Why Girls Love JJ From Netflix’s “Outer Banks”

Whether it’s his surfer style or his devil-may-care attitude, JJ (Rudy Pankow) has stolen the show and the hearts of fans. Since the show’s release, Rudy Pankow has gained millions of followers on Instagram, and if you keep up with Outer Banks on social media, you’ve probably noticed that he seems to be everyone’s favorite character lately. But what is it that really makes him so appealing?

*Warning: spoilers ahead.*

He’s Ride-or-Die

One thing we can all agree on is that there’s not a more loyal friend in Outer Banks than JJ Maybank. Though he can be misguided at times, he’s willing to risk it all for his friends. He takes the fall for Pope and even goes to jail for him just so Pope won’t lose his scholarship. And when push comes to shove, JJ isn’t about to leave a fellow Pogue behind. He’s the only one who doesn’t want to leave without John B when Singh’s men are closing in on them, and he refuses to get on the plane to South America without Kiara. Plus, he accepts everyone. JJ doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, a Kook or a Pogue – if you’re part of his group, he's got your back.   

He’s a Hard Worker

There’s no denying that JJ has to work hard, and he doesn’t have things handed to him. Having an abusive, deadbeat father, he’s had to fend for himself from a young age working on the yachts owned by the wealthy Kooks. And while his situation isn’t ideal, there’s something undeniably attractive about a guy who can take care of himself and isn’t afraid of a little manual labor. It demonstrates the kind of maturity and responsibility that women often look for as signs of a good man. 

He’s a Bad Boy

…but not the typical kind. JJ may sport a leather jacket and ride a motorcycle, but he’s no hardened tough guy. He doesn’t exactly do well with authority, but it’s because he has a soft spot for the underdog, and he’s not afraid to call out corruption and unfairness when he sees it. He may be willing to break the rules at times, but he lives by his own code of honor. JJ’s plan to bust John B out of jail is the perfect example – he doesn’t go looking for trouble, but he doesn’t back down when it’s time to take a stand.    

He Has a Positive Attitude 

Even in the worst of circumstances, JJ maintains an upbeat attitude, and when it seems things couldn’t get any more dire, he’s there with a solution and maybe even a joke to lighten the mood. He doesn’t sit around and wait for someone else to solve his problems. If there’s a problem, JJ is the man with a plan. Whether it’s finding a way to get to South America with no money and no passport or rescuing his friend from wilderness therapy, JJ gets the job done, and he does it without complaining. Though he arguably has the saddest backstory of all the Pogues, JJ hasn’t succumbed to a victim mentality. Instead, he overcomes adversity with ingenuity and a smile.

He Values Relationships over Material Things

Though the storyline centers around a search for lost treasure, for JJ, the real gold is his friends. He loves them like family, and he would do anything to protect them. He was literally willing to die for John B rather than let him be arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, and when even John B loses sight of what’s important, JJ doesn’t. He even offers to give up his share of the gold so he can rescue Kiara (swoon). JJ knows that it’s not the material things that make life truly worthwhile, but the relationships you have. 

Closing Thoughts

So while not everything JJ does is advisable, fans can’t seem to get enough of him. JJ’s appeal lies not in the fact that he’s a “bad boy,” but because he’s a loyal, hard-working guy with a can-do attitude. He’s the kind of friend you wish you had, and that’s why JJ has stolen the spotlight in Outer Banks. And (sorry, John B) we’re honestly here for it.  

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