In the humid, salt-soaked air of coastal North Carolina, a new Netflix series has crashed onto screens with the force of a tidal wave, leaving viewers hooked, rattled, and begging for more. The Waterfront, an eight-episode crime drama that premiered on June 19, 2025, has quickly become the streaming giant’s latest obsession, surging to the top of global charts with a ferocity that rivals the storms battering its fictional setting, Havenport. Created by Kevin Williamson—known for crafting iconic hits like Scream, Dawson’s Creek, and The Vampire Diaries—this series dives headfirst into the murky depths of a dysfunctional fishing dynasty, delivering a narrative so gripping and morally complex that fans are calling it darker than Ozark and more addictive than they ever anticipated. But what makes The Waterfront so impossible to turn away from? Let’s unravel the tangled nets of this thrilling saga.

A Family on the Brink of Collapse

At its core, The Waterfront is a story about the Buckley family, a once-powerful clan that has ruled Havenport’s fishing industry and restaurant scene for decades. Their empire, built on the sweat of generations, is now crumbling under financial strain, personal demons, and the weight of their own choices. The patriarch, Harlan Buckley, played with granite-faced intensity by Holt McCallany (Mindhunter), is recovering from two heart attacks, leaving his wife Belle (Maria Bello) and son Cane (Jake Weary) to keep the family’s businesses afloat. Their daughter, Bree (Melissa Benoist), is a recovering addict who lost custody of her teenage son after a catastrophic mistake, adding another layer of tension to the family’s fractured dynamics.

The Buckleys’ struggle isn’t just about saving their legacy—it’s about survival in a world where desperation pushes them into dangerous waters. To keep their empire from sinking, they turn to illicit activities, including drug trafficking, a decision that spirals into a web of betrayal, violence, and moral compromise. The series, inspired by true events and Williamson’s own family history, paints a vivid picture of a family caught between their pride and the dark choices they make to protect it.

A Coastal Noir with Unrelenting Stakes

Set against the rugged beauty of North Carolina’s coastline, The Waterfront blends the atmospheric allure of Outer Banks with the gritty family drama of Yellowstone and the criminal underbelly of Ozark. Filmed in Wilmington and Southport, the show’s visuals capture the haunting charm of seaside towns, where quaint docks hide sinister secrets. Drone shots of Southport’s waterfront and Wilmington’s historic streets ground the fictional Havenport in a tangible reality, making the Buckleys’ world feel both familiar and foreboding.

The show’s pacing is relentless, with each of its eight episodes—ranging from 42 to 55 minutes—packed with twists that keep viewers on edge. From a suspicious shipwreck that draws law enforcement scrutiny in the premiere to a violent standoff at sea in the finale, The Waterfront doesn’t shy away from high-stakes drama. Posts on X describe it as a fusion of Ozark’s drug-fueled tension, Sons of Anarchy’s shocking violence, and Yellowstone’s dysfunctional family feuds, with some calling it “a solid 7/10” while others hail it as “elite” and “10/10.” This polarized reception only adds to its allure, as viewers find themselves drawn to its messy, unpolished intensity.

A Star-Studded Cast That Shines

The ensemble cast is a major reason for The Waterfront’s magnetic pull. Holt McCallany anchors the series as Harlan, a patriarch whose gruff exterior masks a deep loyalty to his family and town. His return to the drug trade, a path his own father once walked, is portrayed with a mix of resolve and regret, making him a compelling antihero. Maria Bello’s Belle is the family’s quiet strategist, navigating her husband’s recklessness and her own ambitions with steely grace. Jake Weary’s Cane, torn between his legal duties and the criminal world, grapples with moral dilemmas that make his arc unpredictable and relatable.

Melissa Benoist delivers a standout performance as Bree, whose addiction and past mistakes haunt her every step. Her complex relationship with DEA Agent Marcus Sanchez (Gerardo Celasco) and her unexpected connection to Harlan’s illegitimate son, Shawn West (Rafael L. Silva), add layers of intrigue. Topher Grace steals scenes as Grady, a deranged drug lord whose erratic behavior—culminating in a chilling minigun massacre—injects chaos into the Buckleys’ plans. Supporting players like Humberly González as journalist Jenna Tate and Danielle Campbell as Cane’s wife Peyton round out a cast that brings depth to Havenport’s tangled web.

Why It’s Darker Than Ozark

While Ozark explored a family’s descent into crime with calculated precision, The Waterfront feels rawer, more visceral. The Buckleys aren’t newcomers to the criminal world like the Byrdes; they’re a family with a legacy tainted by past sins, forced to confront how far they’ll go to preserve it. The show’s hyperviolent moments, like Grady’s unhinged attacks, contrast with quieter scenes of family strife, creating a tonal whiplash that keeps viewers unsettled. Bree’s addiction, Cane’s moral struggles, and Harlan’s health crises add personal stakes that make the Buckleys’ choices feel painfully human, even as they dive deeper into darkness.

Williamson’s storytelling, rooted in his own father’s experiences as a fisherman who turned to drug-running, grounds the series in authenticity. The Buckleys’ desperation reflects the real-life decline of the fishing industry in the 1980s, when economic pressures pushed many into illegal ventures. This historical backdrop, combined with the show’s soapy melodrama, makes The Waterfront a unique blend of gritty realism and addictive excess.

The Addictive Pull of The Waterfront

What makes The Waterfront so bingeable? For one, its cliffhangers are merciless. Each episode ends with a revelation or escalation—whether it’s Bree uncovering a family secret, Harlan outmaneuvering a rival, or Belle receiving devastating news—that demands you hit “next episode.” The show’s 70% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects a mixed critical response, with some praising its bold performances and others critiquing its uneven dialogue and familiar plot. Yet, its 8.3 million views in its opening week, outpacing Ginny & Georgia’s third season, prove its undeniable pull with audiences.

Fans on X describe marathon sessions, unable to stop watching as the Buckleys’ empire teeters. The show’s blend of crime thriller and family drama taps into the same primal urge that made Ozark and Breaking Bad cultural juggernauts. Williamson’s knack for crafting flawed, fascinating characters ensures that even when the plot veers into soap-opera territory, you’re invested in the Buckleys’ fate. The finale, which sets up a potential second season with Belle taking a more central role, leaves viewers hungry for resolution.

A Promising Future

Though Netflix hasn’t officially renewed The Waterfront for a second season, early signs are promising. Williamson has outlined plans for three seasons, with ideas for deepening the Buckleys’ story and introducing new threats. The show’s global success, topping charts in 38 countries including the U.S., suggests it could follow in Ozark’s footsteps as a multi-season hit. Filming for season one took place from August to December 2024, so a 2026 return is feasible if Netflix greenlights it soon.

For now, The Waterfront stands as a bold addition to Netflix’s 2025 lineup, outshining competitors like Squid Game’s third season in its opening week. Its flaws—occasionally clunky dialogue and over-the-top moments—are outweighed by its raw energy and emotional depth. Whether you’re drawn to its coastal noir aesthetic, its stellar cast, or its relentless plot, this series is a binge-worthy escape that lingers long after the credits roll.

Final Thoughts

The Waterfront is not just another crime drama; it’s a raw, unfiltered look at a family fighting to save their legacy, even if it means losing their souls. Its darker-than-Ozark tone, addictive pacing, and complex characters make it a must-watch for fans of gritty thrillers. As the Buckleys navigate treacherous waters, they pull you in with them, leaving you breathless and craving more. Dive into Havenport’s shadows—you won’t want to come up for air.