Do The Runarounds get signed in the Prime Video series? Details explored

The Runarounds premiered on Prime Video on September 1, 2025, taking viewers on an emotional journey of five high school graduates who want to pursue rock stardom. The coming-of-age series is set in Wilmington, North Carolina, and tracks the highs and lows of the band as it struggles to hold on to its dream.

Along the way, they encounter rivalry, romance, family pressures, and the trials of the music industry. What starts as a summer adventure turns out to be a test of how far they are willing to go in the pursuit of success.

The Runarounds is based on a real band, and the cast members are actual musicians. This is what makes the live performances and soundtrack shine. All the songs are played live in the show, and that gives the series a raw, authentic touch.

The music carries the energy of the story, yet a major question continues to linger over the season: Will The Runarounds finally secure a record deal, or will their dream slip through their fingers?

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers. Please continue reading only if you don’t mind plot details being revealed.

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Do The Runarounds get signed?

The answer is both unexpected and hard-earned. Throughout the season, the group works up to a major performance at the Kill Show nightclub, in which executives of the music industry, such as Galaxy Records scouts, are present. The night starts strong. The audience is hyped, and one of the talent scouts of Galaxy, named Izzy Fortini, insists that the band gets signed.

However, everything goes downhill when frontman Charlie, distracted by his personal troubles and his messy relationship with Sophia, quits the stage during the performance to run after her. He returns to complete the set, but the disruption leaves a negative impression. Galaxy Records turns them down, informing the band that they are good but not fit to venture into the professional world.

The disappointment is compounded on the way home. The trailer with all the band's equipment breaks loose, collides, and smashes everything inside. The worn-out and frustrated band direct their anger toward each other. As frustrations rise, they momentarily part ways, leaving their future as a group uncertain.

However, hope returns in an unlikely way. Izzy has faith in The Runarounds, and she persuades Danny Mace, an influential figure in the industry, to give them a chance. Initially, Mace is hesitant, but she eventually decides that the band has potential and negotiates a half-million-dollar record deal with them.

Sophia, whose writing assumes a key role in the creative identity of the group, is also included in the contract.

Eventually, Galaxy Records does not sign The Runarounds. However, they find a breakthrough deal with Danny Mace, which provides them with the future of their dreams.

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About The Runarounds

The Runarounds is a Prime Video series created by Jonas Pate. The show is about a group of five teenagers in Wilmington, North Carolina, who start a rock band during the summer following high school. In contrast to most fictional shows, this one is based on real musicianship.

The cast sings their own songs in the series, which gives The Runarounds plenty of energy and authenticity. Songs such as Funny How The Universe Works and Senior Year are included in the original soundtrack of the season and showcase the ability of the young cast.

The ensemble includes William Lipton as Charlie Cooper (frontman), Axel Ellis as Neil Crosby, Jesse Golliher as Wyatt Wysong, Zendé Murdock as Bez Willis, and Jeremy Yun as Topher Park. These five characters form the core rock band The Runarounds around which the series revolves.

Also, the character of Sophia Kinney is played by Lilah Pate, and Emme Sibulkin plays Izzy Fortini. Danny Mace, who gives the band the chance of a lifetime, is played by Jennifer Daley.

Meanwhile, critical reviews have been mixed. Variety termed it “a complete waste of time” with characters feeling flat, confusing dialogue, and no focus in the storytelling. Other critics likewise believed that the dramatic moments were not quite connected. The show holds an approval rating of around 60% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The response of the audience has been far better. Fans commend the live performances, the cast chemistry, and the nostalgic experience that reminds them of shows such as One Tree Hill. Many also like its old-school rock vibe.

To these viewers, the show does not work as a perfect drama, but it is a touching story of youths who never wish to be like the rest when it comes to dreaming big despite the odds.

Also: Is Prime Video’s The Runarounds based on a real band? Details explored