Ever since the Netflix show Outer Banks came out in 2020, it has become a huge hit. It has gained much attention from teenagers and young adults, but honestly, I believe it is heavily overrated. Although it does have a cool aesthetic and a beautiful setting in North Carolina, the show doesn’t hold up as well as it seems.
First off, I feel like the pacing is off in some episodes. Some episodes drag on with unnecessary storylines that slow everything down. I found myself checking the time, wishing the plot would pick up. When a show has a treasure hunt at its main plot, it should keep viewers on the edge of their seats, but Outer Banks often relies on cliffhangers that feel forced rather than exciting. I feel like some episodes feel repetitive and it’s almost like I’m watching the same episode over and over again.
The dialogue in the show is another issue. In recent seasons, the episodes have been full of cheesy lines that make it hard to take the show seriously. I find myself cringing at my TV often. Sometimes the words just feel forced out of the actors and actresses mouths. Instead of relatable teen experiences, the show provides a drama that can feel unrealistic at times and kind of hard to watch.
Next, I think the characters are super one dimensional. There are the rich kids which are considered the “kooks,” and the working class which are considered the “pogues.” I feel like these roles are very stereotypical, and could use a bit more depth. In the show, there’s John B, the main hero, and Sarah, the girl caught between two worlds. Instead of growing and changing, the characters are pretty predictable with their actions. I wanted to see a little more complexity to their characters, but viewers mainly just get surface level.
In conclusion, while Outer Banks does have some thrilling moments and a huge fan base around the world, it doesn’t deliver the depth and original content that I would like to see. When compared to a movie like the Goonies which has a similar storyline, it’s not as thrilling and doesn’t have as much character development. Overall, it is not the worst television show I have ever seen, but it is definitely overrated and I believe it should not be gaining all of the attention it has been.
