Netflix's The Waterfront Emerges as Top True-Crime Drama

Netflix's new series The Waterfront, created by Kevin Williamson, follows the Buckley family, North Carolina fishermen drawn into drug trafficking to save their business, inspired by Williamson's own father's experiences in the 1980s. The show centers on patriarch Harlan Buckley, modeled on Williamson's father who was involved in a drug sting, and explores themes of family loyalty, crime, and survival, receiving a mix of critical and audience responses but strong viewership, debuting at #1 on Netflix's Top 10. Despite not yet confirmed for a second season, industry analysis suggests The Waterfront is likely to be renewed due to its solid viewership, relatively low production costs, and its fit within Netflix's crime drama catalog, similar to shows like Bloodline and Ozark. The series has been praised for its authentic storytelling and complex characters, with Holt McCallany's portrayal of Harlan noted as particularly compelling, and the show's personal roots adding depth to its narrative. While some viewers are divided over its slow-burn pacing and fishing industry backdrop, it remains a notable new entry in Netflix's lineup and a potential long-term franchise. Williamson's blend of personal history and crime drama has created a show that resonates with audiences despite mixed reviews, positioning The Waterfront as a significant addition to 2025's streaming offerings.