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‘Outer Banks’ Stars Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey Break Down JJ and Kiara’s “Overdue” Kiss: “I Love That Moment”

By Kayla Cobb @kaylcobb
Published Feb. 27, 2023, 11:30 a.m. ET

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It took three seasons, but Outer Banks finally gave the people what they want. After a thrilling escape from the summer camp from hell, JJ (Rudy Pankow) and Kiara (Madison Bailey) finally shared an intimate moment. And it paid off — big time. Spoilers ahead.

“I think this is something the writers clocked that the fans really were demanding,” Pankow told Decider when asked about JJ and Kie’s kiss. “So I’m excited to have the fans that do want that, to see that.”

Ever since the Pogues were first introduced there’s been a special spark of chemistry between JJ and Kie. The most impulsive member of the group, JJ brings out Kie’s wilder side, and in turn, she’s one of the few people who can talk her friend off the ledge. For Kiara, Season 1 largely revolved around getting over her crush on John B (Chase Stokes), which led to an ill-fated relationship with Pope (Jonathan Daviss). But even during that tumultuous time, JJ and Kie still had a special relationship. And in true Outer Banks fashion, their friendship blossomed into something more in the most thrilling way possible.

In “Welcome to Kitty Hawk,” Kie is shipped off to summer camp for delinquent teenagers by her worried parents. JJ has a nearly impossible mission on his hands. He has to break her out before Ward’s (Charles Esten) plane takes off to save Big John (Charles Halford). The ensuing episode is JJ at his most chaotic, and it ends with a kiss that more than delivers on this will-they, won’t-they.

“I think we’re finally seeing them act on their chemistry that has been present since Season 1 and is slightly overdue. But, no, it didn’t catch me off guard,” Bailey said.

Part of what appealed to the actress about JJ and Kie’s big kiss was how high stakes Episode 9 felt. “That’s why that moment was so special because it was like I didn’t know when I was going to see anyone again, and he didn’t know whether he would find me or not,” Bailey said. “I love that moment. I think it makes sense.”