‘Outer Banks’ Star Addresses Possible Pope and Cleo Romance

One of the gems of 'Outer Banks' Season 2 was the introduction of Cleo. Played by Carlacia Grant, Cleo is direct and no-nonsense, but she also has a playful side. She's developing a relationship with Pope that many viewers hope will become romantic. But will it? Grant weighs in.

by Chelsea Stewart

Published on September 15, 2021

2 min read

There’s a rule among the Pogues that they don’t date each other, but fans of Outer Banks can’t help but root for Pope and Cleo. The two share a certain chemistry that says they’re meant to be more than just friends. But is a romance actually in the cards for them? Here’s what actor Carlacia Grant (Cleo) said when asked about a possible Pope and Cleo relationship in Outer Banks Season 3.

'Outer Banks' Season 2 stars Rudy Pankow, Jonathan Daviss, Madison Bailey, Madelyn Cline, and Chase Stokes — ‘Outer Banks’ Season 2 stars Rudy Pankow, Jonathan Daviss, Madison Bailey, Madelyn Cline, and Chase Stokes | Elaine Siemek/Netflix

Who is Cleo in ‘Outer Banks?’

Cleo first shows up at the beginning of Outer Banks Season 2, when John B and Sarah board the boat she’s working on in hopes of being transported to the Bahamas, where Ward Cameron is hiding the gold he stole from them. She conspires with other workers to turn the two into authorities to collect the $50,000 reward on them, but they call off the plan when John B and Sarah offer a share of the gold in exchange for their freedom.

After two attempts to steal back the gold, the crews split up. Cleo goes on to get a job working on the Coastal Venture, where she runs into the Pogues once more. In a fight with Pope, she learns he’s a friend of John B and Sarah, whom she’d become close to earlier in the show. She decides to try and help them get the treasure back and later becomes a member of their friend circle.

Will Cleo and Pope get together?

Many fans of Outer Banks enjoyed the banter between Pope and Cleo and believe she could be just what he needs after his heartbreak over Kiara. Speaking to Elite Daily, Grant said she “can’t confirm or deny” whether a Pope and Cleo romance would happen, but she admitted her character is “definitely” crushing on him.

“Cleo definitely has a thing for Pope!” Grant told HollywoodLife. “She definitely has taken a liking to him… she showed him her knife skills, she doesn’t do that for just anybody.”

And fans aren’t the only ones rooting for them — Grant is here for it too.

“I’m really interested in seeing this whole Cleo and Pope thing happen, if it does happen,” she told Elle.

In addition to a Pope and Cleo romance, she’d like for the show to explore Cleo’s past. “I would love to see more of Cleo’s backstory. I, personally, really want to see more of her, more of where she came from. And I want her to be more badass, definitely more badass,” she added to Elle.

When does ‘Outer Banks’ come back on?

Outer Banks has not yet been approved for another season. But it seems likely, given the immense popularity of the show, especially after this latest season. Be sure to check back in with us for updates on the show as they come up.