Who is JJ’s real dad in Outer Banks? His true identity and entire plot twist explained

7 November 2024, 20:09

Who is JJ's real dad in Outer Banks? The Chandler Groff plot twist explained. Picture: Netflix

By Katie Louise Smith

Who are JJ's parents? Who is his real mom and who is his real dad? Here's Outer Banks season 4's JJ plot twist explained in full, from Larissa Genrette to Chandler Groff.

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Outer Banks season 4 is finally here and it only took 5 episodes to drop an absolute game-changing bombshell on us, and on the Pogues. Just when you thought John B and Sarah's daddy issues were over... Now we're all asking: Who is JJ's real dad?

Yep, the Pogues are back, baby. Outer Banks season 4 sees John B, Sarah, JJ, Kie, Pope and Cleo begin investigating a brand new treasure at the request of Wes Genrette, a direct descendant of the man who killed notorious pirate Blackbeard.

The new storyline introduces a handful of new characters including Larissa Genrette and Chandler Groff – and JJ ends up right in the middle of a brand new shock plot twist. So who are JJ's real parents? Is Chandler Groff actually JJ's real dad?! Here's your full explainer.

WARNING: Major spoilers ahead for Outer Banks season 4!

Read more: Who is Larissa Genrette in Outer Banks? How she died and how she's connected to JJ
Read more: Outer Banks season 5: Release date, cast, plot, spoilers and news so far

Who are JJ's real parents?

Watch the trailer for Outer Banks season 4

Who is JJ's real mom? Who is Larissa Genrette?

JJ's real mother is actually Larissa Genrette, the daughter of Wes Genrette and a direct descendant of Francis Genrette, the man who killed Blackbeard and his wife Elizabeth. (The Outer Banks version of Blackbeard, not the real version).

Larissa was married to Chandler Groff, and is said to have died a violent death which Wes believes to be the result of the Genrette family curse. Newspaper clippings show that Larissa was believed to have drowned alongside her infant son on a boat called 'Albatross'.

Of course, viewers now know that's not true, as JJ – originally named Jackson – is still very much alive.

In episode 6, it's revealed that Larissa grew close to Luke Maybank when he worked as a groundskeeper at the Genrette house. In order to help Larissa cope with her baby son, Luke would look after him to help her out.

JJ has never really known Larissa because he was just a baby when she died, and has no idea about any of this. He was raised by Luke and, for all of his life, thought his mother abandoned them. The woman who he believed was his mother was actually just a random girlfriend of Luke's.

Who is Larissa Genrette in Outer Banks? Is she JJ's real mom? Picture: Netflix

Who is JJ's real dad?

It turns out that Chandler Groff, Larissa's husband, is JJ's real father.

Only a few people know this – including Luke and Chandler himself. On the night before Larissa is said to have died, Chandler brought baby JJ to Luke's claiming Larissa wasn't "well" and that she "needed a break". He gave Luke money and asked if they could keep Larissa's 'struggles' between them.

Following Larissa's death, Chandler essentially bribed Luke to keep JJ, giving him money and threatening him with police involvement all, brushing it off with the claim that "they'll take Jackson away" if Wes Genrette found out his grandson was still alive.

In episode 2, it becomes clear that Wes recently figured out that his grandson was very much alive. His (now correct) theory about JJ's real identity prompts him to write JJ a letter, opening up the mystery of Larissa, the Albatross and her mysterious death.

Season 4 reveals Groff to be a member of the Lupine Corsairs, the group of ex-con mercenaries who hunt treasure and ancient artefacts. He essentially conned Larissa and murdered her in order to steal her inheritance. Groff gave JJ away and bribed Luke Maybank in order to make sure he was the sole heir to the Genrette estate.

Ultimately, he was not included in Wes Genrette's will, causing his entire plan in the OBX to unravel.

Who is JJ's real dad in Outer Banks? Chandler Groff plot twist explained. Picture: Netflix

So, is JJ a Kook?

Yep, Outer Banks' most steadfast Pogue is actually a Kook.

Speaking about the plot twist, Rudy Pankow revealed that "it was a shock," and that "not a single thought" crossed his mind that JJ would be from the other side of the OBX.

Co-creator Shannon Burke told Tudum: "That was the most extreme thing we could think of: That JJ’s actually a Kook."

“Well, you’re always trying to torture your characters, right?” co-creator Jonas Pate added. “What would torture JJ the most? The revelation that he’s a Kook.”