Netflix’s gritty crime drama The Waterfront has taken the streaming world by storm, with its second week of viewership skyrocketing by nearly 40% to a staggering 19.9 million views. This explosive growth, coupled with tantalizing hints of a second season featuring bold new characters ready to shatter the fragile order of the fictional port city of Havenport, North Carolina, has fans buzzing with anticipation. As the Buckley family’s saga of legacy, betrayal, and crime continues to captivate audiences, the show’s trajectory suggests it could redefine the crime drama genre. Here’s why The Waterfront is poised for a record-breaking future.
A Viewership Phenomenon in the Making
When The Waterfront premiered on June 19, 2025, it debuted with a solid 8.3 million views in its first four days, claiming the top spot on Netflix’s English-language TV charts. Created by Kevin Williamson, known for iconic works like Scream and Dawson’s Creek, the series follows the dysfunctional Buckley family as they navigate the collapse of their fishing empire, resorting to drug smuggling and shady dealings to stay afloat. The show’s blend of soapy family drama, pulpy crime, and coastal Southern gothic vibes struck a chord, but it was the second week that truly cemented its status as a global hit.
From June 23 to 29, viewership surged to 11.6 million, a 39% increase that translated to 74.3 million hours watched. This placed The Waterfront at number one on Netflix’s global English-language charts for two consecutive weeks, outpacing competitors like Ginny & Georgia Season 3, which managed 4.8 million views in the same period. The show’s dominance extended to 86 countries, with top rankings in 10 nations, signaling its universal appeal. Posts on X echoed the excitement, with fans and analysts predicting a near-certain renewal based on these numbers.
This viewership trajectory mirrors that of other Netflix successes like Ransom Canyon, which grew from 7.2 million to 9.4 million views in its second week and secured a season 2 renewal. The Waterfront’s stronger two-week total of 19.9 million views suggests Netflix is likely to greenlight another season, especially given Williamson’s reported plans for a three-season arc. The show’s ability to maintain its top spot despite competition from heavyweights like Squid GameSeason 3 (on the non-English chart) underscores its staying power.
The Buckley Family: A Toxic, Addictive Core
At the heart of The Waterfront is the Buckley family, a flawed and fractured clan whose desperate bid to preserve their legacy drives the narrative. Holt McCallany delivers a commanding performance as Harlan Buckley, the gruff patriarch recovering from two heart attacks, whose past ties to a cartel loom large. Maria Bello shines as Belle, his wife, whose questionable business decisions and secret affair with a real estate developer (Dave Annable) add layers of intrigue. Jake Weary’s Cane, their son, grapples with the pressure of running the sinking family business, while Melissa Benoist’s Bree, a recovering addict, navigates personal demons and a dangerous relationship with DEA Agent Marcus Sanchez (Gerardo Celasco).
The ensemble is rounded out by compelling performances from Danielle Campbell as Peyton, Cane’s wife with hidden depths, and Rafael L. Silva as Shawn West, a bartender revealed to be Harlan’s son from an affair. Topher Grace’s unhinged villain, Grady, stole scenes in season 1, with his chaotic energy described as “infectious” by critics. The show’s 63% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects mixed reviews, with some calling it a “gripping binge” despite derivative elements, while others praised its “mercilessly entertaining” pacing and Williamson’s knack for melodrama.
The season 1 finale left viewers on a cliffhanger, with the Buckleys’ empire teetering and new power dynamics emerging. Belle’s betrayal, Harlan’s risky alliances, and Bree’s entanglement with the law set the stage for a volatile season 2. Williamson has teased that the show’s 60/40 mix of family drama and crime will evolve, with deeper exploration of the characters’ moral ambiguities. “We’re good and bad,” he told TIME, emphasizing the show’s focus on complex human struggles.
Season 2: New Characters, New Rules
The promise of season 2 has fans buzzing, particularly with hints of new characters who will “break every rule” of Havenport’s seemingly tranquil port city. While details remain scarce, Williamson’s comments suggest these newcomers will disrupt the Buckley family’s fragile equilibrium and challenge the town’s power structure. Inspired by true events from Williamson’s childhood in North Carolina, where his father smuggled drugs to survive, The Waterfrontthrives on its authentic coastal setting and themes of legacy and consequence. The introduction of rule-breaking characters could amplify the show’s pulpy intensity, potentially involving rival crime factions, corrupt officials, or outsiders threatening the Buckleys’ dominance.
Drawing from the show’s established tone, these new characters might include a charismatic smuggler rivaling Grady’s menace, a whistleblower exposing the town’s underbelly, or a family member from the Buckleys’ past with a claim to their empire. The port city of Havenport, filmed in Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina, is a character in itself, with its serene facade hiding a web of crime and secrets. Season 2 could see this setting transformed by escalating violence or economic upheaval, as the Buckleys’ actions ripple outward.
Williamson’s track record suggests he’ll lean into heightened drama and shocking twists, much like his work on The Vampire Diaries. The addition of new faces could also address criticisms of season 1’s “shallow character work,” offering fresh dynamics to complement the stellar cast. With cinematography praised for its lush coastal visuals, season 2 is poised to elevate the stakes while retaining the show’s bingeable appeal.
Why The Waterfront Resonates
The Waterfront’s success lies in its ability to blend high-stakes crime with relatable family dysfunction. The Buckleys’ struggles—addiction, infidelity, and the weight of legacy—mirror universal themes, while the show’s violent twists and soapy flourishes provide escapist thrills. Its comparison to Ozark and Yellowstone is apt, yet The Waterfront carves its own niche with its coastal setting and Williamson’s personal touch. The show’s 8-episode format, with episodes averaging 40-50 minutes, makes it an easy binge, as noted by Variety, which called it “the Netflix equivalent of a beach read.”
The show’s cultural impact is evident in its social media buzz, with X posts highlighting its viewership milestones and renewal predictions. Its ability to outperform Ransom Canyon’s two-week total of 16.6 million views bodes well for its future, especially as Netflix prioritizes viewership over critical acclaim. The 4th of July weekend saw a dip in overall Netflix viewership, yet The Waterfront held strong, suggesting resilience amid holiday distractions.
Looking Ahead: A Record-Breaking Future?
As The Waterfront awaits official renewal, its 19.9 million views and 40% week-two surge position it as one of 2025’s top new dramas. The show’s ability to sustain its top ranking against upcoming releases like Untamed (July 17, 2025) will be crucial, but its current numbers rival Netflix’s best. Williamson’s vision for a multi-season arc, combined with the promise of disruptive new characters, sets the stage for a potentially record-breaking season 2.
Havenport’s port city may appear peaceful, but The Waterfront proves it’s anything but. As the Buckleys brace for new threats and the show’s global fanbase grows, the series is on track to cement its place as Netflix’s next crime drama juggernaut. Whether it’s Harlan’s battle for control, Bree’s redemption, or the chaos unleashed by newcomers, one thing is clear: The Waterfront is just getting started.
