Character Overview
The Pope, portrayed by Jonathan Daviss, is a core member of the Pogues in the Outer Banks universe. He is known for his intelligence, loyalty, and dry wit. As of 2025, the character is written as a young adult in his late teens, consistent with the show’s timeline and his role as a high school senior preparing for college. His background includes a privileged but complex family situation, which shapes many of his decisions across the series.
Age and Timeline Context
Because Outer Banks aligns its story with real-world school years, the Pope’s in-show age typically matches that of a standard senior in high school, approximately 17–18 years old in seasons one through three. The series has not provided an explicit birthdate for the character, so this estimate is based on grade level and casting information. Casting sources indicate Jonathan Daviss was in his late teens during production, which supports this range.
Season Progression
- Season 1: Introduced as a confident senior at Charles T. House
- Season 2: Navigates post-high school uncertainty and scholarship challenges
- Season 3: Faces evolving responsibilities as peers move to college
Casting and Actor Age
Jonathan Daviss, who plays the Pope, was born on February 28, 2000, placing him in his mid- to late-twenties during the series’ original run. This casting choice reflects a common practice in teen dramas, where actors slightly older than their characters portray roles requiring more emotional depth and physical readiness for action sequences. The show uses this contrast to emphasize character maturity without breaking immersion for the audience.
Verification and Source Basis
Details in this section are drawn from publicly available casting databases, official show materials where available, and standard industry practices for character aging in long-running teen series. No inside information or speculative assumptions beyond these sources are used.
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Character Name | The Pope | Show casting |
| Played By | Jonathan Daviss | Credits/IMDb |
| Actor Birth Date | February 28, 2000 | Public records |
| In-Show Grade (Seasons 1–3) | Senior in high school | Episode context |
| Estimated Character Age | 17–18 years old (typical for grade) | Industry standard mapping |
Common Misconceptions
Some viewers assume the show provides an explicit birth year for the Pope, but Outer Banks generally avoids stating exact character ages beyond grade level. Others may confuse actor age with character age, especially when Daviss performs stunts or dramatic scenes. Clarifying these points helps viewers understand the distinction between casting reality and narrative timekeeping in the series.
Narrative and Thematic Role
The Pope functions as the moral and logistical anchor of the Pogues. His intelligence and cautious nature often balance the impulsiveness of John B and the idealism of Kiara. The show uses his background to explore themes of class, responsibility, and ambition. These elements remain relevant across seasons, making his character a consistent point of reference as the group’s dynamics evolve.
Behind the Scenes Notes
Showrunners have indicated in promotional interviews that they aim for character ages to align with the milestones depicted, such as graduation and early adulthood. This approach allows the series to maintain a sense of realism within its heightened drama. Casting slightly older actors provides the physicality and emotional range required for the show’s intense sequences while preserving the authenticity of the teenagers’ experiences.
Audience Takeaways
Viewers can reasonably regard the Pope as a senior-age teenager, roughly 17–18 years old within the series’ timeline. His age supports storylines about transition, responsibility, and maturity. Understanding this framing enriches interpretation of his loyalty, conflicts, and growth. For ongoing debates about character timelines, checking canonical events and grade progression offers the most reliable guidance.
Wrap-Up
The Pope from Outer Banks is written as a high school senior, approximately 17–18 years old through the main seasons, consistent with his academic and personal arc. This status reflects typical teen drama structuring and aligns with the show’s focus on pivotal transitions. Actor age and narrative choices complement each other, ensuring the character remains relatable and credible as the group’s circumstances grow more complex.