Netflix won't renew The Waterfront for Season 2

Netflix will not proceed with a second season of The Waterfront, the streamer and the show's creator confirmed this week, two months after the family crime drama premiered on June 19. The eight-episode series, created by Kevin Williamson, follows the Buckley family as they struggle to keep their North Carolina fishing empire afloat and spirals into crime and smuggling in the fictional town of Havenport.

The decision was first reported by industry outlets on Monday, Aug. 25, and Williamson told cast and crew before publicly addressing the cancellation on his Instagram Stories. "While I am sad the Buckleys won't be back for Season 2, I am celebrating the joy that was Season 1," he wrote, thanking the cast and crew and expressing gratitude to the streamer for backing a personal project. He added that making the show was "one of the best experiences of my life."

The Waterfront opened strongly on Netflix, spending five weeks on the platform's global Top 10 list and holding the No. 1 English-language spot for three weeks. The show reportedly peaked at about 11.6 million viewers in its first full week of release. It drew a generally favorable critical response, earning a Certified...