Madison Bailey shuts down Outer Banks season 5 Kiara and Rafe romance rumors

Madison Bailey appears to have crushed hopes for a Kiara‑and‑Rafe romance in Outer Banks season 5, according to fans reacting to her latest TikTok update.

On July 2, the actress shared a behind‑the‑scenes clip from the set. When a commenter urged, “Maddie tell Kiara I want her with Rafe now!”, Bailey replied with a firm “She said no,” signaling that the on‑screen chemistry between Kiara and her former nemesis Rafe (played by Drew Starkey) won’t be explored romantically—at least for now.

Fans had speculated a slow‑burn pairing might develop after the shocking departure of Kiara’s boyfriend JJ (Rudy Pankow), who died in season 4. After all, Madison Bailey and Drew Starkey have dynamic screen chemistry, and Outer Banks creators hinted at exploring their relationship in the future. However, with Bailey’s rejection, fans are reading the narrative move as too drastic, especially given the emotional fallout from JJ’s death.

Creator Josh Pate confirmed in November 2024 that while Kiara and Rafe's relationship would be examined, a romantic turn didn’t make narrative sense immediately after JJ's tragic demise. “It’s a hard turn,” Pate told Cosmopolitan, acknowledging fan enthusiasm but reaffirming respect for story continuity.

Season 5 is currently in production and expected to focus on Kiara’s grief journey and how the Pogues navigate life without JJ. Bailey’s blunt TikTok suggests that the show will maintain this emotional authenticity over romantic shock value.

For die‑hard Outer Banks fans, Bailey’s reveal is both disappointing and validating—fans trust the show to honour its character arcs, and Bailey’s honesty confirms that Kiara's story will unfold thoughtfully. As production continues, viewers await how grief, friendship, and perhaps eventual love triangles will shape the upcoming season.