Netflix’s New Drama Series Is Certified Fresh, So Am I The Only Person Who Just Does Not Get The Waterfront?

by

Netflix typically doesn’t splurge heavily on its original productions, however, an exception appears to be the 2025 release titled “The Waterfront“. This series seems to tick all the boxes for a captivating show: Its cast is highly talented, it boasts an intriguing title and backdrop, and it’s undeniably shocking. Moreover, it has received positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, after watching three episodes, I still sense that something is amiss.

What Do You Need To Know About The Waterfront?

At present, the most popular series on Netflix is a freshman drama, ranking second among shows streaming there. Normally, not maintaining the number one spot for several weeks might indicate trouble, as Netflix often cancels first-season shows. However, this time things are different. The show, titled “The Waterfront“, debuted on Netflix only a few days before the release of Squid Game‘s third season, and the latter has been dominating the competition. Therefore, being ranked second isn’t too disappointing in this case.

The movie titled “The Waterfront” is appreciated by both critics and viewers on Rotten Tomatoes. Although the ratings aren’t groundbreaking, audiences seem to find it engaging due to its dramatic plot about a family resorting to the criminal underworld to save their business. Additionally, it features Melissa Benoist, previously known for her role as Supergirl, along with Holt McCallany from “Mind Hunter”, Dave Annable, and Maria Bello. In my view, Maria Bello’s talent has been consistently undervalued in Hollywood, despite her receiving an Emmy nomination.

The series is based in an enchantingly picturesque fictional coastal town in North Carolina, and it’s the brainchild of Kevin Williamson, who has previously penned the original script for “Scream” and contributed to numerous other successful film and television franchises such as “The Vampire Diaries,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” and “The Following.

On paper, this is a recipe for success, but is The Waterfront actually a binge-worthy Netflix show?

Is The Waterfront Actually Worth Watching Though?

I acknowledge that a 65% rating indicates that people quite enjoy something, though not to an extraordinary extent. Also, I am aware that I’ve only viewed three out of eight episodes in this new drama series, The Waterfront. However, considering the pace at which Netflix subscribers have been watching it, I can surmise they find it engaging enough to keep watching.

From where I stand, though the series does boast occasional compelling writing and solid acting, I’ve encountered several issues that I find hard to overlook.

  • The show is meant to be overly dramatic but there are also random acts of violence that are used as shock value in a way I found grossly underwhelming.
  • Melissa Benoist is almost unrecognizable in this role compared to her character in Supergirl, and I don’t want to take away from her performance, at all. However, she and most of the characters in this series are deeply unlikable and I’m not really rooting for anyone.
  • Something about the way this show is written irritates me. I can’t fully put a finger on it, but The Waterfront takes itself very seriously, and I think we may have been better served if it was a little fluffier, and tonally closer to something like Revenge.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’ve been informed by a fellow cinephile who’s been engrossed in “The Waterfront” that the action truly kicks off in Episode 4. Fingers crossed, I’m eagerly anticipating it to set sail within my heart. Sometimes, series need most of a season or an entire season to gather momentum. But for now, I find myself somewhat lost at sea while watching.

Stay tuned, because I’m hoping the journey to the end will be worth it.

Read More

2025-07-04 15:07