Netflix's 'The Waterfront' Canceled: What Could Have Happened in Season 2?

Netflix’s decision to cancel The Waterfront after one season had some mixed reviews.

Multiple outlets confirmed on Monday, August 25, that the show’s creator, Kevin Williamson, received the cancellation news and was quick to inform the cast and crew. (Deadline was first to report the news.)

The Waterfront — starring Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Melissa Benoist, Jake Weary and Danielle Campbell — was a crime drama following the story of the Buckleys, who are forced to start smuggling drugs in order to save their family’s businesses. The show premiered this past June.

“A big thank you to everyone who watched The Waterfront,” Williamson shared in an Instagram Stories post following the news. “While I’m sad the Buckleys won’t be back for Season 2, I’m celebrating the joy that was Season 1.”

He added, “I had the pleasure of working with a dream cast and crew. My heart is full of gratitude for all the people who brought their talents to the show both in NC and LA. You were all amazing.”

Keep scrolling for fans’ burning questions about the cancellation:

Was ‘The Waterfront’ a Netflix Success?

By looking at the numbers, the show could absolutely be considered a success. The Waterfront spent five weeks in the streaming services Top 10 following its June premiere, per Deadline, even hitting the top spot. The publication also reported that the show had a high of 11.6 million viewers during its first week.

Did Kevin Williamson Have Plans for ‘The Waterfront’ Season 2?

The Waterfront’s season 1 finale ended with a major cliffhanger — Belle (Bello) betraying her family — hinting that there were plans for a second season in place.

Harlan (McCallany) and Cane (Waery) had gotten closer together, but Williamson told TVLine on Monday that he imagined “more stumbling for them to do as father and son before they fully repair that relationship.”

With Belle getting involved with a different crime family, her story line was set to be expanded on as well.

“Belle has always taken her place, puppeting Harlan and controlling what happens to the Buckley family behind the scenes,” Williamson continued. “All of her little shenanigans have been done behind Harlan, and in the shadows of Harlan, and now she’s ready to shove him out of the way, stand front and center, and really take the reins.”

Why Was ‘The Waterfront’ Canceled?

Netflix has yet to reveal why the show was canceled after one season. Deadline’s report revealed that The Waterfront had significantly higher streaming numbers than Pulse and The Residence — both of which were also canceled after just one season.