Chase Stokes Said Work on ‘Outer Banks’ Left Him With Short-Term Memory Loss
Now that Outer Banks fans have watched the last of the Pogues’ drama play out on Netflix’s Outer Banks, they are learning about the real-life drama that went down on the set. Chase Stokes, who took on the role of John B. during the Outer Banks’ five-season run, recently opened up about the injuries he sustained on the set and the lasting effects they have had on him.
Chase Stokes discusses the injuries he sustained on the set of ‘Outer Banks‘
Chase Stokes’ time on Outer Banks has come to an end, and now he’s talking about the physical toll that playing John has had on him. In a chat with Men’s Health, Stokes opened up about a running list of injuries he racked up working on the teen adventure drama.
He told the outlet that he suffered three concussions, a dislocated shoulder, a dislocated finger and various cuts and scrapes during the show’s run. Some of his injuries have been more serious than others, and some have left him with lingering effects. Stokes revealed that the concussions left him with short-term memory issues. He said, “I’ve had days where I’ve looked at my materials the night before, and I’m feeling pretty good about it, but then I’ll get in the car and go to work, and I’ll be like, ‘S**t, I don’t remember the chunk of dialogue from last night.'” He said that symptom is present in his everyday life, too, leading him to forget things that are told to him pretty rapidly.
How he’s addressing his health now that the show is over
Now that the series is over and Stokes has a bit of time to breathe, he’ll be addressing the medical complications that the dramatic work left him with. He said he is working with a team of medical professionals to find some relief. One treatment in particular is showing promise, he revealed. Stokes told the outlet that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation has helped him “tremendously.” Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates specific regions of the brain and is used to help with certain neurological and mental health conditions.
Aside from medical treatment, Stokes is working to preserve his health by scaling back some of the stunts he is willing to do. Instead of putting his body and mind on the line again, he’s relying more on a stunt double for some of the riskier moves his roles require.
Despite the toll, Stokes said he doesn’t regret the physical sacrifice the role demanded. “This is a show that I’ve quite literally poured my blood, sweat, and tears into over the years, but I wouldn’t have traded those blood, sweat, and tears to make that character come alive for anything,” he said.
The series ended in August 2026
Chase Stokes’ decision to open up about the physicality required for Outer Banks comes at a time when fans are mourning the loss of the series. The show, which premiered to rave reviews in 2020, released its final season this month. Fans were sad to see it go, with the ending receiving mixed reviews. Still, cast members insist they are satisfied with the “full circle” ending.
Outer Banks follows a close-knit group of teenagers, the Pogues, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks as they chase a legendary treasure, uncovering family secrets, danger, and romance. The drama also offered commentary on the class divide in coastal communities.
