Since breaking out as Sarah Cameron on Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks, Madelyn Cline has captured audiences with both her on-screen performances and her off-screen romances. The actress has maintained a relatively modest dating history while navigating her rise to stardom. Here’s what we know about her confirmed and rumored relationships.
Chase Stokes (2020-2021)
Madelyn’s most publicized relationship began where many Hollywood romances do—on set. She and co-star Chase Stokes, who plays John B on Outer Banks, developed a connection while filming the show’s first season. After months of speculation from fans who noticed their chemistry both on and off-screen, the couple officially confirmed their relationship in June 2020 with a cozy beach Instagram post captioned “cats outta the bag.”
Throughout their relationship, Madelyn and Chase attended various red carpets and award shows together, including the 2021 MTV Movie & TV Awards where they won Best Kiss for their Outer Banks characters. The couple frequently shared glimpses of their relationship on social media, delighting fans who were already invested in their on-screen romance.
However, in November 2021, news broke that the couple had ended their relationship after more than a year together. Sources close to the pair cited their busy work schedules as the primary reason for the split. Despite the breakup, both actors maintained a professional relationship on set while filming subsequent seasons of Outer Banks, with both emphasizing their continued friendship and respect for each other.
Jackson Guthy (2022-2023)
Following her split from Chase, Madelyn was first linked to musician and entrepreneur Jackson Guthy in mid-2022 after being spotted leaving his house in Malibu. Unlike her previous relationship, Madelyn kept this romance relatively low-key, though the pair were photographed together at various events and casual outings in Los Angeles.
Madelyn occasionally posted subtle “soft launch” photos on social media that featured Jackson without explicitly identifying him, a modern dating trend where celebrities hint at relationships without making formal announcements. The pair seemed to enjoy a more private relationship away from the intense spotlight that had followed her previous romance with Chase.
Reports indicated that Madelyn and Jackson quietly split sometime in 2023, though neither made any public statements about the end of their relationship. The breakup appeared to be amicable, with both continuing their respective careers without any public drama.
Zack Bia (2021 Rumor)
Shortly after her breakup with Chase Stokes, Madelyn was briefly linked to DJ and entrepreneur Zack Bia after the two were spotted together at a popular Los Angeles restaurant in December 2021. The sighting quickly sparked dating rumors across social media and entertainment news outlets.
However, sources close to both parties quickly denied any romantic connection, insisting they were “just friends” enjoying a casual night out. The rumors quickly faded, and no further evidence of a romantic relationship between the two ever materialized.
Ross Butler (2021 Rumor)
Another brief dating rumor emerged when Madelyn was photographed alongside 13 Reasons Why actor Ross Butler at the afterparty for the Outer Banks Season 2 premiere in Italy. The photos showed the two dancing together and appearing comfortable in each other’s company, prompting fans to speculate about a potential romance.
Both actors addressed the rumors in subsequent interviews, with Ross telling TMZ their relationship was “purely platonic” and Madelyn similarly describing him as a good friend. The pair continued to interact occasionally on social media, but all evidence pointed to nothing more than friendship between the two attractive young stars.
Fandom’s Role in Relationship Spotlight
Madelyn’s dating life has been subject to intense scrutiny largely due to the passionate Outer Banks fanbase that eagerly “shipped” her relationship with Chase Stokes both on and off screen. When art imitated life with their real-world romance, fans were ecstatic, making their eventual breakup all the more disappointing for dedicated viewers of the show.
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have been flooded with fan edits documenting Madelyn’s dating timeline, analyzing her interactions with rumored partners, and celebrating her “single era” following her breakups. The intersection of her character’s romantic storylines and her real-life relationships has created a unique phenomenon where fans feel particularly invested in her personal life.
As Madelyn continues to build her career beyond Outer Banks with roles in films like Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, her approach to balancing privacy with public interest in her romantic life demonstrates the challenges young stars face in the age of social media scrutiny and devoted fan communities.
