Netflix’s latest offering, The Waterfront, which premiered on June 19, 2025, is a Southern gothic crime drama that hooks viewers from its opening scene and refuses to let go. Set in the fictional coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina, this eight-episode series, created by Kevin Williamson, dives deep into the turbulent waters of the Buckley family—a once-powerful fishing dynasty grappling with financial ruin, buried secrets, and a dangerous descent into the drug trade. Inspired by true events and Williamson’s own upbringing, The Waterfront blends the soapy melodrama of Dallas with the gritty crime stakes of Ozark, delivering a binge-worthy saga that’s as emotionally raw as it is thrillingly unpredictable. With a stellar cast led by Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Melissa Benoist, and Jake Weary, the series explores themes of legacy, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to protect family, all against the backdrop of a picturesque yet perilous coastal setting.
A Family on the Brink
At the heart of The Waterfront is the Buckley family, a clan that has ruled Havenport’s fishing industry for generations, wielding influence over the harbor, a high-end restaurant, and swathes of coastal land. They’re the kind of family that lives in sprawling mansions yet prides themselves as salt-of-the-earth folk, beloved by the town despite their near-royal status. But beneath this polished facade lies a fractured unit teetering on the edge of collapse. The family’s patriarch, Harlan Buckley (Holt McCallany), is a gruff, commanding figure recovering from two heart attacks, his health woes forcing him to step back from the empire he built. His wife, Belle (Maria Bello), is a steely matriarch quietly maneuvering to protect what’s left of their legacy, while their son, Cane (Jake Weary), struggles under the weight of his father’s expectations and his own self-doubt. Rounding out the family is daughter Bree (Melissa Benoist), a recovering addict fighting to reclaim her life and reconnect with her teenage son, Diller (Brady Hepner), whom she’s lost custody of due to her past mistakes.
The Buckleys’ fishing empire is crumbling under modern pressures: overfishing, environmental regulations, and skyrocketing fuel costs have eroded their profits. Desperate to save their legacy, Belle and Cane make a fateful decision to revive the family’s dark past—smuggling drugs through their fishing fleet, a practice inspired by Williamson’s own father, who turned to drug-running in the 1980s to make ends meet. This choice sets off a chain of events that spirals into chaos, drawing the family into a web of crime, betrayal, and violence. As Harlan steps back in to regain control, old wounds resurface, and new alliances threaten to tear the Buckleys apart. The series masterfully balances these high-stakes criminal dealings with intimate family dynamics, making every twist feel both shocking and deeply personal.
A Coastal Setting That Breathes Life
Havenport, though fictional, feels vividly real, thanks to filming locations in Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina—coastal towns that have long served as backdrops for Williamson’s projects, including Dawson’s Creek and I Know What You Did Last Summer. The show’s visuals capture the duality of the coast: serene sailboats and yachts glide alongside gritty fishing trawlers, while pristine beaches mask the treacherous undercurrents of crime. The Buckley family’s opulent yet weathered properties contrast with the town’s quaint Main Street, creating a setting that’s both aspirational and foreboding. Director Marcos Siega, a frequent Williamson collaborator, frames the coastal landscape with a mix of sweeping shots and tight close-ups, grounding the melodrama in a tangible sense of place. This setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, with the ocean’s unpredictable waves mirroring the family’s emotional turmoil.
Standout Performances and Complex Characters
The cast of The Waterfront elevates the series beyond its soapy roots, delivering performances that anchor even the most outlandish plot twists. Holt McCallany is magnetic as Harlan, embodying a patriarch whose tough exterior hides a deep fear of losing his legacy. His scenes with Jake Weary’s Cane are electric, capturing the fraught father-son dynamic with raw intensity. Weary, known for roles in Animal Kingdom and It Follows, shines as Cane, a man haunted by his own shortcomings, describing himself as “really good at almost”—almost a good husband, father, and son. His emotional vulnerability, especially in scenes with his high school sweetheart Jenna (Humberly González), adds layers to a character who could easily have been a stereotype.
Maria Bello’s Belle is a quiet force, her calculated moves contrasting with her fierce loyalty to her family. Meanwhile, Melissa Benoist delivers a career-defining performance as Bree, whose struggle with addiction and quest for redemption form the emotional core of the series. Bree’s fraught relationship with her son, Diller, is heartbreaking, as she navigates supervised visits and his resentment while confronting her own guilt. Supporting players like Rafael L. Silva as Shawn, a charismatic bartender with hidden depths, and Topher Grace as a delightfully unhinged drug kingpin, add spice to the ensemble. Each character is flawed and layered, their motivations shaped by trauma and ambition, making them compelling even when their actions veer into moral gray areas.
Williamson’s Signature Storytelling
Kevin Williamson, the mastermind behind Scream, Dawson’s Creek, and The Vampire Diaries, brings his signature blend of sharp dialogue, twisty plotting, and emotional depth to The Waterfront. The series is a love letter to his North Carolina roots, inspired by his father’s struggles as a fisherman and the moral compromises he made to provide for his family. Williamson’s knack for crafting addictive narratives is on full display, with each 40-50-minute episode packed with cliffhangers, betrayals, and revelations. The show’s pacing is relentless, never lingering too long on any one plot point, though this rapid speed can make some scenarios feel far-fetched. Yet, Williamson knows his audience, delivering the kind of escapist drama that invites viewers to suspend disbelief and dive into the chaos.
Thematically, The Waterfront explores toxic masculinity, generational trauma, and the cost of clinging to a legacy. The Buckleys are a microcosm of a family bound by love yet torn apart by their inability to communicate. Harlan’s domineering presence casts a long shadow over Cane, who grapples with his father’s approval, while Bree’s outsider status fuels her determination to prove herself. Class divides also simmer beneath the surface, as the Buckleys’ wealth sets them apart from Havenport’s working-class residents, yet their financial woes make them relatable. The show nods to these issues without preaching, letting the characters’ messy choices speak for themselves.
A Binge-Worthy Blend of Soap and Suspense
The Waterfront is unapologetically melodramatic, embracing the tropes of classic nighttime soaps while injecting them with modern grit. Fans of Yellowstone, Ozark, or Succession will find familiar pleasures in its tale of a dysfunctional dynasty, but the coastal setting and Williamson’s personal touch make it distinct. The series isn’t without flaws—some dialogue borders on cliché, and the sheer volume of plot twists can feel overwhelming. Critics have noted occasional tonal inconsistencies, with the show oscillating between gritty crime drama and over-the-top soap opera. Yet, these quirks add to its charm, making it the perfect summer binge for viewers craving escapism with a side of emotional heft.
The show’s violence, including a string of shockingly choreographed murders, keeps the stakes high, while romantic entanglements and family betrayals add layers of scandal. Standout moments include a tense standoff at sea, a hunting trip gone awry, and Bree’s gut-wrenching confession that shifts the family’s dynamic. The introduction of Topher Grace’s character later in the season injects a wild energy, his unpredictable presence shaking up the narrative. With loose ends left tantalizingly unresolved, The Waterfront sets the stage for a potential second season, promising more chaos and catharsis.
Why You Should Watch
The Waterfront is a deliciously addictive drama that combines the best of family sagas and crime thrillers. Its coastal North Carolina setting, richly drawn characters, and relentless pacing make it a standout on Netflix’s crowded slate. Whether you’re drawn to the Buckley family’s emotional turmoil, the high-stakes drug trade, or the stunning visuals of Havenport, there’s something here for everyone. It’s the kind of show that begs to be watched in one sitting, each episode pulling you deeper into the Buckleys’ world of secrets and survival.
As Williamson himself has said, the series is about “a bunch of people who make mistakes” and the messy, human struggle to find redemption. The Waterfront invites viewers to connect with that messiness, to root for flawed characters as they navigate treacherous waters—both literal and figurative. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by the emotional waves of this coastal epic. All eight episodes are streaming now on Netflix, ready to make your summer nights unforgettable.
