Hey, everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. I’m here to discuss the drama series The Waterfront, which launched on Netflix on June 19, 2025, and has quickly become one of the year’s most captivating crime dramas.
Premiered on June 19, 2025, this American crime drama features eight episodes, each an hour long, delving into the murky waters of familial inheritance and ethical dilemmas. The series, created by Kevin Williamson (known for Scream and Dawson’s Creek), stars Holt McCallany, Melissa Benoist, Jake Weary, and Maria Bello, weaving a Southern noir narrative set in the fictional coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina.
With North Carolina’s fishing industry as its backdrop, the story navigates themes of familial allegiance, financial hardship, and the extremes individuals will go to in order to protect their heritage. It portrays characters who make questionable decisions, engage in wrongdoing, and find themselves sinking further into perilous situations both literally and metaphorically.
The Declining Buckley Dynasty
For years, the Buckley family has been the powerhouse of Havenport, North Carolina, controlling everything from the local fishing business to the town’s culinary scene. However, their once-thriving fishing empire is now faltering under economic strain and changing times, threatening their maritime legacy. When an enigmatic shipwreck catches the eye of authorities, the divided Buckley family must unite, set aside their differences, and conceal their tracks to safeguard what remains of their empire.
Harlan Buckley: The Leader’s Challenge
Holt McCallany delivers a formidable performance as Harlan Buckley, the family head who owns the local diner, port, and significant real estate. His character bears the burden of a family legacy rooted in his father’s cartel associations, now striving to make their operations legitimate following personal loss. McCallany brings depth to a man torn between his family’s shadowy history and an uncertain future.
Bree Buckley: A Daughter’s Path to Redemption
Melissa Benoist plays Bree Buckley, Harlan’s daughter, whose battles with alcoholism and substance abuse resulted in her losing custody of her teenage son after a devastating house fire. Her character symbolizes the personal toll of the family’s dysfunction, as she wrestles with her inner demons while trying to find her footing in the family business and regain her son’s trust.
Choosing the Lesser Evil
The narrative builds to a dramatic climax where the family must make difficult decisions to endure. As law enforcement closes in and their illicit activities intensify, each family member confronts defining moments that will decide their destiny and moral direction. The show’s creator describes it as a quest to find the “lesser evil” in dangerous situations.
A Hit on Netflix
The Waterfront has been recognized as Kevin Williamson’s successful return to TV and North Carolina storytelling. All eight episodes became available at once on Netflix, making it perfect for marathon viewing. The series has been lauded as a Southern noir tale that skillfully blends crime drama with family dysfunction, showcasing outstanding performances from its ensemble cast. With its coastal North Carolina setting and morally intricate characters, The Waterfront stands out in Netflix’s crime drama lineup, drawing parallels to other acclaimed family crime sagas.
If you enjoy crime dramas with complex family dynamics, The Waterfront is an ideal series to binge-watch on Netflix. Its blend of Southern Gothic ambiance, remarkable performances, and Kevin Williamson’s expert storytelling offers an unforgettable experience.
A compelling story that demonstrates when a family empire begins to sink, some will go to great lengths to stay afloat, no matter how murky the waters get.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 8 episodes Platform: Netflix Rating: 7.0/10 Genre: Crime Drama, Family Drama, Thriller Protagonists: Holt McCallany (Harlan Buckley), Melissa Benoist (Bree Buckley), Jake Weary (Cane Buckley), Maria Bello (Belle Buckley) Antagonist: Economic pressure, law enforcement, and the family’s own moral compromises