Fans longing for more of Topher Grace after his limited appearance in That ’90s Show can experience his dramatic range in the new Topher Grace The Waterfront Netflix series. After making his name as Eric Forman on That ’70s Show and its sequel, Grace now takes on a radically different role in the compelling drama, which debuted June 19, 2025, on Netflix.
Grace’s transformation from the affable teen Eric Forman to the unpredictable crime figure Grady offers a fresh viewing opportunity for both newcomers and longtime fans. As Netflix axes That ’90s Show after two seasons due to diminishing viewership, The Waterfront becomes the new go-to for those eager to see Grace stretch his acting abilities in a suspenseful setting.
Why Topher Grace Won’t Be Returning as Eric Forman
With That ’90s Show season 3 no longer on the horizon, the likelihood of seeing Grace reprise his iconic sitcom character has faded. Grace’s initial return in the first season of the spinoff series was a nostalgic nod to fans, reuniting him with familiar faces like Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) while introducing a younger generation led by Leia Forman. However, as That ’90s Show shifted its focus to Leia’s new adventures in Point Place, Grace’s part shrank to a single cameo.
Netflix’s decision to discontinue the series stemmed from a sharp decline in audience numbers between the first and second seasons. Despite hopes that perhaps a different distributor might rescue the show, for now, Topher Grace’s era as Eric Forman has drawn to a close. Instead, attention shifts to his compelling performance in The Waterfront.
Topher Grace’s New Direction With The Waterfront
Stepping far from his roots in sitcoms, Grace takes on a gritty, unexpected role in The Waterfront, embracing drama and crime in a tense family saga. The series, created by Kevin Williamson and directed by Marcos Siega, zeroes in on the Buckley family in North Carolina, whose prosperity is layered with hidden criminal activity. Initially thriving on their successful fishery business, the Buckleys soon resort to drug trafficking when faced with mounting financial pressures.
This dark twist is propelled further when Grady, played by Grace, emerges as the Buckleys’ heroin supplier. Arriving midway through season one, Grady doesn’t just distribute drugs—he shakes the very core of the family’s operations. According to the series’ creator, the role was written with Grace in mind, taking advantage of his “so darn cute and funny” reputation to craft a villain whose charm only sharpens his menace.
The Waterfront’s Cast: Bringing the Buckleys’ World to Life
The Waterfront’s dramatic punch is amplified by a formidable cast. Holt McCallany portrays Harlan Buckley, while Maria Bello takes on the role of Mae Buckley, establishing the family dynasty at the story’s heart. As the family business begins to unravel, and alliances clash, Grace’s Grady ignites new conflicts, pushing the drama into unpredictable territory.
This ensemble, paired with the North Carolina setting, immerses viewers in the high-stakes world that differentiates The Waterfront from sitcom fare. The series’ depiction of family bonds strained by difficult choices provides a stark contrast to the carefree dynamic of That ’70s Show’s beloved basement group.
Topher Grace’s Transformation: From Lovable Eric to Ruthless Grady
Grace’s evolution as an actor is particularly apparent in The Waterfront, where he steps away from the awkward, high-spirited charm of Eric Forman. On That ’70s Show and its follow-up, Grace excelled at making Eric’s misadventures both humorous and heartfelt, drawing on the character’s nerdy relatability and family ties. Even his short stint in That ’90s Show leaned on these defining traits, sparking nostalgia among long-time viewers.
In The Waterfront, by contrast, Grace embodies Grady’s complex balance of apparent friendliness and dangerous unpredictability. The notion that
“the light and silly Eric had grown up to become an unhinged, hardened criminal”
captures the striking leap in Grace’s career. The creative intention behind Grady’s character underscores this shift, using Grace’s comedic background as a surprising counterpoint to the grim business of crime.
This calculated contrast makes Grady both compelling and unsettling—a villain whose likability lures both the Buckleys and the audience into a false sense of security before his true colors emerge.
Legacy of That ’70s Show and the Road Ahead
That ’70s Show launched Topher Grace into the spotlight, anchoring the Point Place ensemble with Eric Forman’s quick wit and emotional core. The longevity of the original series, its sequels, and its large ensemble—including figures like Gregg Mettler, Laura Prepon, Bonnie Turner, and Terry Turner—created a following that eagerly anticipated each actor’s next move. While Grace’s cameo on That ’90s Show offered brief nostalgia, the cancellation marks a shift from ensemble-driven comedy to more intense, character-focused drama.
The Waterfront builds on Grace’s legacy by placing him in the midst of family conflict and organized crime in North Carolina—settings and themes that differ sharply from his previous work. Fans of both That ’70s Show and That ’90s Show will find familiar nuances in Grace’s performance, even as he bravely ventures into darker territory as Grady.
What Makes The Waterfront Worth Watching Now
For audiences seeking a dramatic series with emotional depth and unpredictable twists, The Waterfront delivers a new platform for Topher Grace’s abilities. By leveraging his past comedic roles and channeling them into a character who is both magnetic and menacing, the show carves a niche among Netflix’s original dramas.
Grace’s role not only draws in those who followed his journey as Eric Forman but also invites viewers who appreciate high-stakes drama, complex family dynamics, and the moral ambiguities of crime. As Netflix’s original shows evolve and older fan favorites conclude, The Waterfront illustrates the versatility of Grace and the streaming giant’s commitment to risk-taking in storytelling.
With a strong supporting cast—including standouts like Holt McCallany and Maria Bello—and the creative vision of Kevin Williamson and Marcos Siega, The Waterfront offers a gripping alternative for fans and newcomers alike. Whether you tuned in for the Formans’ basement adventures or are just discovering Grace’s talents, streaming The Waterfront on Netflix is a compelling choice for anyone intrigued by transformation, family loyalty, and the cost of ambition.
