Overview

• The Waterfront, created by Kevin Williamson and inspired by his own family’s history in coastal North Carolina, chronicles the Buckley family’s turn from legitimate fishing and restaurant operations to crime under mounting debt.
• Since its June 19 premiere, the eight-episode series has claimed the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s global viewership charts, peaking at 733 FlixPatrol points in a single day.
• Critics have offered mixed reactions, reflected in a 64% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 71% audience rating, with reviewers praising its personal stakes while faulting uneven pacing.
• Filmed on location in Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina, the show stars Holt McCallany and Maria Bello as the Buckley patriarch and matriarch alongside Jake Weary and Melissa Benoist, with Topher Grace singled out for his role as a menacing antagonist.
• Although Netflix has yet to confirm a second season, the show’s strong ratings and open-ended finale have fueled industry projections for a renewal and a possible summer 2026 return.