Netflix’s NC drama ‘The Waterfront’ canceled after first season. What we know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Netflix cancelled 'The Waterfront' after one season despite early popularity.
- 'The Waterfront' peaked at No. 1 in English shows but lacked completion rates.
- Creator Kevin Williamson based the show on personal history in coastal Carolina.
The tides are turning for one of Netflix’s newest dramas filmed in North Carolina.
Two months after its premiere, “The Waterfront” will not be getting a second season, The News & Observer confirmed.
Set in “Havenport” — a fictional town that’s, in reality, known as Southport, the series follows the journey as a “prominent North Carolina fishing family wades into treacherous waters to keep their crumbling business empire afloat.”
Starring Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Jake Weary, Topher Grace and Melissa Benoist as the fictional Buckley family, the crime drama is based on a real story — from the creator’s past.
Kevin Williamson, who’s filmed four other film projects in the Wilmington area, pulled inspiration from the experiences of his own fisherman father.
“The show is inspired by my dad, but it’s a purely fictionalized account of me growing up as the son of a fisherman,” Williamson previously told The News & Observer through a Netflix spokesperson.
“My dad got in trouble for smuggling drugs in the 80s and that alone inspired this whole tale. It’s the same way that I fictionalized ‘Dawson’s Creek.’ It’s autobiographical but not.”
‘The Waterfront’ season 2
The show dominated among the streaming service’s Top 10 as the No. 1 English show in its third week with 5.6 million views, according to Netflix Tudum. And Williamson even teased plans for a potential second season, Variety reported.
Per Deadline, who first reported the news, “Netflix didn’t feel that the viewership and the completion rate were high enough to secure a renewal.”
Nonetheless, Williamson took to social media to say it was one of the best experiences of his life.
“A big thank you to everyone who watched ‘The Waterfront.’ While I’m sad the Buckley’s won’t be back for a season 2, I’m celebrating the joy that was season 1. I had the pleasure of working with a dream cast and crew,” he posted on an Instagram story.
“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. Thank you to my partners at Universal TV and thank you to Netflix for taking a chance on a very personal story. You were truly a joy to work with! It was one of the best experiences of my life! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”