The coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina, is once again the epicenter of gritty drama as The Waterfront, the acclaimed crime series created by Kevin Williamson, storms back with what was poised to be a thrilling new season. Fans were left reeling after the shocking cancellation of the show by Netflix in August 2025, just two months after its gripping first season debuted on June 19, 2025. But imagine the buzz if a new season had miraculously been greenlit, bringing with it a near-total cast overhaul and a fresh wave of intrigue. While the show’s future remains uncertain, let’s dive into the tantalizing possibilities of who might return, who’s likely gone for good, and what elements of this twisted family saga would carry forward to keep viewers hooked.

The Buckley Empire: A Recap of Season 1

Before exploring the hypothetical new season, let’s revisit the heart of The Waterfront. Set in the fictional Havenport, the series follows the Buckley family, a once-powerful dynasty ruling the local fishing and restaurant industries. Their empire, however, is crumbling under financial strain and patriarch Harlan Buckley’s (Holt McCallany) health struggles after two heart attacks. His wife, Belle (Maria Bello), and son, Cane (Jake Weary), dive into dangerous waters, resorting to drug smuggling to save their legacy. Meanwhile, daughter Bree (Melissa Benoist), a recovering addict who lost custody of her son Diller (Brady Hepner), grapples with personal demons and a complicated relationship that threatens the family’s future.

Season 1 was a rollercoaster of betrayal, violence, and secrets, culminating in a jaw-dropping finale. Cane’s drug-smuggling venture sparked a deadly rivalry with local smuggler Grady (Topher Grace), who kidnapped Bree and Diller. In a dramatic showdown, Bree was shot and thrown overboard, only to be rescued by Harlan and Cane, who killed Grady. Belle, meanwhile, struck a risky deal with the powerful Parker family, setting the stage for new conflicts. Despite its critical acclaim (68% on Rotten Tomatoes) and strong viewership (peaking at 11.6 million views), Netflix axed the show, leaving fans clamoring for more.

A New Season, A New Cast?

If The Waterfront were to return for a second season, the cast would undergo a dramatic transformation, as you hinted. Let’s explore who might stay, who’s likely gone, and what fresh faces could shake up Havenport.

Returning Cast:

Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley: The patriarch, despite his heart condition, is central to the Buckley saga. His return would be essential as he navigates the fallout of Belle’s deal with the Parkers and reasserts control over the family empire. McCallany’s commanding presence makes him indispensable.

Maria Bello as Belle Buckley: Belle’s shift from the shadows to a power-hungry matriarch promises intense drama. Her alliance with the Parkers, described as “a school of sharks,” would likely drive Season 2’s conflict, making her a key player.

Jake Weary as Cane Buckley: As the conflicted son who killed Grady, Cane’s moral descent and strained family ties would anchor the narrative. His dynamic with Shawn West (Rafael L. Silva), the bartender revealed as Harlan’s son from an affair, could deepen.

Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley: Bree’s survival after being shot and her struggle for redemption make her a fan favorite. Her return would likely focus on rebuilding her life and protecting Diller.

Rafael L. Silva as Shawn West: The newcomer with a shocking connection to the Buckleys would continue to stir family tensions, especially as he integrates into their world.

Supporting Players: Actors like Humberly González (Jenna Tate), Danielle Campbell (Peyton Buckley, Cane’s wife), and Brady Hepner (Diller) are likely to return, given their integral roles in the family dynamic.

Departures:

Topher Grace as Grady: The deranged drug smuggler met his end in the Season 1 finale, shot by Cane. His absence is certain, though his shadow could loom over the Buckleys as they face repercussions.

Recurring Roles: Guest stars like Michael Gaston, Gerardo Celasco, Dave Annable, and Andrew Call might not return, as their arcs were less central. However, new characters, particularly from the Parker family, could replace them, introducing fresh antagonists.

What Stays the Same?

Even with a cast overhaul, core elements of The Waterfront would remain to preserve its addictive appeal:

The Coastal Setting: Havenport’s gritty, saltwater-soaked backdrop, filmed in Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina, is a character in itself. Its moody atmosphere, blending Ozark’s tension with Outer Banks’ coastal vibes, would continue to captivate.

Family Drama: The Buckleys’ toxic, layered relationships—marked by secrets, betrayal, and loyalty—would remain the heart of the show. A new season could explore Belle’s power grab and its impact on Harlan, Cane, and Bree.

Crime and Suspense: The shift from fishing to drug smuggling would escalate, with the Parkers emerging as formidable foes. Creator Kevin Williamson hinted at a Season 2 focusing on Belle navigating this dangerous alliance, promising more twists.

Cultural Roots: Inspired by Williamson’s family history, the show’s authenticity—drawn from his father’s drug-running past in the 1980s—would continue to ground the narrative in raw, personal stakes.

New Faces, New Stakes

To keep the series fresh, a hypothetical Season 2 could introduce new characters to replace departed ones. The Parker family, barely glimpsed in Season 1, could take center stage, with a cunning leader (perhaps played by a high-profile actor like Jon Hamm or Kerry Washington) challenging the Buckleys’ dominance. New allies or betrayers within Havenport could emerge, adding layers of intrigue. Williamson’s knack for crafting complex villains, as seen in Screamand The Vampire Diaries, suggests a new antagonist could rival Grady’s unhinged energy.

Why the Buzz?

The Waterfront’s blend of soapy drama, brutal violence, and coastal charm made it a standout, climbing to Netflix’s #1 spot globally. Its cancellation shocked fans, given its five-week run in the Top 10 and comparisons to Yellowstone and Succession. A revived season with a revamped cast would reignite excitement, promising deeper dives into the Buckleys’ fractured legacy. Will Belle’s ambition tear the family apart? Can Harlan reclaim control? And what secrets will Shawn’s true identity unleash?

For now, fans can only speculate, but the possibility of a new season with a bold cast shake-up keeps hope alive. The Waterfront remains a gripping tale of family, crime, and survival, ready to hook viewers once more.