From what it might be about to who would return, here’s what we know so far about a potential second season of ‘The Waterfront’

NEED TO KNOW

The Waterfront was released on Netflix on June 19
The season ended with a dramatic face-off between the Buckley family and drug kingpin Grady
The show quickly landed in Netflix’s Top 10, leaving fans wondering if a season 2 is in the works

The Waterfront ended with a heart-racing finale that left fans wanting more.

After being released on Netflix on June 19, the eight-episode series found its way to the No. 1 spot on the streaming platform’s Top 10, capturing viewers with its dramatic (and dangerous) plot.

Based on a true story, the series follows the Buckley family — played by Holt McCallany, Maria Bello and Melissa Benoist, among others — who risk everything to save their North Carolina fishing empire from financial ruin.

To keep the family afloat, son Cane (Jake Weary) turns to drug smuggling using their fishing boat. But when two men on his ship go missing, the Buckleys are drawn into a deadly rivalry between two drug kingpins: the Parker family and notorious smuggler Grady (Topher Grace).

As tensions pick up throughout the season, the Buckleys and Parkers unite to destroy Grady’s operation, leading to a violent showdown in the finale that ends in a shocking death. Following the show’s release, creator Kevin Williamson told TV Insider that he would “like to see it just keep moving.”

Williamson continued, “I would like to see the family come together to stave off some universal villain.”

So, will there be a season 2 of The Waterfront? Here’s everything to know about the Netflix show’s next chapter.

Warning: The Waterfront spoilers ahead!

How did The Waterfront end?

Brian Ashton Smith as Reggie, Joshua Brady as Hollis, Bryan Terry Snell as Levi, Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley and Jake Weary as Cane Buckley in episode 103 of ‘The Waterfront.’.Dana Hawley/Netflix

By the finale, Grady’s drug empire has been destroyed, driving him to kidnap Bree Buckley (Benoist) and her son Diller (Brady Hepner) in a ploy to lure family patriarch Harlan (McCallany) into a deadly trap aboard his yacht.

When Bree tries to fight back, Grady shoots her in the leg and throws her overboard, though Diller manages to throw her a life raft.

Harlan and Cane arrive, with the former distracting Grady, while the latter sneaks aboard and frees his father. Together, they corner Grady, and Cane shoots him twice in the face, sending him overboard.

In the end, all Buckley family members have survived the high-stakes violence they experienced throughout the finale. The season wraps with the family gathering in the hospital to care for Bree, who appears to be making strides in her recovery since being brought back to shore.

Will there be a season 2 of The Waterfront?

Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley and Topher Grace as Grady in episode 104 of ‘The Waterfront.’.Dana Hawley/Netflix ©2025

Sorry, fans! Netflix has not confirmed a second season of The Waterfront just yet. But don’t fret: Williamson told The Hollywood Reporter that he “went in there pitching three [seasons].”

When asked if he had a max number of seasons in mind for the series, Williamson admitted that streaming is a “new world” to him, but shared a three-season plan.

“The good news is, with a family, I feel like we have such a great cast of actors that we could explore beyond three seasons,” he said. “I went in there pitching three — that’s [Netflix’s] magic number.”

Williamson added, “In the back of my head, [I was thinking], ‘Oh, this could go four [seasons]. It’s only eight episodes.’ I mean, three seasons is one season of network [television]. I could go five seasons if it’s a success, but I’d be happy with three. Three would be a solid number.”

He continued, “I used to watch shows for years and years and years, and I saw every episode of CSI, but now I’m in a place where I just watched three seasons and I’m kind of done.”

What would season 2 of The Waterfront be about?

Jake Weary as Cane Buckley and Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley in episode 105 of ‘The Waterfront.’.Dana Hawley/Netflix© 2025

After the dramatic ending that saw the Buckleys face off with drug kingpin Grady, season 2 could mark a fresh new chapter for the characters.

In his conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Williamson confirmed that Grady was “definitely dead,” adding that they were “paving the way for an equally [evil] new villain next year. If people watch [season 1].”

Speaking more about what might “come into play” if season 2 gets the green light, Williamson teased the Parker family’s return being a central storyline.

“The Parker family would become season 2’s big conflict. We’ve only met Emmett (Terry Serpico) and his father,” he said. “There are more Parker family members and they will prove to be equally as complicated as the Buckleys — and more dangerous than Grady could ever be.”

Which cast members would return for season 2 of The Waterfront?

Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley and Maria Bello as Belle Buckley in episode 104 of ‘The Waterfront.’.Dana Hawley/Netflix

Given the show has yet to be renewed for a season 2, there is no official confirmation on who from the cast would return. However, during his conversation with TV Insider, Williamson teased the possibility of Weary and Rafael L. Silva returning as Cane and Shawn (Harlan’s secret son and Cane’s half-brother).

“Just getting to work with Rafa more would be incredible. I love Rafa dearly,” he said. “The whole cast is incredible. There’s a bond there that can’t be broken. Even if we don’t do a season 2, we’re all gonna be friends for life.”

But, if there is a season 2, Williamson said it “would be cool” to see Cane and Shawn’s stories continue.

Plus, if Williamson stays true to his word on following the Parker family in season 2, it’s likely that Serpico would return to reprise his role as Emmett.

Where can I watch The Waterfront?

Maria Bello as Belle Buckley and Dave Annable as Wes Benson in episode 106 of ‘The Waterfront.’.Dana Hawley/Netflix

Good news! All eight episodes of The Waterfront are available to stream on Netflix.