When your boss returns from lunch and mentions that she almost called into the Sirius Radio station, which was asking listeners who live in locations where TV shows or movies have been filmed to share their thoughts on how much creative liberty was taken, you finally realize it’s time to finish and post the blog you started about the TV show Outer Banks.

What makes us locals cringe when we watch, and dare I say enjoy, an episode of the popular Outer Banks T.V. series? 

Maybe it’s because most of the filming happens in Charleston, South Carolina, not on the Outer Banks.  Historical landmarks, such as the Kildare lighthouse, are fabricated in the show. This lighthouse depicted in the show is the Morris Island Lighthouse, and located in, you guessed it, Charleston. 

Where is Kildare?

Nowhere. Beach Realty is located in what we refer to as the northern Outer Banks. We have vacation homes that stretch from Carova down to South Nags Head. Carova and Corolla to its south are the only parts of Currituck County that contain a piece of the Outer Banks. The rest of the towns south of Corolla reside in Dare County, including but not limited to Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. So, Kildare is a creative blend of Dare County and Kill Devil Hills. We think it’s cute and rolls off the tongue far better than "Kittytuck," don’t you? And we can't blame the producers first for wanting to create a show about the amazing area we are blessed to live in or for borrowing names from towns with names like Kill Devil Hills ... I mean can you get any cooler?  

Charleston is Cool, but it’s not Barrier Island Cool

While Charleston has its own charm, it doesn’t quite capture the essence of what makes barrier islands like the Outer Banks so unique. The Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina—“barrier” islands that protect the mainland. To access these islands, you need to cross a bridge or come by boat. One road, NC 12, is the primary route connecting each town, stretching from the Virginia border down to Ocracoke Island, which is 6 miles at its widest and 0.5 miles at its narrowest point.

Visitors and commuters can only reach Ocracoke Island by boat, much like Blackbeard did before his demise near the island in 1718. If you caught season three of Outer Banks, then you’re tuned in to the fact that the Pogues are ready for their next treasure hunt: Blackbeard’s Treasure. I wonder if they’ll make their way to Chokeasmoke Island during their quest. Speaking of unlikely journeys, there’s an amusing moment in the show where the characters hop a ferry to Chapel Hill—a place that’s a bit of a stretch from our barrier islands. Chapel Hill is about a 4-hour drive from the coast and requires a bit more travel than just a quick ferry ride!

Are there more Kooks than Pogue’s?

You won’t find many locals getting all gussied up before heading to the Country Club for brunch and mimosas.  We’ll take our mimosas at the pier, thank you very much. Call us what you want, but no one is starching or ironing their collars around these parts.

While there are country clubs and even some gated communities where they reside, in lieu of a fancy soiree, a more likely occurrence is an oyster roast and cornhole. Inside the handful of gated communities, you can find incredibly impressive homes, but nothing quite like the Tannyhill estate depicted in the show as the home of the Ward family. While estates comparable to this home do exist here, they are far and few between. One example is the historic Whalehead Mansion in Corolla, built in 1925 as a private hunting lodge and vacation home, featuring a grand entrance and expansive ballroom. No longer a private residence, it is open for tours to the public. Unlike Charleston, many of the original homes built on the Outer Banks were coastal cottages, suited for relaxed living and built to withstand harsh maritime conditions. These homes are raised on stilts to guard against floods or storm surges and outfitted in cedar shakes or hardy plank siding to withstand saltwater and high winds—common elements on the Outer Banks. You won’t find many lavish homes with ballrooms, libraries, and wine cellars, but we rather like the ones we have just fine.   

So Why Not Film the Show on the Outer Banks?

When the producers were choosing a location for filming, North Carolina was facing a controversial bill that has since been repealed. Hollywood was one of several industries that boycotted the state, and the producers of the show chose to film in Charleston, where such laws were not in effect. South Carolina, while roughly 350 miles south of the Outer Banks, still offers similarities in scenery and the important coastal vibe that the show obviously needs to convey.

To be honest, trying to accommodate the cast, crew, and equipment would have proven challenging, especially during the busy season here on the Outer Banks. The logistical hurdles of managing large-scale film production, including setting up equipment and managing the influx of people, could have disrupted the serene environment that both locals and visitors cherish. The Outer Banks is a popular vacation destination, and during peak season, the beaches and towns are bustling with tourists enjoying the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.

Filming a high-profile show like Outer Banks would have necessitated significant coordination with local businesses, potential road closures, and other disruptions that could impact the day-to-day experience of residents and vacationers alike. Additionally, the Outer Banks' unique charm and natural landscapes are central to its appeal, and balancing that with the demands of a major production could have been a delicate task.

We’re content to take all the credit for inspiring the namesake of the show while leaving the rest of us to enjoy the peace and quiet of our coastal paradise, free of production equipment and the hustle and bustle of a large film set. This way, the natural beauty of our beaches, the tranquility of our towns, and the relaxed pace of life remain undisturbed, preserving the true essence of the Outer Banks for all who visit and call it home.

P.S. Season 4 is out as of October 10th!  You can now watch all five episodes of Part 1 at your leisure.  The next five episodes comprising Part 2 will be out on November 7th.  Get your popcorn ready! 

Want to watch it down here?   Here are our homes with Netflix loaded and ready for your streaming needs!