The Runarounds Review: Real Music, Real Drama, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Dreams

The Runarounds is an unexpected gem. Created by Jonas Pate, the mind behind Outer Banks, this series came to life through an open casting call that formed a real band from the chosen actors—a brilliant decision that truly pays off. Across 8 episodes, you get to follow a group of friends navigating life, dreams, and the pursuit of fame.

This fictional story follows Charlie Cooper, Neil Crosby, Topher Park, Pete Antuna, and later Bez Willis, as they chase their dream of becoming a rock band in Wilmington, North Carolina. Starting as high schoolers playing wherever they can, they believe in their talent despite the odds. Their band’s quirky name, The Runarounds, fits their journey perfectly as they strive to leave a mark on the music industry.

Narrated by Charlie (played by William Lipton), the band’s founder, the story dives into their ups and downs—from personal struggles and family drama to the hard choices they make to pursue their passion. One pivotal moment is replacing their original drummer with Bez Willis, the final piece that elevates their sound and performance. Meanwhile, their former drummer steps up as their unofficial manager, securing real gigs that slowly push them forward.

With only one summer after graduation to make it work, the stakes are high. Their families, burdened by real-world problems like financial stress, health issues, and parenting challenges, offer little encouragement. Yet, support comes from old friends and new allies, alongside blossoming romance and self-discovery. These layers make you root deeply for the band’s success.

The Runarounds is energized, addictive entertainment. It blends band drama, family tension, romance, and a jaw-dropping 19-year family secret that adds a shocking twist. The characters’ resilience in the face of adversity is inspiring, and moments of humor, like performing to recover stolen instruments, add levity and showcase their talent. The series is infused with music inspired by a seemingly divine muse, making the story even more compelling.

It’s incredible this all unfolds over one summer. Watching these guys transform from friends to brothers amid joy, sadness, surprises, and fun is a whirlwind experience that had me binge all 8 episodes in one go.

The music alone makes this series a must-watch—each episode is packed with live performances that feel like personal rock concerts. One breathtaking scene is an impromptu rooftop concert meant to impress a music producer. The cast, especially William Lipton and Ambyr Michelle (both soap alumni), deliver sensational performances that bring authenticity and heart to the show. Huge kudos to the entire cast, writers, directors, and crew for creating such a memorable, feel-good series with thrilling music scenes and intense moments that are incredibly well executed.

The Runarounds brilliantly shows how challenging and eye-opening the pursuit of a dream can be—but don’t let that discourage you. Did the band achieve their dream? It’s definitely worth watching to find out.

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