News Summary

The Netflix series ‘Outer Banks’ showcases thrilling adventures set against real locations in North Carolina. From the iconic barrier islands to coastal towns like Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, the show blends fiction with the region’s rich history and cultural elements. As viewers delve into the fictional Kildare County and references to towns like Hatteras and Chapel Hill, they uncover a vibrant narrative filled with local history and natural beauty.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The popular Netflix series “Outer Banks” is captivating audiences with its thrilling adventures and intriguing settings, yet many viewers may not realize the real-life locations in North Carolina that inspired its fictional backdrop. The show is named after a string of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast known as the Outer Banks, which serves as a focal point for the series.

Creator Jonas Pate, who grew up spending summers on the coast, combined various coastal experiences to create a mythical version of the Carolina coast for the series. The setting is established early in the pilot episode, where the main character, John B, introduces the Outer Banks with a voiceover while driving past a sign that reads, “Welcome to the Outer Banks, Paradise on Earth.” In the show, the characters abbreviate it to “OBX.”

Key Locations Featured in the Show

While the series uses the term Outer Banks, it also references a mix of real places in North Carolina. Figure Eight Island, known in the show as the affluent area where the “Kooks” reside, is actually located near Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, not on the Outer Banks itself. The fictional Kildare County, where the characters navigate their adventures, likely draws inspiration from real locations such as Dare County and Kill Devil Hills.

The community of Hatteras is mentioned in the series as part of the iconic Outer Banks. Similarly, Masonboro, referenced in Episode 3, exists as a neighborhood within Wilmington. Episode 4 brings attention to Chapel Hill, fictionalized within the series, and includes a character wearing a UNC hat, alluding to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Other real-life references include Wadesboro, a town located about an hour from Charlotte that appears in Episode 5, and the Intracoastal Waterway mentioned in Episode 8, which plays a part in a plot involving the search for treasure. Additionally, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is depicted in a fictionalized manner.

Notable Cultural Elements

The show also highlights notable local products, featuring Pepsi, invented in New Bern, North Carolina, showcased when characters order it at a movie event. Cheerwine, a cherry-flavored soda from Salisbury, NC, appears in the background of the series as well. Episode 5 refers to John B’s serious legal troubles under North Carolina statute section 14, and the term “Cape Fear” is used, referencing the nearby Cape Fear River.

The realistic settings continue with Wilmington being mentioned in Episode 6, particularly including the well-known Market Street. Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is identified in a character’s escape plan, grounding the narrative in recognizable geography.

Historical Context of the Region

The Outer Banks is not only a stunning destination for tourists, but it boasts a rich history that includes connections to the Lost Colony and the Wright Brothers’ first flight. Known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”, the area is notorious for numerous shipwrecks that have occurred offshore. Historical experiences in the area also include tales of Spanish horses and Blackbeard’s final sea battle near Ocracoke Island.

As the summer months approach, the Outer Banks experiences a substantial increase in visitors, with its population swelling to over a quarter of a million people. This influx of tourism is fueled by the natural beauty and cultural allure of the region.

Throughout the show, the blend of fiction and actual locations highlights North Carolina’s diverse landscapes and storied history, presenting a vibrant picture of the area while engaging viewers through captivating storytelling.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Kill Devil Hills Man Arrested for Child Exploitation
Outer Banks Faces Pickleball Facility Shortage Amid Surging Demand
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Coastal North Carolina
Outer Banks Faces Workforce Housing Crisis
Increased Florida Manatee Sightings in Outer Banks
House Explosion Injures Homeowner in Manteo, NC
Awareness Grows as Florida Manatees Sighted in Outer Banks
South Atlantic Lifesaving Association Regional Lifeguard Championships Underway in Nags Head
Legal Battle Over Art Vendors in Kill Devil Hills
Kill Devil Hills Devastated by Tragic Fires

Additional Resources

• News Observer
• Wikipedia: Outer Banks
• WRAL
• Google Search: Outer Banks
• 13 News Now
• Google Scholar: Outer Banks North Carolina
• CBS 17
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
• Business North Carolina
• Google News: Outer Banks news

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.