Netflix Cancels Crime Drama “The Waterfront” After One Season; Fans Outraged

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28, 2025 - Netflix has officially confirmed that it will not move forward with a second season of the Kevin Williamson-created crime drama The Waterfront, despite the series’ strong performance upon release.

The eight-episode drama, which premiered on June 19, 2025, followed the Buckley family’s desperate efforts to save their once-prominent fishing empire in coastal North Carolina. The Waterfront spent five consecutive weeks in Netflix’s global Top 10 for English-language series-including three weeks at No. 1-and garnered 11.6 million views during its first full week on the service.

According to sources cited by Deadline, Netflix executives weighed viewership and completion rates against production costs and ultimately decided against renewal. Although insiders reported that The Waterfront’s completion rate was “favorable,” it was not deemed sufficient to justify a second season, especially when compared to other freshman series that received renewals despite lower initial metrics.

Fans and critics have reacted sharply to the announcement. On social media, many decried Netflix’s decision as a “big mistake,” with some vowing to cancel their subscriptions in protest. Others expressed hope that another streamer might pick up the series, praising its blend of family drama and crime thriller elements and its authentic depiction of North Carolina’s coastal landscape.

Creator Kevin Williamson addressed the cancellation via Instagram Stories, expressing gratitude to the cast and crew: “While I’m sad the Buckleys won’t be back for Season 2, I’m celebrating the joy that was Season 1. It was one of the best experiences of my life! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Despite its cancellation, The Waterfront leaves behind a dedicated fanbase and a legacy as one of Netflix’s most discussed single-season dramas of 2025.

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