Outer Banks final season: Madison Bailey teases deeply sentimental tone and new rom-com

Madison Bailey is trading her Outer Banks surfboard for a rom-com toolkit. As the Netflix hit wraps filming on its fifth and final season, the actor — who rose to fame as Kiara “Kie” Carrera — is stepping into a lighter, candy-colored world on Prime Video’s Maintenance Required, where she plays Izzy: a pink-loving mechanic who doubles as a nail tech. Between wrapping boat days on OBX and promoting her new movie, Bailey is already mapping out the next chapter of her career, one that embraces music, acting variety, and parts of her identity she’s eager to explore on screen.

In a Zoom conversation, Bailey reflected on finishing a beloved franchise, what drew her to a modern rom-com, the surprisingly delicate logistics of on-set manicure work, and why she’s excited to tell more stories that reflect her experience as a Black, queer woman. Below, her thoughts on filming, friendship, and what to expect from both Maintenance Required and Outer Banks’ final ride.

Why Madison Bailey chose a rom-com and what Izzy brings to the screen

Madison describes Maintenance Required as the kind of romantic comedy she wanted to be part of: warm, funny, and unapologetically entertaining. The film centers on an all-female auto shop where Bailey’s Izzy flirts with maximalist style and playful femininity while helping friends navigate messy romantic entanglements. The central love story follows a shop owner whose online crush turns out to be a real-life rival, but Izzy and her best friend Kam provide the laugh-out-loud energy that keeps the movie rooted in classic rom-com beats.

Bailey told the interviewer she was attracted to the role because it offered a fresh tone compared with her previous work — and because it let her lean into comedy. Playing Izzy also opened a door to a side of her she doesn’t often show on screen. After years portraying more tomboy, rebellious characters, she relished the chance to play someone “girly” and flamboyant without sacrificing authenticity.

How the film balances modern twists with old-school rom-com charm

The movie nods to early-2000s favorites while updating rom-com tropes for today’s audiences. Bailey was particularly excited about the film’s commitment to humor—she felt many contemporary “rom-coms” had drifted too far from the genre’s funny roots. Maintenance Required mixes emotional stakes with comedic relief, giving characters room to breathe and audiences room to laugh.

• Classic structure, fresh voice: Familiar romantic tension appears with a modern complication (social media, workplace rivalry), creating relatable stakes.
• Side characters matter: Izzy and Kam aren’t just background; they’re the comedic force that elevates the central couple’s arc.
• Lighthearted but grounded: Costume and setting choices keep the film playful without feeling cartoonish.

Designing Izzy: wardrobe, jewelry, and the nail artistry behind the character

Bailey collaborated closely with stylists and the film’s nail tech to craft Izzy’s signature looks. The actress wore two recurring color palettes — notably pink and green sets — across multiple scenes. For practicality on a fast-paced shoot, the team used nail stickers instead of acrylics so looks could change between setups. That compromise meant Bailey had to be careful during takes and accept occasional wardrobe hiccups when press-on nails loosened.

She pulled inspiration from social platforms — Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok — and pitched several designs herself. Making each nail feel unique while remaining true to the character’s aesthetic was a big part of the process. Because the temporary nails weren’t as secure as real acrylics, there were times filming had to pause when a nail popped off mid-scene.

The almond vs. square debate — Izzy’s nail shape verdict

The long-standing nail-shape debate came up on camera, with Bailey revealing she prefers a tapered square: long enough to be dramatic but not as sharp as a stiletto. Izzy wears both long square sets and shorter almond styles in the film, showcasing Bailey’s taste for variety. The actress admitted she’s partial to longer tapered shapes — and laughed about the realities of acting with delicate press-on sets.

On-set friendships: building chemistry with Madelaine Petsch and Katy O’Brian

One of the film’s most praised elements is the natural chemistry between Bailey and her costars. That connection didn’t just happen overnight; it was nurtured through off-camera time. The trio made space for dinners, escape-room nights, and casual hangouts — actions that translated into effortless, believable rapport on screen.

Bailey said the dynamic felt instant and genuine, which helped scenes land with authenticity. The cast’s camaraderie is especially evident in lighter moments, like a car-ride sing-along that required little rehearsal because everyone already knew the lyrics.

The “Super Bass” moment and musical instincts

A memorable sequence finds the group rapping along to Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass.” For Bailey, that scene was surprisingly easy — one of the smoothest she’s filmed in over a decade of acting. As someone who has pursued music, she connected with the moment naturally, joking that fans will be singing those lyrics for years. She openly identifies with the song’s fandom, admitting she’s a Barb and proud of it.

How Outer Banks’ final season is shaping up and the emotions behind it

Filming the last episodes of Outer Banks has been an emotional experience for Bailey and the ensemble. She described the atmosphere on set as saturated with appreciation and “gratitude,” with the cast savouring traditions like sunset boat days and shared rituals that will soon be memories. The final season takes a darker tonal turn, grappling with the fallout from a major character’s death and how grief reshapes the group dynamics.

Bailey teased that Season 5 explores the aftermath of loss for characters who’ve long lived like risk-taking outsiders. The shift in tone has mirrored how the cast feels in real life — there are tearful moments on set and a heightened awareness that these routines are coming to an end.

Choosing future projects: availability, identity, and creative freedom

With Outer Banks wrapping, Bailey said she’s eager to be selective about what comes next. Previously, scheduling conflicts meant she passed on scripts she loved; having open windows in her calendar will allow her to pursue diverse roles. Music remains a priority, too — Bailey identifies as an artist first and is interested in exploring that side again.

She also signaled an intentional approach to storytelling that honors her lived experience. As a biracial, queer woman, Bailey wants to portray narratives that reflect those intersections and the many shades within her identity. Her hope is to tell stories that represent the complexity of being Black and queer — and to do it repeatedly, from different angles.

On age, perspective, and a small piece of advice

When asked what she’d tell her near-future 29-year-old self, Bailey offered a playful but grounded response: be patient. She said turning 30 sounded promising compared with the challenges of her mid-20s and advised soaking up this chapter while staying optimistic about what’s ahead. The sentiment echoes her larger career perspective — steady, considered choices rather than rushing toward the next thing.

Where to watch and notes about this interview

Maintenance Required launched on Prime Video on Wednesday, October 8th. The conversation above has been edited and condensed for clarity and flow.

Keywords: Madison Bailey, Outer Banks season 5, Maintenance Required, Prime Video, rom-com, nails, queer actor, Black actress

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David Miller

David Miller is an entertainment expert with a passion for film, music, and series. With eight years in cultural criticism, he takes you behind the scenes of productions and studios. His energetic style guides you to the next big releases and trending sensations.