The Waterfront – Kevin Williamson’s Crime Drama on Netflix
From the mind of Kevin Williamson, the creator of Dawson’s Creek and Scream, comes The Waterfront, a gripping new family drama premiering June 19 on Netflix. Set against the hauntingly beautiful yet treacherous North Carolina coast, this atmospheric series dives deep into the fragile legacy of a once-mighty fishing dynasty on the verge of collapse.
Welcome to Buckley Territory
At the center of the storm is Harlan Buckley (played by Holt McCallany), the aging patriarch of the Buckley family—a man who built an empire from saltwater, sweat, and sacrifice. But after suffering two heart attacks, Harlan returns to a world he no longer controls. His wife, Belle Buckley (Maria Bello), and their son Cane (Jake Weary), are struggling to keep the family’s fishing business afloat amid dwindling catches, ballooning debts, and moral compromises.
The Cost of Survival
Their desperate gamble? A shady deal with Grady (Topher Grace), a drug smuggler who brings not only money but also violence, danger, and instability to the once-respectable Buckley name. With every haul, the family’s survival becomes more entangled in criminal networks, exposing them to the wrath of authorities and rivals alike.
Bree Buckley’s Emotional Tides
Meanwhile, the family’s black sheep, Bree Buckley (Melissa Benoist), battles demons of her own. Recently out of rehab and estranged from her young son, Bree’s journey is one of painful recovery, romantic risk, and the crushing weight of expectation. As she navigates new love, a custody battle, and her place in the family, her story cuts to the emotional core of the series.
A Strong Ensemble Cast
- Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley – the tough-as-nails patriarch with a failing heart.
- Maria Bello as Belle Buckley – his resilient, pragmatic wife.
- Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley – the daughter trying to reclaim her life.
- Jake Weary as Cane Buckley – the son caught between legacy and loss.
- Topher Grace as Grady – the smooth-talking smuggler upending everything.
- Rafael L. Silva as Shawn Wilson – a mysterious outsider with ties to the underworld.
- Humberly González as Jenna Tate – Bree’s emotional anchor and romantic interest.
- Danielle Campbell as Peyton Buckley – the youngest Buckley fighting to define herself.
Themes and Tone
The Waterfront is a rich tapestry of crime, family, legacy, addiction, loyalty, and survival. Like the tides that shape the coastal shores, the Buckleys are constantly pulled between tradition and transformation, between blood ties and betrayal.
Expect moody cinematography, raw performances, and emotional storytelling that builds tension and reveals painful truths—one secret at a time.
Why You Should Watch:
- From Kevin Williamson: the master of intense, layered storytelling
- A powerhouse cast with standout performances
- A gritty, emotionally charged setting rarely seen on TV
- Explores timely issues—opioid addiction, working-class struggle, and the American dream under threat
