Though there’s no confirmation onThe Waterfront’srenewal just yet, the writer behind the series has a future for it in mind.The Waterfrontpremiered on Netflix on June 19 andhas already become an instant streaming hit, reaching #1 on the platform’s charts. Despite the series' 67% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s immediately proven to be popular with audiences. Stars Jake Weary (Animal Kingdom), Melissa Benoist (Supergirl), Holt McCallany (Mindhunter), and Maria Bello (Prisoners) lead the cast. Showrunner Kevin Williamson is known for his work on theScreamfranchise,Dawson’s Creek,The Vampire Diaries, and more.
During an interview withScreenRant’s Ash Crossan forThe Waterfront,creator Kevin Williamson revealed that he already has a whole second and third season planned out. Williamson is evidently passionate about the series, and after his experience writing season 1, has a feel for the actors and their characters, guiding where he can take them going forward. He mentions, “I think the show can just go up,” indicating he knows how to take things up a notch after season 1’s ending. Read his full quote below:
Ash Crossan: What is your overall plan or thoughts for The Waterfront? Honestly, I think it’s going to be a huge hit. Personally, I was very hooked, binged the entire thing without getting up. So I’m curious what you’re thinking next. It does end on a “what’s next?”
Kevin Williamson: It is a “what’s next.”I really hope people watch it and respond to it and we get a second season. 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. I think the show can just go up. I think 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.
What Kevin Williamson’s Multi-Season The Waterfront Plans Mean
The Waterfront’s Future Looks Promising
The key ingredients for a long-running show are creative passion and successful viewership numbers, and Kevin Williamson’s quote about the show checks off the first box. While so many series fail due to a lack of long-term planning, the veteran film and television producer already knows where he wants to take this story, and that will continue to be beneficial as it progresses. As of now,the critical scores aren’t fantastic, but that may not matter if the series continues to performon Netflix.
Successful viewership numbers are the second, and often more challenging to achieve, box, as they rely on the kindness of a streaming platform’s algorithm. However, just one day after the show’s release,The Waterfrontis the #1 top show in the United States, overtaking titles likeGinny & Georgia,Tires, andSirens, which have dominated the rankings for weeks. The series will need to maintain this success, but it’s undoubtedly a promising start.
Our Take On The Waterfront’s Renewal Chances
The Waterfront Is Built For Multiple Seasons
With shows likeOzarkandBreaking Badin mind, which found astounding success on Netflix for years, I likeThe Waterfront’schances of renewal. As I mentioned, it’s going to need to reign at the top of the charts for more than just one day, butit’s the precise style of addictive television that Netflix has always targeted. The season 1 ending’s captivating twist sets up a future forThe Waterfront, and Kevin Williamson seems prepared to deliver.
