Netflix has decided to pull the plug on its drama series, The Waterfront, after just one season. This news has sparked a mix of reactions, leaving many viewers and critics with divided opinions.
Word came on Monday, August 25, that Kevin Williamson, the show’s creator, had received the tough news. He wasted no time in letting the cast and crew know. News channel Deadline was the first to report on the cancellation.
The Waterfront was a gripping police drama. It starred Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Melissa Benoist, Jake Weary, and Danielle Campbell. The story followed the Buckley family, who found themselves in deep trouble. They were forced into drug smuggling to keep their family businesses alive. The series first premiered last June.
Williamson shared his thoughts on Instagram Stories after the announcement. He thanked everyone who tuned in to watch The Waterfront. "It saddens me that the Buckleys won’t be back for Season 2," he wrote. "But I celebrate the joy that Season 1 brought."
He went on to praise his team. "I had the pleasure of working with a dream cast and crew," he added. "My heart is full of thanks for all the people who shared their talent on the show in North Carolina and Los Angeles. Everyone was amazing."
Now, let’s look at the burning questions fans have about this unexpected cancellation:
Was ‘The Waterfront’ a Hit on Netflix?
Looking at the numbers, you might say the show was a success. The Waterfront stayed in Netflix’s Top 10 for five weeks straight after its June debut. It even climbed to the number one spot at one point. News channel Deadline also reported that the series drew a high of 11.6 million viewers during its first week. So, why the early exit?
Did Kevin Williamson Have Plans for a Second Season?
The first season of The Waterfront ended with a massive twist. Belle shockingly betrayed her own family. This big cliffhanger surely suggested that plans for a second season were well underway.
Williamson spoke to news channel TVLine on Monday. He shared that he imagined more bumps in the road for Harlan (McCallany) and Cane (Weary). They would face more struggles as father and son before truly fixing their relationship.
Belle’s story was also set to get much bigger. She was getting involved with another criminal family. Williamson explained that Belle had always worked in the shadows. She managed Harlan and made family decisions behind his back. Now, she was ready to push him aside, step into the spotlight, and take full control.
Why Did Netflix Cancel ‘The Waterfront’?
Netflix has yet to offer any reason for canceling the series after only one season. A report from news channel Deadline pointed out something puzzling. The Waterfront had significantly more viewers than other Netflix shows that were also canceled after a single season. These shows include Pulse and The Residence. This makes the cancellation of The Waterfront a real head-scratcher for many.