Drew Starkey recalls emotional final day on Outer Banks: ‘It was totally bittersweet’

Saying goodbye to Outer Banks was far more emotional than Drew Starkey expected.

The 32-year-old actor, who has played Rafe Cameron since the Netflix series debuted in 2020, recently revealed that he broke down in tears after filming his final scene for the show’s fifth and final season. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Starkey reflected on wrapping up a journey that lasted seven years and shaped a significant chapter of his life. 

During the interview, Starkey admitted that he believed he was handling the show’s ending surprisingly well while filming the final episodes. He joked that he even wondered if something was wrong because he wasn’t feeling emotional during the last few months on set.

“It was totally bittersweet,” Starkey said. “We spent seven years on that show and those are my best friends.” He explained that he thought he was ready to move on, but everything changed the moment cameras stopped rolling on his final scene. 

“The last shot of my last scene, right when they yelled ‘cut,’ I was just weeping,” Starkey shared. The actor said he cried continuously for nearly two hours as cast and crew members came over to comfort him. Every conversation brought fresh tears, making it impossible for him to hold back his emotions. 

Looking back, Starkey said the overwhelming reaction came from realizing how much time had passed. He joined Outer Banks when he was 25 years old and is now 32. As filming ended, memories from the past seven years came rushing back, reminding him of the friendships, experiences and personal growth he had gained through the series. 

The emotional farewell comes as Outer Banks prepares for its fifth and final season, which promises to bring the popular adventure drama to an exciting conclusion. The new season follows the Pogues after the devastating loss of JJ, forcing them to face dangerous enemies while embarking on one last mission together. The story also sees Rafe Cameron becoming an uneasy ally as the group fights for its future. 

For fans, Starkey’s heartfelt comments highlight just how close the cast became during the making of the hit series. What started as a teen adventure drama evolved into one of Netflix’s biggest franchises, creating lifelong friendships behind the scenes.

Although saying goodbye was difficult, Starkey’s emotional farewell reflects the impact Outer Banks had on everyone involved. As the final season approaches, viewers can expect an ending filled with action, emotion and nostalgia, while the cast celebrates a remarkable journey that has lasted nearly a decade.