The Waterfront. Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley in episode 101 of The Waterfront.
Netflix’s latest Southern crime drama is already climbing the platform’s charts shortly after its release. Finished all eight episodes of The Waterfront and want more of the Buckleys? Keep reading to learn the latest on Season 2 from the show’s creator and Netflix.
The Waterfront, which is inspired by true events, follows the Buckley family as they try to regain control of their failing North Carolina fishing empire. But as their business begins crumble while patriarch Harlan Buckley suffers from two heart attacks, his wife Belle and son Cane must do whatever’s necessary to keep the family enterprises afloat.
“As their attempts spiral out of control and into treacherous waters, Harlan steps back in to take command,” Netflix’s synopsis continues. “Facing her own demons, Buckley daughter Bree – an addict in recovery who’s lost custody of her son Diller – finds herself entangled in a complicated relationship that could threaten the family’s future forever.
Just one day after the debut of its first season, The Waterfront has already claimed the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s U.S. TV chart. The finale delivered a shocking twist and teased the future of the Buckley family, leaving many viewers wondering what comes next.
Here’s everything to know about a potential Season 2 of The Waterfront, including its renewal status, what it could be about, which characters could return and more.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Waterfront Season 1.
Will There Be The Waterfront Season 2 On Netflix?
The Waterfront. (L to R) Maria Bello as Belle Buckley, Jake Weary as Cane Buckley in episode 107 of … More
Netflix has not yet renewed The Waterfront for a second season. The series recently premiered on the platform on June 19, and the decision will likely depend on how well the first season performs over the coming weeks and months.
While talking to various media outlets, series creator Kevin Williamson has been optimistic about a second season. “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,” he recently told TIME.com.
Williamson also shared what his hopes are for Season 2 in an interview with TV Insider.
“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,” he said. “I would like to see it just keep moving. I would like to see the family come together to stave off some universal villain.
In a different interview, the creator teased to Tudum what the next installment could be about, and how it will shift from Harlan and Cane’s story to another character.
“This season was about Harlan and Cane — how they reconciled their differences and how they’re going to move forward,” he told Tudum, hinting that Belle will likely taking a bigger role in the future. “Now Belle is a little more front and center. She’s not living in the shadows.”
In Season 2, viewers will also hopefully see more of Shawn Wilson (Rafael L. Silv) – Harlan’s secret son and Cane’s half-brother.
“Just getting to work with Rafa more would be incredible. I love Rafa dearly. 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. I love them so dearly,” he told TV Insider. “Rafa, too, that’s my boy. He’s such an incredible actor, and that would be cool to see more of and Cane and Shawn for Season 2, for sure.”
Which Characters Could Return For The Waterfront Season 2?
The Waterfront. (L to R) Humberly González as Jenna Tate, Jake Weary as Cane Buckley in episode 103 … More
All of the main cast of The Waterfront could reprise their roles for Season 2, especially the Buckleys. However, Topher Grace is not expected to return, as his character, Grady, was shot and killed by Cane in the Season 1 finale.
- Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley
- Maria Bello as Belle Buckley
- Jake Weary as Cane Buckley
- Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley
- Rafael L. Silva as Shawn West
- Humberly González as Jenna Tate
- Danielle Campbell as Peyton Buckley
- Brady Hepner as Diller Hopkins
What Could The Waterfront Season 2 Be About?
The Waterfront. Maria Bello as Belle Buckley in episode 106 of The Waterfront.
With Belle Buckley taking on a greater role in a potential Season 2, the second installment of The Waterfront could revolve around her relationship with the Parkers. In the finale, the crime family has seemingly chosen her to be their point of contact.
“She’s much more rational. She’s not going to make decisions based on her emotions. She’s too smart and levelheaded for that,” Williamson said to Tudum. “They see a true partnership with her in a way that they’ll never have with Harlan.”
While this may be good for Belle, Harlan may have mixed feelings upon learning that his wife is working with the enemy without anyone knowing. Harlan’s portrayer, Holt McCallany, told Tudum that he believes his character would be willing to talk through Belle’s latest betrayal.
“Sometimes people make the wrong decisions for the right reasons,” he explained. “If someone hurts Harlan, he has to ask, ‘Was it their intention to hurt me? Or was it their intention to protect me?’ Even though he wouldn’t like what Belle did, she did it out of love for him and their family.”
Another promising update? Williamson hasn’t just mapped out a second season – he’s also planned a third installment of the crime drama. “I’m hoping I get the chance to tell those stories. I do think it’s a fun show, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever done. And I just hope people enjoy it,” he told ScreenRant.
When Could The Waterfront Season 2 Be Released On Netflix?
The Waterfront. (L to R) Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley, Rafael Silva as Shawn West in episode 102 … More
The first season of The Waterfront began filming in Wilmington, NC in 2024, before premiering on Netflix in June 2025. Season 2 could potentially arrive sometime in late 2026 or early 2027 – depending on when (or if) Netflix officially greenlights the next installment and when filming begins.
Stay tuned for more updates on The Waterfront Season 2.
Season one of The Waterfront is now streaming on Netflix. Watch the official trailer below.
