Is Outer Banks Based On A True Story? Outer Banks Season Three Ending Explained
by Hemalatha R | Updated Mar 02, 2023
Is Outer Banks Based On A True Story?
Outer Banks is a popular Netflix series that has captured the attention of viewers around the world. The show, set in North Carolina's Outer Banks, follows a group of teenagers who are on the hunt for treasure, while also dealing with personal struggles and romantic entanglements. While the show is not based on a true story in the non-fiction sense, it was inspired by the creators' personal experiences and the classic stories they grew up with. The show was created by Shannon Burke, and Josh and Jonas Pate, who all grew up in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. They were inspired by the beauty and mystery of the area, as well as the classic adventure stories they loved as children. In particular, they were influenced by The Goonies, The Outsiders, and Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. The creators wanted to capture the sense of adventure and exploration that they felt growing up in the Outer Banks, while also telling a compelling story that would resonate with audiences around the world. They took creative liberties with the plot and characters, but they also drew on their personal experiences to make the show feel authentic and grounded.
One interesting historical tidbit about the show is that the ship that the characters are after, The Royal Merchant, is based on a real ship that sank off the coast of Cornwall, U.K. in 1641. The ship, called The Merchant Royal, was carrying a fortune in gold and silver, which would be worth over $1.3 billion today if it were found. While the creators of Outer Banks took some liberties with the historical details, they wanted to incorporate this fascinating piece of history into the show. Overall, Outer Banks is a thrilling and engaging series that has captured the imaginations of viewers around the world. While it is not a true story in the non-fiction sense, it is based on the creators' personal experiences and their love of classic adventure stories. The show is a testament to the power of storytelling, and it reminds us that even fictional stories can inspire us to dream big and go on our own adventures.
Outer Banks Filming Locations
The third season of Outer Banks takes viewers to various locations, but it was primarily filmed in Barbados and Charleston, South Carolina. Barbados serves as the backdrop for several scenes, including the supposed deserted island called Poguelandia and street scenes throughout Bridgetown. The church that plays a critical role in the events on the island is thought to be St. John Parish Church, a romantic, Gothic-inspired structure that has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times since its inception in 1645. While this isn't the first time the show has used Barbados for filming, it was also used in the second season to portray the Camerons' vacation home in the Bahamas. While the Outer Banks is off the coast of North Carolina, the show was filmed in Charleston, South Carolina. Creator Jonas Pate had initially intended to film the show in Wilmington, North Carolina, but opted for South Carolina instead due to a 2016 anti-LGBTQ bathroom bill. Although part of the law was repealed in 2017, a settlement was reached in 2019 that ruled no one could be prevented from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. Several returning Charleston locations from previous seasons, including the Camerons' Tanneyhill estate captured at the historic Lowndes Grove, are featured in this season. The storyline also takes some of the characters to Charleston Museum, whose real exterior is quite similar to the one in the show.
Viewers who are looking for an island vacation may consider staying at the Hilton Barbados Resort, which some of the OBX cast frequented. Those seeking a stateside excursion may want to add Charleston or Barbados to their travel bucket list, as both offer stunning backdrops that were used in the production of the series. Overall, while the third season of Outer Banks features various locations, it was mainly filmed in Barbados and Charleston, South Carolina. Both of these locations offer unique and beautiful settings that are worth visiting, whether it's for a relaxing island getaway or a stateside adventure.
Outer Banks Season Three Ending Explained
The third season of Outer Banks concludes with an action-packed final episode that sees the Pogues traveling to South America to find John B's father, who has been kidnapped by Carlos Singh. After they rescue Big John, he tells his son he knows where the treasure is, and they set off on a boat to find it. However, Ward, who they thought had left, had actually paid for the boat and joined them. They are eventually intercepted by Singh, who shoots Big John and threatens to kill them all. Despite the setback, John B and Sarah continue their mission and eventually find the treasure. As they try to escape, they run into Singh, who looks like he is going to kill them, but Big John lets off a bomb that destroys the Ancient City and kills Singh. The rest of the Pogues hear the explosion and hurry toward them, and they all survive the ordeal. Just when it seems like they're going to have a happy family moment, Ward turns on the group and points the gun at Big John. However, the rest of the group watches from the shadows and attacks Ward. As Sarah appears to talk Ward out of killing them, one of Singh's henchmen shows up and threatens to kill her. Ward jumps in front of Sarah, saving her life, and takes down the henchman, killing them both as they fall off the edge of a cliff.
Tragically, Big John starts to lose a lot of blood, and despite the group's efforts to save him, he dies on the boat. The episode ends with an 18-month time jump, with the Pogues being celebrated by the island for finding the gold and solving the mystery. As the episode draws to a close, an older man approaches the group and asks for their help with the log of a ship belonging to Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard. The mystery man says that he is too old to investigate it himself and needs partners, and the Pogues were the first on his list. The third season of Outer Banks takes viewers to various locations, including Guadeloupe, Basseterre in St. Kitts, and Venezuela. However, the show was filmed in Barbados and Charleston, South Carolina. Barbados provides a backdrop for everything from the supposed deserted island dubbed Poguelandia to street scenes throughout the port city and island country's capital of Bridgetown. The church that plays a key role in the events that unfold on the island is portrayed by St. John Parish Church, according to Visit Barbados.
In South Carolina, viewers can see many returning Charleston locations from previous seasons, including the Camerons' Tanneyhill estate that’s captured at the historic Lowndes Grove. This season's storyline also takes some of our favorite characters from the fictional version of the Outer Banks to Charleston, specifically the Charleston Museum. The real exterior of the Charleston Museum looks quite similar to the one that's featured in the show. Outer Banks co-creator Jonas Pate originally imagined filming the show in Wilmington, North Carolina, where other shows like Dawson’s Creek and The Summer I Turned Pretty were filmed. However, due to a 2016 anti-LGBTQ bathroom bill that made it illegal in North Carolina to use a bathroom that doesn’t align with the sex you were assigned at birth, the production opted for South Carolina instead. The law was partially repealed in 2017, and a settlement was reached in 2019 that ruled no one can be prevented from using the bathroom that matches their gender identity. If you're itching for an island vacation, the Hilton Barbados Resort is a great option. The OBX cast frequented this location while filming.
Is Outer Banks Based On A True Story - FAQs
Big John is John B's father who was previously thought to be dead but was revealed to be alive and kidnapped by Carlos Singh.
John B and Sarah are searching for the treasure of El Dorado, which they eventually find with Big John's help.
Carlos Singh is killed when Big John detonates a bomb in El Dorado, destroying the Ancient City
Ward sacrifices himself to save Sarah's life, jumping in front of her when one of Singh's henchmen threatens to kill her. Both Ward and the henchman die after falling off a cliff.
Yes, there is an 18 month time jump at the end of season 3, with the group being celebrated by the island for finding the gold and solving the mystery. An older man also approaches them, asking for their help with the log of a ship belonging to Blackbeard.