Netflix’s The Waterfront has reeled in fans with its intense drama about the Buckley family’s battle to save their North Carolina fishing empire. Since its June 19, 2025, premiere, the show, created by Kevin Williamson (Scream), has topped Netflix charts, leaving viewers craving more after a wild Season 1 finale. Warning: Season 1 spoilers ahead! Here’s everything we know about a potential Season 2, from release date guesses to returning cast and possible storylines.
The Waterfront Season 2 Potential Release Date
Without an official renewal, a release date is speculative, but we can look at Season 1’s timeline for clues. Ordered in May 2024, filmed from August to December, and released in June 2025, Season 1 took about 13 months. If Netflix greenlights Season 2 by late 2025 and follows a similar schedule, filming might start in spring 2026, aiming for a summer or fall 2026 release—think July or August. If production stretches longer, as some Netflix dramas do, we could be waiting until early 2027. Keep an eye on Netflix’s socials for updates.
The Waterfront Season 2 Expected Cast
Assuming Season 2 happens, most key players should return, based on their roles in the Season 1 finale. Here’s who we expect:
- Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley: The family patriarch, central to the business and drama.
- Maria Bello as Belle Buckley: Her secret deal in the finale makes her a major player.
- Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley: The daughter battling addiction, now recovering after a near-death experience.
- Jake Weary as Cane Buckley: Harlan’s son, who killed a major threat in the finale.
- Rafael L. Silva as Shawn West: Revealed as Harlan’s son, his bond with Cane could grow.
- Danielle Campbell as Peyton Buckley: Another Buckley navigating family chaos.
- Brady Hepner as Diller Hopkins: Bree’s teen son, tied to her story.
- Humberly González as Jenna Tate: Cane’s ex, likely to stir more drama.
- Dave Annable as Wes Larsen: A local businessman with a growing role.
- Terry Serpico as Emmett Parker: Leader of the rival Parker family, set up as a new threat.
Topher Grace as Grady is out, killed off in the finale. Characters like Sheriff Porter (Michael Gaston) and DEA Agent Sanchez (Gerardo Celasco) also died, so they’re unlikely to return except maybe in flashbacks.
The Waterfront Season 2 Potential Plot
The Season 1 finale left big questions for Season 2. Here’s what could unfold, based on the ending and Williamson’s hints:
Belle’s Betrayal: Belle’s deal to sell the Buckley land to the Parker family, described as dangerous rivals, could spark conflict with Harlan, who’s fighting to save the business. This sets up family tension and a power struggle.
Bree’s Journey: After surviving Grady’s attack, Bree’s focus might be rebuilding her life and protecting her son, Diller, while staying sober.
Cane and Shawn’s Dynamic: The half-brother revelation could unite or divide them as they face new threats, especially after Cane’s violent choice in the finale.
The Parkers’ Rise: The Parker family, introduced as enemies in the finale, could push the Buckleys deeper into crime, escalating the stakes.
New Investigations: With deaths piling up, new law enforcement could scrutinize the Buckleys’ shady dealings.
The show’s blend of family drama and crime, compared to Ozark, promises more betrayals and action. Williamson’s knack for twists suggests Season 2 will dig into the Buckleys’ personal and criminal challenges.
