Content Warning: This article contains references to emotional and physical abuse.
John B may be the protagonist of Outer Banks, but there are several different aspects that make it worth watching. Due to his humor and carefully crafted backstory, JJ stole the spotlight and became a fan-favorite character. Not only did they enjoy watching the friendships he formed but they also picked up on the chemistry between JJ and Kiara, and are hopeful that the two will become a couple if the show is renewed by Netflix.
Although it's filled with different romances, JJ and Kiara could be considered the best ship in Outer Banks. They haven't acted on their feelings as of the second season finale, but there's no shortage of reasons why JJ and Kiara are meant to be together.
They Understand What The Other Needs
JJ, especially, is someone who hates being vulnerable. He covers up his emotions with a humorous and carefree attitude and prefers to suffer in silence. But Kiara can tell when he's hurting, and she understands JJ in a way that no one else does.
Although they live drastically different lives, they're able to connect on an emotional level. Kiara held JJ when he had the breakdown he needed, and even helped him get his father out of his life for good.
JJ Cares More About Kiara's Happiness Than His Own
JJ always puts the needs of his friends over himself, and it's especially true when it comes to Kiara. He continues to tell her what he knows she needs to hear in order to solidify her relationship with Pope, as he believes that his best friend could be good for her.
It's obvious that Kiara values JJ's opinion, and she took his advice and gave things a real shot with Pope. What Kiara never saw was the heartbroken looks that JJ hid from her every time he saw them together. JJ would never say anything to come between Kiara and Pope, as long as he believed they were truly happy.
They're The Most Similar
It's shocking how similar JJ and Kiara were given their different upbringings. Kiara comes from a wealthy and loving family, which is something JJ can't relate to. His mom has been absent since the pilot, and JJ is physically and emotionally abused by his father.
However, the two somehow have the same outlook on the world and share similar aspirations. Kiara and Pope were like two broken gears that kept grinding, while Outer Banks purposely exemplified how at ease Kiara and JJ are with one another.
They Would Die For Each Other
JJ and Kiara have proven on several occasions that they value the other's life over their own. Seeing each other in danger forces them into action, and JJ threw himself into the middle of a fight to protect Kiara, despite just suffering a head injury.
Kiara didn't hesitate to jump from the ship into the ocean after JJ, and she continued to hold onto him despite barely being able to stay afloat herself. If John B hadn't found them just in the nick of time, Kiara likely would've drowned clinging to JJ.
Kiara Cares About JJ Differently Than The Other Pogues
All of the Pogues love JJ, but it became clear in Outer Banks season 2 how much Kiara prioritizes him. Her relationship with JJ is unique from her relationship with the rest of the characters, and she looks out for him more than she does anyone else.
While the group was focused on getting the lifeboat to start so they could escape in one piece, Kiara was hyperfocused on JJ. She can be heard in the background pleading for JJ to wake up, as everyone else is panicking over the current situation. The moment JJ wakes up and sees Kiara's hand on his arm, something seems to shift between them.
JJ Has Always Loved Kiara
John B mentioned in the pilot of Outer Banks, that all three of the guys had a thing for Kiara. JJ even admitted that he knows the door is closed because he tried it. However, the "no Pogue-on-Pogue macking" rule seems to be ancient history, which is what initially kept Kiara from dating within the friend group.
Viewers don't know what went down when JJ tried to open that door, but from what's been shown onscreen, he's the only character who respects Kiara's boundaries and hasn't attempted to push her. However, it's been obvious throughout the series that his feelings for Kiara have never gone away.
They Stand Up For Each Other
JJ and Kiara's dynamic is especially entertaining because, while they bicker constantly, they refuse to let anyone say a bad word about the other. In one of the best quotes from season 2 of Outer Banks, Kiara chastizes JJ's dad for not realizing how special his son is.
She later refuses to let the group make him feel bad for being late when JJ was getting the closure he needed. JJ is just as protective of Kiara as she is of him, and after a group of rich kids insult her at a party, JJ ends up in a fight.
Kiara Wants To See The World With JJ
Not many viewers were onboard with Kiara and Pope's romance because of how fundamentally different they are. Kiara never appeared to have any romantic interest in her friend, but Pope kept trying to force something to happen between them.
Although Kiara wants to travel the world, she shot down Pope when he offered to do it with her. JJ's idea of a surf trip immediately called to Kiara, and she even asked him if he had room for one more. JJ and Kiara share the same dreams, and it's clear that they want to follow them together. The pair sailing off into the sunset is one of many things that need to happen in season 3 of Outer Banks.