POV: you spent all weekend dissociating and watching The Waterfront on Netflix, and now there's nothing left to do but obsesses over a (potential) second season. Here's what we know about the future of this show, which is best described as one part Outer Banks hijinks, two parts Yellowstone family drama, and one million parts Topher Grace delivering the most deranged (compliment) performance of his career.
Has Season 2 Been Announced?
Not Yet.
But creator Kevin Williamson (who blessed us with Dawson's Creek and The Vampire Diaries) tells ScreenRant that he has plans for multiple seasons drawn up.
"I've just sort of figured out who these actors are in these roles, and I would love a chance to write for them, and lean into them, and I think the show can just go up," he said. "There's a whole second season that I have planned out, and a third season, quite frankly. So I'm hoping I get the chance to tell those stories. I do think it's a fun show, and it's unlike anything I've ever done, and I just hope people enjoy it."
When Would Season 2 Premiere?
It depends!
Season 1 was filmed from August to December 2024, so if Netflix follows the same schedule, it seems fair to assume we could get season 2 this time next year.
What Do We Know About the Plot?
Cane Will Be More Conflicted Than Ever
Cane kicked off the season being a pretty reluctant participant in his "life of crime" (the man just wants to run his fishery and flirt with his ex), but he'd literally shot Grady through the face by the season finale. In other words, Cane has officially embraced being a drug dealer. However, season 2 will find him more confused than ever.
"He doesn’t really wear crime well," Williamson tells Variety. "His father does. His father’s really good at it. By returning to a life of crime, Harlan finds himself again. He finds his purpose, and he actually becomes a better person. I don’t think that’s necessarily true for Cane. Cane’s going to have to stumble a bit. I don’t think he’s ever going to wear it well, and everything’s going to be a compromise for him, and everything’s going to be a moral dilemma."
Belle and Harlen Will Have a Power Struggle
The Buckleys are getting a new boss. No offense to Harlan, but he and Cane don't exactly excel at being criminals (see: literally everything that happened this season), while Belle seems made for it.
The season ended with her making a deal with Emmett (Harlen's business parter / biggest rival), and Williamson tells Variety that "She’s just going to push him aside and do what she needs to do. The one thing that she states very clearly is she has earned the Buckley name, and she’s right."
He also went ahead and confirmed that the major "conflict" of season 2 will be Harlen vs Belle fighting for control over the family dynasty.
There Will Be a Fleet of New Villains
Williamson tells IndieWire that "Of course, we have the Parkers who they’re now beholden to, and I think there’s a whole family there of interesting people. We had one, Topher Grace, this year. I think we’re going to have a few more next year."
Shawn's Boyfriend Will Potentially Show Up
Shawn mentioned that he has a boyfriend, but sadly we didn't get meet him in season 1. Expect that to change in season 2. As Williamson put it to Variety, "It’ll be really interesting for that character to show up and what is his response to this Buckley family when he figures out who they are. It’s gonna be fun to watch him navigate all the different characters in this new family dynamic."
Peyton Will Make a Power Move
Peyton found out her husband cheated on her and reacted by...making out with him and ominously saying "Everything’s fine. You and me. We’re fine. I’m gonna see to it." Which...sets the stage for some weird vibes next season, to say the least.
Williamson tells Variety "She had that moment where she could run, she could leave, and she almost does. But I think she has a better plan. She loves this man, and they say you can’t change someone. Well, we’re gonna watch her do it."
Meanwhile, Danielle Campbell (who plays Peyton) tells Us Weekly, "She sets herself up as being aware of the family business and all of its flaws. I would like to see her be a powerhouse and take on a role inside of it where she would be very well-utilized as somebody who no one would initially perceive as being someone who’s taking part in it. Just like you really wouldn’t initially see Belle being involved. Women are so powerful and they have a completely different way of going about working than men. I think there’s something really exciting about watching that on screen."
What Do We Know About the Cast?
Not much, but enough!
All the major players in the Buckley family ended this season alive and well, so chances are we'll see them return for season two. And clearly there will be some new faces—including members of the Parker family, not to mention Shawn's boyfriend.
We'll be updating this with more info as it drops, so stay tuned.
