Netflix is diving deep into murky moral waters with “The Waterfront“, a tense, emotional crime series that blends Southern grit with high-stakes family drama. Premiering June 19, 2025, the show comes from creator Kevin Williamson—best known for “Dawson’s Creek” and “The Vampire Diaries”—and promises to be one of the summer’s most addictive new watches.
“The Waterfront” Premise
Set in the coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina, “The Waterfront” follows the Buckleys, a proud family long revered for their fishing empire and successful waterfront restaurant. But when patriarch Harlan (Holt McCallany) suffers two heart attacks, the family’s once-stable world starts to crack. His sharp, steely wife Belle (Maria Bello) and hot-headed son Cane (Jake Weary) are suddenly thrust into survival mode, facing threats not only to their business—but to their lives.
The pressure only intensifies when the family agrees to smuggle $10 million in drugs, dragging them into a dangerous underworld of rival gangs, shifting alliances, and federal investigations. Meanwhile, daughter Bree (Melissa Benoist)—fresh out of rehab and desperate to regain custody of her young son—returns home only to be pulled into the chaos.
Unlike many crime series that center on hardened criminals, “The Waterfront” focuses on a family that’s crumbling under the weight of desperation and circumstance. The Buckleys aren’t evil—they’re desperate. Harlan is clinging to the last shred of power he has left, while Belle navigates grief, betrayal, and the challenge of stepping into a role she never wanted. Cane, the reluctant heir to the empire, finds his conscience at war with his responsibilities. And Bree, haunted by past choices, is determined to rewrite her story—but finds herself in the eye of the storm once again.
Kevin Williamson Brings His Signature Style To “The Waterfront”
Williamson is no stranger to suspense—and with “The Waterfront”, he trades in supernatural thrills for a grounded, emotionally charged tale inspired by true events. The show explores the fine line between right and wrong, love and survival, loyalty and destruction. Shot on location in Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina, the coastal backdrop is as much a character as the Buckleys themselves—its haunting beauty contrasting the darkness lurking beneath.
The Cast of “The Waterfront”
With a cast stacked with talent, The Waterfront is anchored by:
- Holt McCallany (Mindhunter) as Harlan, the proud patriarch clinging to control.
- Maria Bello (NCIS, A History of Violence) as Belle, the heart and iron will of the family.
- Jake Weary (Animal Kingdom) as Cane, the conflicted son grappling with the family legacy.
- Melissa Benoist (Supergirl, Whiplash) as Bree, the black sheep fighting to reclaim her life.
Dark, stylish, and emotionally raw, “The Waterfront” promises to deliver a gripping blend of crime, family, and consequence. If you’re a fan of series like “Ozark”, “Bloodline”, or “Animal Kingdom”, this one should shoot straight to the top of your queue. Catch “The Waterfront” when it premieres June 19, only on Netflix—and keep checking PopViewers.com for updates.
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