy joes growing up, there's no time like the present to give them a try. This warm sandwich is sweet, smokey, and savory all at once, and it can be made with everyday pantry items. This vegan version uses lentils instead of beef and is no less satisfying for it.

The Fitchen

Vegan Pot Pies With Cornbread Crust

Creamy veggies hide beneath a crispy cornbread crust in this quintessential comfort food dish. There will be nothing more satisfying than breaking through the cornbread with a spoon to enjoy that perfect filling-to-crust ratio.

The Works of Life

General Tso’s Cauliflower

Just when you think that everyone and their mother is tired of cauliflower recipes, General Tso’s cauliflower is here to revive the obsession. The cauliflower is marinated and then dusted in cornstarch and sesame seeds to form that crispy crust we all love. Now vegans and carnivores alike can get in on some of that General Tso’s action.

No Recipes

Vegan Spinach Dip

A blend of soft tofu with raw cashew nuts creates a satiny texture that's complemented by the spinach for an appetizer that tastes indulgent but won't have you regretting your snack choices.

Peas & Crayons

Vegan Grilled Cheese

Something about that ooey-gooey yumminess of grilled cheese is simply unbeatable. But the best part of this sandwich isn't even the cheese; it's the ability to be a blank canvas onto which you can add an array of herbs, spices, chutneys, pickles, and jellies. The world is your oyster here — go wild!

Karissa's Vegan Kitchen

Vegan Meatball Subs

When you wrap chickpea meatballs in carbs, smother them with marinara sauce, and top with a sprinkle of vegan Parm, the result is irresistible. If you make a huge batch of meatballs and then freeze them, this recipe becomes so simple that there's a high probability it will become your fave Friday night staple.

Gluten-Free Vegan Pantry

Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese

There's almost nothing better than veganized mac and cheese. This cheesy delight is a hug in a bowl and the exact thing you require on those days when you’re in need of a pick-me-up.

Minimalist Baker

One-Hour Vegan Pot Pies

This blogger says it all: “Delicious, flaky, veggie-packed vegan pot pies in less than one hour. That’s all you need to know."

Ambitious Kitchen

Lemon Blueberry Pistachio Cupcakes

Comfort food includes cupcakes. Opt for a magical combination like lemon, blueberry, and pistachio and watch the sparks fly.

If you can't get enough vegan comfort food in your life, follow us on Pinterest for more recipes!

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.

Keep reading for the full breakdown on the rumored Outer Banks cast drama between Madison Bailey and Rudy Pankow.

  • Outer Banks cast members Madelyn Cline, Chase Stokes, Madison Bailey, Rudy Pankow, Jonathan Daviss, Drew Starkey, and Carlacia Grant are incredibly close offscreen.
  • It seems drama started between Rudy and Madison after fans who shipped their characters started shipping the actors in real life.
  • And a variety of OBX fans think this drama is why Rudy chose to leave the show after season 4.

The Latest Update On The 'Outer Banks' Cast Drama

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?"

Why aren't Rudy and Madison friends anymore?

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."

Is there drama between the Outer Banks cast?

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.

When did Madison Bailey and Rudy Pankow meet?

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.

Did Rudy quit OBX?

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.

Don't let every December evening become a "Silent Night" – press play on our Christmas playlist! This Christmas playlist is the perfect companion to have on in the background while you're setting up the tree, decorating Christmas cookies, or wrappinggifts. I made sure to include a mix of traditional (think Bing Crosby) and contemporary (hello, Spice Girls) Christmas tracks so that each and every play will have a variety, but still get you in the holiday spirit.

Listen to our Christmas playlist here.

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" – Mariah Carey

It’s tiIiiime! This song is literally everywhere during Christmas. Its catchiness is unavoidable, but I know you love it all the same. Mariah’s most popular Christmas song has *got* to be on repeat as you embrace all things red and green this winter.

"Last Christmas" – Wham!

Another undeniable Christmas classic, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” is a mainstay in my personal Christmas playlist. It’s equal parts cheery and nostalgic. It’s 80s vibes all the way. I even added Remi Wolf’s more recent cover of “Last Christmas” to our Christmas playlist for added vibes, because this track is one I can just listen to over and over again.

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" – Andy Williams

This song reminds me of New York City during the holiday season – not that I’ve experienced it for myself, but Andy Williams’ deep, soothing voice brings forth those elegant feelings I associate with Christmas movies that depict NYC, like Elf and Home Alone 2. It’s energetic and highly illustrative, and a must-listen every year.

"Blue Christmas" – Elvis Presley 

Thanks to thePriscilla movie, the Elvis hype is way up in 2023. Work in his pouty “Blue Christmas” into your holiday song rotation this year to embrace the 50s aesthetic while you’re decorating the tree! Even if you’re not missing someone special this Christmas, the woeful lyrics are going to make you yearn.

"O Tannenbaum" – Vince Guaraldi Trio

This jazzy, Peanuts-approved instrumental track begs to be played as you’re sipping hot chocolate by the fire this Christmas. It provides a nice moment of calm no matter when you’re listening to it, which we all know is definitely needed amongst all the holiday hubbub.

"White Winter Hymnal" – Fleet Foxes

Though not explicitly a Christmas song, “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes is a winter playlist staple. Its folky instrumental work and vocals really channel the coziness we all associate with Christmas season. The consistent harmonies and tambourine beats will certainly put you in a calm, spirited mood this year if this track isn’t already on your radar.

"Auld Land Syne" – Guy Lombardo

Typically played at the end of the year to ring in the New Year, the original rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” done by Guy Lombardo plays through silky-smooth brass and woodwind arrangements that everyone will confide in this Christmas season. This is another very calming track, so play it when you’re moving at a slower pace.

"Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)" – Bing Crosby

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This island-inspired Christmas song is the epitome of jolly. The driving guitar and drums back Bing Crosby’s classic voice to create an energetic song option this season.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" – Judy Garland

This Judy Garland number is a classic! Her very lyrical, emotional way of delivering the spirited lyrics transport you to mid-century Christmas, when the track first appeared in Meet Me in St. Louis.

"Christmas Wrapping" – Spice Girls

It wouldn’t be a B+C playlist without a little 90s throwback! In this song, the Spice Girls cover the classic Christmas song that was originally sung by early-80s band, The Waitresses. It has that fun Y2K twist to get you groovin’!

Listen To Our Christmas Playlist Here!

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