The defining series of the 2020 lockdown, “Outer Banks,” has returned for its third season. *Begin playing cryptic cello sounds now.*
While the show has already released its first two seasons, it was not until this year that “Outer Banks” was able to hold its first in-person premiere. Members of the cast and crew viewed the first of ten new episodes alongside fans and loved ones in February at the Regency Village Theatre in Westwood. As audience members cheered for each character’s initial appearance in the episode, it was evident that the show’s success is largely due to the close-knit dynamic of the cast.
Ever since the series was initially released three years ago, the “Outer Banks” cast has developed a uniquely dedicated fan base. With the first season coming out during the peak of quarantine, viewers were trapped in their homes with copious amounts of time on their hands to binge the show repeatedly.
Fans now feel a wave of nostalgia each time they hear featured songs such as “Where’d All the Time Go?” by Dr. Dog. The first verse of “Left Hand Free” by alt-J transports Netflix viewers back to their times of isolation and, for some, loneliness. “Outer Banks” permitted fans to live vicariously through the adventures of John B and the rest of the Kooks, as they could not run anywhere farther than their neighborhoods.
“Outer Banks” has been able to foster a fan base unique from most teen dramas in the past. The show has redefined fan culture within the television industry, especially with its interactive Poguelandia music festival event that closely followed the season premiere.
In the first episode of the third season, John B, Sarah, and their friends are stranded on a tropical island of bliss. At the music festival, Netflix recreated the care-free environment for fans to experience as if they were Kooks drinking coconuts by the sea.
Madelyn Cline, Chase Stokes, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Rudy Pankow, and other talent reunited at Huntington Beach to celebrate the release of the new season with fans. The event consisted of performances by The Nude Party, Surf Mesa, Elley Duhé, “Outer Banks” rite of passage, alt-J, Lil Baby and headliner, Khalid. Cast members were seen interacting with fans throughout the day as they traversed through the festival grounds.
Actors Drew Starkey and Austin North expressed their gratitude for the ability to interact with their masses of supporters at the event. They were overwhelmed with excitement for the musical performances and to share pieces of the “Outer Banks” experience with their fans.
Poguelandia was a fan-centered experience, with themed food trucks, American Eagle X OBX capsule collection merchandise and interactive experiences. From Kook Kove, a VIP area where actors gathered to answer interview questions, to John B’s Twinkie as a photo opportunity, every aspect of the environment alluded to a detail within the show.
Just as the series brought viewers to life during isolation, Netflix brought the care-free environment of Outer Banks to Huntington Beach. Attendees were immersed into the show as if they were Pogues navigating the sandy beaches of North Carolina.
They obtained coconut juice from The Boneyard with stars Austin North and Drew Starkey. Viewers purchased American Eagle and Outer Banks-exclusive clothing from the Kildare Surf Shop. Fans passionately screamed the lyrics to “Young Dumb & Broke” by Khalid alongside some of their favorite Pogues, Madison Bailey and Jonathan Daviss.
There was no better way to celebrate and promote the new season of “Outer Banks” than an immersion into Pogue life at Huntington Beach. Thoroughly detailed occasions like this strengthen the connection between viewers and their favorite series. “Outer Banks” truly redefined the experience of being a television series fan, and it would be intriguing to see how Netflix may take inspiration from Poguelandia for the promotion of its other programs.
Season three of “Outer Banks” is now available to stream on Netflix.