Netflix has yet to renew The Waterfront for a second season, but after two weeks in the top 10s, we’re predicting a renewal. Now, a couple of weeks on Netflix, The Waterfront has made quite the dent in Netflix’s top 10s, but the streamer has yet to pull the trigger on season 2. Here’s a look at the viewing statistics for the series so far, our renewal prediction, what’s been said about the show’s future, and what we can expect if it returns. 

The Waterfront is a Netflix Original crime drama created and helmed by Kevin Williamson. The series is produced by Outer Banks Entertainment and Universal Television, with Ben Fast, Michael Narducci, Marcos Siega, and Kevin Williamson as executive producers.

As the Buckleys’ fishing empire crumbles around them, the damaged and dysfunctional family clutches at desperate means to restore their finances, reputation, and maritime heritage in North Carolina.

The Waterfront season 2 Netflix renewal status

Our Renewal Prediction
Expecting Renewal

At the time of this July 10th update, The Waterfront has yet to be renewed by Netflix, but the numbers are looking more than solid enough for us to believe the show is headed for renewal.

Almost instantly, the series has made its way into the top ten lists of 90 different countries and has since featured in the weekly top 10s in 86 countries.

In the three weeks since it was featured in the global top 10 charts, at the number 1 spot, it has garnered 25.5 million views thus far, including a significant 40% increase in viewership from weeks 1 to 2. Here’s how its viewing numbers break down so far:

Week in Top 10
Week Period
Hours Viewed
Views / CVE
Weekly Rank

1
Jun 15 to Jun 22
53,300,000 (New)
8,300,000
1

2
Jun 22nd to Jun 29
74,300,000 (+39%)
11,600,000
1

3
June 29 to Jul 6
36,000,000 (-52%)
5,600,000
1

Those numbers don’t exist in a vacuum, so let’s rank them against a few other new shows in 2025 and see how they stack up. So far, the show in week 2 is ahead of Ransom Canyon, which received a season 2 renewal (eventually); however, it is lagging behind recent comedy titles, The Four Seasons and Running Point.

The show is notably ahead of the Obliterated line (one of Netflix’s most-watched cancelations in its history) and ahead of a few other shows that have gotten renewals and combine that with the fact the show is picking up great audience reviews, we think all that’s left to do is for Netflix to pull the trigger.

What has the cast and crew said about a season 2?

There have been lots of good signs from the cast and crew that they have ambitions for the show to continue. Series creator Kevin Williamson has shared his enthusiasm for expanding the story, telling TIME, “I would love very much a chance to write Season 2, because I feel like I’m just getting started with this story and this family.”

In an interview with TV Insider, he added, “The end of the first season feels like it’s still moving because you don’t want it to stop, right? So that’s a good sign, I think, for Season 2. I would like to see it just keep moving. I would like to see the family come together to stave off some universal villain.”

Williamson also teased what a potential second season could look like in an interview with Tudum, explaining that the narrative would likely shift focus. “This season was about Harlan and Cane — how they reconciled their differences and how they’re going to move forward,” he said. “Now Belle is a little more front and center. She’s not living in the shadows.”

What to expect from The Waterfront season 2?

There’s plenty of drama and fallout that we’ll see carry on over into the second season of The Waterfront.

Belle vs Harlan?

Picture: Maria Bello as Belle Buckley – Universal Television

After a turbulent season for their marriage, which involved Belle attempting to sell the land that was precious to Harlan beneath him, all the pain the family went through had the married couple on the road to recovery. However, Belle has secretly met with the Parkers and is continuing with the land sale, which also means the same family who were responsible for the death and torture of Harlan’s father will now be the owners of the land that Harlan’s mother wished to be preserved.

This will inevitably cause a giant rift between Belle and Harlan. In the eyes of the Parkers, Belle is now the one running the operation, or certainly matters related to the land sale. There’s very little Harlan can do to stop the sale from happening, but we expect he’ll try his hardest.

Peyton and Cane’s Marriage

Picture: Jake Weary as Cane Buckley (left) and Danielle Campbell as Peyton Buckley (right) – Universal Television

Another marriage on the rocks, Peyton and Cane’s marriage was at risk of ending in the first season. However, after confirming that his affair with Jenna is over, Peyton has seemingly forgiven Cane and is ready to move forward with their marriage. That being said, it clearly won’t be as simple as just moving forward. Cane will be under Peyton’s watchful eye, ensuring he doesn’t stray from the path.

After learning of her husband’s family’s illegal activities, she may want to get involved in the family business herself. Perhaps with Belle busy with the land takeover, Peyton could attempt to take over the restaurant.

Who knows, perhaps this will put her on a collision course with Shawn, and Peyton will take her revenge on Cane’s infidelity by sleeping with his half-brother.

What’s next for Bree?

Picture: Jake Weary as Cane Buckley (left) and Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley (right). – Universal Television

Bree has been through a rough time in the first season. First, she tried to have her brother investigated by the DEA as revenge for his testimony, which resulted in her losing custody of her son. Second, she murdered her DEA agent boyfriend to protect the family and sacrificed her sobriety in the process. Not to mention, she was kidnapped, shot, and left for dead in shark-infested waters by Grady. Lastly, not only is she tortured by witnessing the murder of her grandfather, but she is also at risk of losing her son again as Rodney, her ex-boyfriend, has threatened to move away from North Carolina.

All of these traumatic events run the risk of Bree breaking her sobriety for good, especially if her son is forced to leave. Bree is determined to have a good relationship with her son, but she’s also fiercely protective of her family. Unfortunately for Bree, she may not be able to have one without losing the other, and it may already be too late for her to realise this.

Working for the Parkers?

Picture: Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley – Universal Pictures

Harlan was able to overcome his hatred of the Parkers as it meant choosing the lesser of two grave evils. However, with the Parkers behind his family’s land grab, it could break Harlan’s reasoning to see sense. Once he learns of his wife’s betrayal and the Parker’s involvement, this may put Harlan on a collision course for further conflict with yet another powerful enemy.

Who will return for a second season in The Waterfront?

We’d expect to see the following cast members return in the second season of The Waterfront:

Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley.
Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley.
Jake Wear as Cane Buckley.
Mario Bello as Belle Buckley.
Danielle Campbell as Peyton Buckley.
Rafael L. Silva as Shawn West.
Brady Hepner as Diller Hopkins.
Dave Annable as Wes Larsen.

When can we expect to see The Waterfront season 2 on Netflix?

Assuming The Waterfront is renewed for a second season, we can make an educated guess about when we can expect to see Season 2 on Netflix.

We previously reported on how scripted English-language live-action series are taking far too long to return, with an average wait time of just over 20 months.

If The Waterfront were to follow the average wait time, then fans could be waiting as long as February 2027. Hopefully, a swift renewal and a quick turnaround in production will enable the series to return sometime in 2026.

Would you like to see a second season of The Waterfront on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!