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After Outer Banks Season 4’s explosive finale, fans are buzzing about the possibility of an unlikely pairing: Rafe and Kiara, played by Drew Starkey and Madison Bailey. Could we really see an enemies-to-lovers arc in the show’s future? The idea has sparked intense debate among the show’s creators and cast.
In an interview with Cosmopolitan, creators Shannon Burke, Jonas Pate and Josh Pate shared their thoughts on the fan-fueled ship. Jonas voiced strong opposition, while Josh and Shannon seemed more open to exploring the dynamic.
“I don’t know how much they’re thinking about each other at the end of this season,” Josh said. “I think Kiara is really consumed with revenge, and so is Rafe. He has different motivations, but he is more bonded with the Pogues than he’s ever been. Still, it’s a hard turn to go straight to a Rafe and Kiara ’ship given where they’ve been in the past. But we also know how great Drew and Madison are as actors and how great they are together. So we’re definitely going to explore that relationship.”
When the interviewer mentioned the classic enemies-to-lovers arc, Shannon teased Jonas by asking, “Hey Jonas, did you hear that?” Jonas responded, “I think that y’all are in the minority,” making it clear he’s “anti” Rafe and Kiara.
Josh, meanwhile, cautioned against revealing too much, with Shannon noting that their relationship has been “hotly debated” in the writers’ room. Jonas added, “We’re aware, let’s put it that way.”
What Do Drew Starkey and Madison Bailey Think of the Ship?
Fans began shipping Rafe and Kiara in Season 3 after the two characters shared more screen time. However, Drew and Madison Bailey were initially surprised by the prospect.
“Madison and I were like, ‘Wait, what? No, that doesn’t make much sense,’” Drew told People Magazine in October 2024. “Yeah, I mean, we talked about this before. I think it’d be especially unfair to Kiara, you know?” he continued. “I think she deserves a little better than that.”
Chase Stokes, who plays Kiara’s longtime friend John B, also weighed in on the pairing, saying, “It actually makes no sense in my brain.”
While some creators and fans might be open to the idea, it’s clear that others—both within the show and the fandom—are divided. Whether Rafe and Kiara’s relationship evolves remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: this ship has everyone talking.
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English (US) ·