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The Worst Episodes of The Waterfront

Every episode of The Waterfront ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of The Waterfront!

Binge this in 6h 29m•Peaking at 8.0/10

A prominent North Carolina fishing family wades into treacherous waters to keep their crumbling business empire afloat.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    The Waterfront Season 1 Episode 3 - Playing with Fire
    7.6/10(8 votes)

    #1 - Playing with Fire

    S1:E3

    As Harlan re-enters a risky alliance tied to the family's past, Belle makes quiet moves to protect what's left of their legacy.

    Director:Liz Friedlander
    Writer:Michael Narducci

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  2. The Waterfront Season 1 Episode 4 - You Can't Trust a Buckley
    7.7/10(6 votes)

    #2 - You Can't Trust a Buckley

    S1:E4

    Cane works to contain the growing fallout at home. Harlan connects with a new player — and learns the rules of the game have changed.

    Director:Liz Friedlander
    Writer:Brenna Kouf

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  3. The Waterfront Season 1 Episode 7 - Nice Try
    7.7/10(9 votes)

    #3 - Nice Try

    S1:E7

    Hoping to regain control of his operation, Harlan tries to outmaneuver an imminent threat. A violent warning shakes the Buckley family to its core.

    Director:Jann Turner
    Writer:Katelyn Crabb

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  4. The Waterfront Season 1 Episode 8 - Lost at Sea
    7.7/10(9 votes)

    #4 - Lost at Sea

    S1:E8

    As tensions flare, a dangerous standoff at sea brings the Buckleys face-to-face with their enemies.

    Director:Jann Turner
    Writers:Kevin Williamson, Michael Narducci

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  5. The Waterfront Season 1 Episode 2 - Taking Control
    7.8/10(10 votes)

    #5 - Taking Control

    S1:E2

    Cane and Harlan take bigger risks to keep the business running. Bree seeks proof to confirm her suspicions about her family.

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writer:Kevin Williamson

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  6. The Waterfront Season 1 Episode 5 - I'm a Hugger
    7.9/10(7 votes)

    #6 - I'm a Hugger

    S1:E5

    As pressure mounts and operations get riskier, Belle and Harlan struggle to keep a low profile. Old wounds resurface between Cane and Bree.

    Director:Erica Dunton
    Writer:Hannah Schneider

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of The Waterfront

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  7. The Waterfront Season 1 Episode 6 - Hunting Season
    7.9/10(7 votes)

    #7 - Hunting Season

    S1:E6

    Belle receives upsetting news about the family's future. A hunting trip troubles the fragile alliance between Harlan and Grady. Bree makes a confession.

    Director:Erica Dunton
    Writers:Lloyd Gilyard, Jr.

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  8. The Waterfront Season 1 Episode 1 - Almost Okay
    8.0/10(8 votes)

    #8 - Almost Okay

    S1:E1

    When a suspicious shipwreck draws the eyes of the law, the fractured Buckley family must put aside their grievances to cover their tracks.

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writer:Kevin Williamson

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Playing with Fire" is the worst rated episode of "The Waterfront". It scored 7.6/10 based on 8 votes. Directed by Liz Friedlander and written by Michael Narducci, it aired on 6/19/2025. This episode scored 0.1 points lower than the second lowest rated, "You Can't Trust a Buckley".