From Jonas Pate, the creator behind the sun-soaked drama of Netflix’s Outer Banks, comes a new YA series destined to be the next obsession for music lovers. Premiering September 1, 2025, on Amazon Prime, The Runarounds follows the heartfelt and chaotic formation of a band of five boys navigating the poignant end of their senior year in Wilmington, North Carolina. But while the story of teenage dreams and musical ambition is the show’s narrative engine, its soul is undeniably powered by its meticulously curated soundtrack, a feature that has already garnered significant praise from critics. As NME notes, “The show is chock full of tunes from familiar names in music,” while Deadline highlights its use of “countless needle drops from other rock bands,” setting the stage for a series that is as much a celebration of indie music as it is a coming-of-age tale.
Central to this auditory experience is the prominent featuring of artists from the esteemed indie label Fort Lowell Records, whose tracks are seamlessly woven into the very fabric of the show’s emotional landscape. The musical journey begins immediately in Episode 1 with the resonant “What Did You Expect (With Such a Beautiful Wife)” by Kicking Bird, setting a tone of wistful introspection. The band’s presence continues to build in Episode 2 with the dual punch of “Impermanent Assistant” by Kicking Bird and the aptly titled “Comfortable Town” by Summer Set, songs that perfectly underscore the characters’ yearning to break free from their hometown confines. The musical partnership deepens in Episode 4, which features the evocative “The Jetty” by Summer Set alongside the track “Lauren” by Kicking Bird, each needle drop carefully selected to amplify the narrative’s emotional beats. Kicking Bird returns in Episode 5 with “Names Are Changing,” a title that echoes the series’ themes of transition and identity, before Kim Ware and the Good Graces deliver a poignant moment in Episode 7 with the track “Stopped Making Plans,” a song that captures the bittersweet reality of leaving adolescence behind.
This strategic placement of music transforms The Runarounds into more than just a show about a band; it becomes a vibrant discovery platform for authentic indie rock, offering a raw and genuine soundtrack that mirrors the characters’ own artistic struggles and triumphs. The series promises to be a heartfelt exploration of friendship, ambition, and the powerful role music plays in defining our most formative moments, all set against the familiar backdrop of Wilmington that creator Jonas Pate knows so well. For viewers eager to dive deeper into the sonic world of the show, the full list of songs for all episodes is available online, inviting audiences to not only follow the band’s journey on screen but to also discover the rich tapestry of artists that give The Runarounds its unforgettable sound.
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