Premiering June 19, 2025, “The Waterfront” is Netflix’s latest crime series, blending family drama with the gritty world of drug trafficking. Created by Kevin Williamson (“Dawson’s Creek”, “The Vampire Diaries”), this character-driven show is inspired by true events and promises plenty of tension and emotional depth.
“The Waterfront” Premise
Set in Havenport, North Carolina, the story follows the Buckley family—longtime kings of the local fishing and restaurant scene. Their empire starts to crumble when patriarch Harlan (Holt McCallany) suffers two heart attacks. His wife Belle (Maria Bello) and son Cane (Jake Weary) scramble to keep the business afloat, forcing them into dangerous territory.
The Buckleys aren’t your typical crime family—they’re fractured, emotionally raw, and under pressure. With Harlan weakened, Belle steps up while Cane struggles with the ethical cost of their choices. Meanwhile, daughter Bree (Melissa Benoist), fresh out of rehab and battling for custody of her son, finds herself pulled back into the family’s chaos.
The stakes skyrocket when Harlan agrees to smuggle $10 million in drugs, plunging the family into a web of crime, rival gangs, and DEA heat. As alliances shift and tempers flare, the Buckleys fight to stay afloat—not just in business, but as a family.
Kevin Williamson’s Signature Touch
Known for his knack for suspense and complex characters, Williamson brings a fresh take to crime drama. The Waterfront explores what happens when love, loyalty, and desperation collide. Filmed in Wilmington and Southport, the show captures the moody beauty of the Carolina coast—its charm contrasting with the dark storylines.
“The Waterfront” Cast
The series features a powerhouse ensemble: Holt McCallany stars as Harlan Buckley, the ailing family patriarch trying to hold onto control; Maria Bello plays Belle, the fierce matriarch determined to keep the family together; Jake Weary portrays Cane, the conflicted son caught between loyalty and morality; and Melissa Benoist takes on the role of Bree, a recovering addict fighting for redemption and her place in the family.
With family drama, moral ambiguity, and high-stakes crime, “The Waterfront” is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most gripping originals. Whether you’re into tense crime sagas or complex character studies, this one’s worth the watch. “The Waterfront” streams on Netflix on June 19.
