Will The Waterfront get a season 2 on Netflix? Everything you need to know about renewal, cast, and plot

Netflix’s gritty crime drama The Waterfront has captured audiences with its gripping storyline, powerful performances, and dark family secrets.

Following its debut on June 19, 2025, the series soared to the top of Netflix charts globally, raising the question on many viewers’ minds: Will there be a Season 2 of The Waterfront? Here’s a detailed look at what we know so far, including renewal status, expected plot, cast, and more.

Netflix Renewal Status for The Waterfront Season 2

As of now, Netflix has not officially confirmed a renewal for The Waterfront Season 2. While this may seem uncertain, it’s not uncommon for the streaming giant to wait a few weeks after a show’s debut to assess viewership performance and engagement metrics before making a final decision. However, the show’s strong global performance—it reached the number one spot in over 30 countries—makes it a strong contender for renewal. Netflix will likely consider watch time, audience retention, and social media buzz before announcing a second season.

Kevin Williamson Has Plans for Multiple Seasons of The Waterfront

Series creator Kevin Williamson, known for hits like Scream and The Vampire Diaries, has already hinted that the story of the Buckley family is far from over. In interviews, Williamson revealed that he has already mapped out plots for both Season 2 and Season 3, with a particular focus on Belle Buckley’s character development. This indicates a strong creative vision and readiness to continue the story, pending Netflix’s official greenlight.

Who Will Return in The Waterfront Season 2 Cast?

If Season 2 is approved, most of the core cast is expected to return. This includes Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley, Maria Bello as Belle Buckley, Jake Weary as Cane, Danielle Campbell as Peyton, and Melissa Benoist as Bree. One major character unlikely to return is Grady, played by Topher Grace, whose storyline concluded dramatically in Season 1. Fans can also expect some recurring characters, like Shawn, Jenna, and Wes, to play bigger roles as the story expands.

What Will Happen in The Waterfront Season 2?

Season 2 is expected to delve deeper into the Buckley family’s descent into criminal enterprise. Kevin Williamson has teased that Belle will step into a larger leadership role, potentially clashing with her husband Harlan. Tensions are also likely to rise within the family as secrets unravel and power struggles emerge. Meanwhile, Cane’s love life and Bree’s emotional recovery will add personal stakes to the drama. The Parker family, who represent a rival criminal faction, are also expected to play a more central role, raising the threat level significantly.

Audience and Critical Reception of The Waterfront

While audience reception has been largely positive, with many praising its high-stakes storytelling and intense performances, critics have been more divided. The show currently holds a mid-range score on review aggregator sites, with some critics pointing out pacing issues or tonal inconsistency. Despite this, The Waterfront has remained a trending topic online, and its audience enthusiasm could outweigh mixed reviews in Netflix’s decision-making process.

Potential Release Date for The Waterfront Season 2 on Netflix

Assuming Netflix confirms a renewal soon, production could begin in late 2025 or early 2026. This means that The Waterfront Season 2 might premiere in late 2026 or early 2027. The show’s creators have indicated that the writing team is already working on future scripts, suggesting that they are prepared to move quickly once approval is granted.

Will The Waterfront Return?

While there’s no official confirmation yet, the odds are in favor of The Waterfront getting a second season. Its strong viewership, unresolved plotlines, and clear creative direction give it a solid foundation for continuation. Fans will need to stay tuned for Netflix’s official announcement, but all signs suggest that the Buckley family’s story is just getting started.