John B Routledge isn't just a character. He’s a vibe, a mess, and basically the reason Outer Banks became a cultural phenomenon during the 2020 lockdowns. Most people see the bandana and the surf-shack hair and think "teen heartthrob." But honestly? There is way more going on with the leader of the Pogues than just looking good on a boat. He’s the glue holding that chaotic group together.
If you’ve watched even ten minutes of the show, you know John B’s life is a constant disaster. He’s a sixteen-year-old living in a dilapidated shack (the Chateau) with zero adult supervision. His dad is missing. His bank account is empty. Yet, he carries this weight of generational trauma and treasure-hunting obsession that makes him one of the most compelling protagonists on Netflix right now.
The Reality of John B from Outer Banks
Let's get something straight: John B is a terrible decision-maker. That’s why we love him. Whether he's jumping off the Rick’s Bridge or outrunning the SBI, the guy operates on pure adrenaline and loyalty. In the fictional world of the OBX (which, by the way, is actually filmed in Charleston, South Carolina, not the real Outer Banks), John B represents the ultimate underdog.
He’s the "Pogue" archetype. In the show’s lore, Pogues are the working-class kids from the Cut, while the Kooks are the wealthy elites from Figure Eight. John B doesn't just live this lifestyle; he champions it. He’s the one who coined the "Pogue Life" mantra: "nothing to lose, everything to gain." It’s a reckless philosophy. It’s also exactly why the show works.
Why Chase Stokes Was the Perfect Choice
It’s hard to imagine anyone else in that role. Fun fact: Chase Stokes almost passed on the audition. He actually turned it down initially because he thought it was just another "Gossip Girl" clone. Thankfully, he changed his mind. Stokes brings a rugged, slightly older energy—he was actually in his late 20s when he started playing the 16-year-old John B—which adds a layer of weariness to the character.
He doesn't feel like a polished Disney kid. He feels like someone who has spent too much time in the sun and not enough time in a classroom. That authenticity is part of the "John B Outer Banks" appeal. When he cries over Big John or screams at Ward Cameron, you feel the desperation. It’s not just acting; it’s a specific kind of physical performance that involves a lot of running, sweating, and boat-driving.
Breaking Down the Treasure Obsession
The Royal Merchant. The Cross of Santo Domingo. El Dorado.
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John B’s arc is fueled by his father’s disappearance. For three seasons, we’ve watched him transition from a kid looking for closure to a legitimate explorer. But there’s a dark side to it. He’s inherited his father’s obsession. Big John Routledge was not a "father of the year" candidate. He was a man consumed by gold, and John B often mirrors that same tunnel vision, sometimes at the expense of Pope, JJ, and Kiara.
Wait. Let’s talk about the JJ and John B dynamic for a second. That’s the real heart of the show. While the romance with Sarah Cameron gets all the edits on TikTok, the brotherhood between the Pogues is the show's foundation. John B provides the direction, even if that direction is usually "straight into a dangerous situation."
The "John B Style" and Its Cultural Grip
You can’t talk about John B without mentioning the fashion. The unbuttoned patterned shirts. The layered necklaces. That specific piece of fabric around his neck. It’s basically the "Coastal Boy" aesthetic. It’s messy. It’s dirty. It looks like it smells like salt water and cheap beer.
- The Hair: It’s a character of its own.
- The Bandana: Functional for sweat, but mostly for the "outlaw" look.
- The Van (The Twinkie): It’s a 1967 Volkswagen T2 Microbus. It is unreliable, slow, and the most iconic vehicle on TV right now.
What People Get Wrong About the John B and Sarah Dynamic
"Vallejo!"
That moment in Season 1 when John B and Sarah go to the library in the rain—that’s when the show shifted. People call them the modern Romeo and Juliet. It’s a fair comparison. He’s the boy from the wrong side of the tracks; she’s the Kook Princess. But if you look closer, Sarah isn't just a love interest. She’s his partner in crime.
Their relationship is built on shared trauma. They’ve both been betrayed by their fathers. They’ve both been "dead" (remember the Season 1 finale when they sailed into a tropical depression?). It’s high-stakes romance that shouldn't work in real life but is addictive on screen. However, critics often point out how toxic their life is. They are teenagers who have witnessed multiple murders. That’s a lot for a first relationship.
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The Evolution in Season 4 and Beyond
Without spoiling too much for the uninitiated, the hunt for Blackbeard’s treasure changed the game. John B is no longer just a kid looking for his dad’s ghost. He’s a professional treasure hunter now. The stakes moved from "paying the light bill" to "historical significance."
But the question remains: Can John B ever just be a normal guy? Probably not. The show suggests that the Routledge bloodline is cursed by the hunt. Every time they try to settle down—like the 18-month jump we saw—the itch for adventure comes back. It’s a classic hero’s journey, but with more surfing and less armor.
Real-World Impact: The "OBX" Tourism Boost
The "John B Outer Banks" effect is real. Even though the show is filmed in South Carolina, the actual Outer Banks in North Carolina saw a massive spike in tourism. People want to find that Pogue magic. They want the boat life. They want the adventure.
But fans should remember that the show’s version of the OBX is a fantasy. In the real Outer Banks, you can't take a ferry from Kildare to Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill is in the middle of the state, hours from the coast). This geographical error is a running joke among locals, but for fans of John B, it doesn't matter. The vibe is what counts.
Facing the Criticism
Not everyone is a fan. Some viewers find John B’s "main character syndrome" annoying. He often puts his friends in mortal peril for his own goals. In Season 3, his relationship with Big John frustrated a lot of the audience because he seemed to ditch the Pogues for a father who clearly prioritized gold over his son’s safety.
It was a polarizing move. It made John B less of a "hero" and more of a flawed human being. He’s vulnerable to manipulation, especially from his own blood. This nuance is actually good writing. It shows he isn't a static character; he’s someone struggling with his identity outside of the Pogue circle.
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Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Creators
If you’re a fan of the show or a writer looking at why this character works, here’s the breakdown. John B succeeds because he represents the universal desire for freedom and the fear of being "ordinary."
How to channel your inner Pogue (responsibly):
- Prioritize Experiences Over "Stuff": The Pogues have nothing, but they have the most fun. Focus on the adventure, not the gear.
- Loyalty is Everything: John B’s only real rule is that you don't bail on your friends. In a world of fleeting digital connections, that "ride or die" mentality resonates.
- Embrace the Mess: You don't need a perfect life to be the lead in your own story. John B is the king of making it work with duct tape and a dream.
- Watch the Real History: If the treasure hunting aspect interests you, look into the real history of the Royal Merchant or the wreck of the Central America. The show draws heavy inspiration from real maritime mysteries.
John B Routledge started as a kid in a floral shirt looking for a missing dad. He turned into a global icon for a generation that feels a bit lost and a lot rebellious. Whether he’s diving for gold or just sitting on the marsh watching the sunset, he’s a reminder that the best stories usually involve a little bit of trouble and a lot of heart.
The hunt isn't really about the gold. It never was. It was about finding a place where you belong when the rest of the world tells you that you don't fit in. That’s why we’ll keep watching him run, no matter how many times he trips.
To get the most out of your Outer Banks experience, go back and re-watch Season 1 with a focus on the background details of the Chateau; the production design team hid several clues about the later treasure hunts in plain sight. Pay attention to the maps on the walls—they aren't just props. For those planning a trip, stick to the Charleston area if you want to see the "Kildare" filming locations, specifically Shem Creek and Old Village in Mount Pleasant.