Netflix’s crime drama “The Waterfront,” created by Kevin Williamson, made waves when it premiered on June 19, introducing viewers to the dark and tangled world of the Buckley family and their crumbling fishing empire. Led by Holt McCallany, Melissa Benoist, and Jake Weary, the series mixed family drama with cartel dealings, betrayal, and survival along the North Carolina coast.
Despite its intense storylines and strong performances, its run was surprisingly short-lived, leaving fans stunned when news broke that Netflix had decided to end the series after just one season.
‘The Waterfront’ Sinks as Netflix Cancels the Series
Netflix has decided not to renew Kevin Williamson’s crime drama “The Waterfront,” according to a report from Deadline. The cancellation ends the story of the Buckley family after only one installment, despite a narrative filled with cartel intrigue, betrayals, and small-town corruption that kept viewers hooked.
Source: Netflix
Following the news, Williamson took to Instagram to share a personal message with fans and thank everyone involved in the project. In his post, he reflected on the experience of creating “The Waterfront,” expressing gratitude to the cast, crew, and Netflix for supporting such a personal story. While he admitted sadness over the Buckleys’ journey ending so soon, Williamson described Season 1 as one of the most rewarding chapters of his career and celebrated the team behind the series.
The move has surprised many fans and industry watchers, considering the show’s strong early performance. The data provided by Tudum while “The Waterfront” was trending shows that it spent five weeks in Netflix’s global Top 10 for English-language series, including three consecutive weeks at No. 1. At its peak, the series reached 11.6 million views during its first full week, making its cancellation all the more surprising given its strong numbers and positive audience reception.
The streamer’s decision to cancel “The Waterfront” is part of a larger wave of cancellations in 2025. This year alone, the streamer has dropped several titles, including Shondaland’s “The Residence,” the medical drama “Pulse,” and Netflix Spain’s “The Lady’s Companion.” No matter the audience, it seems that no title is truly safe on the world’s most popular streaming platform.
