While the Outer Banks Netflix Series is soon coming to a end the writers are now passing the torch to a new indie teen drama series The Runarounds that premiered on September 1, 2025. Fans have been active on calling out the similarities between the two shows. Here are some you may or may not have thought of:
Chasing a New Kind of Treasure: Rock Stardom as the Pogue Dream
While the Pogues in the Outer Banks were chasing historical riches this new teen series on Prime Video is chasing a different fortune: a viral hit song and a major label deal. Similar to the Pogue Dream the group is determined to forge their own path against all obstacles to achieve their life-long dream. For this series the prize of gold for the treasure hunt has been replaced with the pursuit of rock stardom. Their journey captures the dream and rebellion energy seen in the Pogues.
In Outer Banks the Pogues identity is centered around the group being the underdogs and fighting for a better life/wealth in the pursuit of gold. In The Runarounds the treasure isn’t the gold and the Pouge anthem is a different struggle. It’s the high-stakes of risking everything to escape a predetermined and mundane future despite their own doubts and obstacles in their way.
The heart and anthem of the Pogue spirit is not just about the about the gold or being the underdog but about having this loyal and tight-knit group of chosen family when their own family failed to fully accept and support them. Similarly, in The Runarounds we see these differently family dynamics with examples like JJ and Wyatt being in a abusive household and Charlie and John B learning more about their father and Charlie and JJ being the fuel and rebellious individuals that start the adventure and the strive to achieve more for themselves. In conclusion, both the Pogues and The Runarounds have created bonds that allow them to take risks, trust and rely on each-other for support.
From Kildare to Wilmington: The Shared Creative DNA
The most obvious similarity in the Outer Banks and The Runarounds is that they are both filmed in North Carolina where the sun is drenched in a costal setting in Wilmington. It’s the background that gives the show a coming of age, indie and high-energy make it or break it carefree summer. Wilmington has been the main location for other similar teen series like Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill. The Class division is also another similarity in location between the group as the Pogues and Kooks have a socioeconomic split. In The Runarounds this is similarly shown with the old boys club and the band members having to work at restaurants and service industry to make ends meet.