Netflix’s upcoming drama The Waterfront plunges viewers into the turbulent world of the influential Buckley family as they battle to save their crumbling empire. Created by Kevin Williamson, marking his return to television and his home state of North Carolina, the movie-style series promises a gripping blend of family conflict and high-stakes drama.
Set to debut on June 19, the eight-episode drama stars Melissa Benoist, Mario Bello, Holt McCallany, and Jake Weary. It draws inspiration from true events and explores the dark side of the family’s powerful reign over Havenport, North Carolina. The Buckleys have long dominated the local fishing industry and restaurant scene, but cracks are appearing in their once-thriving empire.
The series follows patriarch Harlan Buckley (McCallany), who is recovering from two heart attacks, while his wife Belle (Bello) and son Cane (Weary) dive into risky ventures to keep the family business afloat. Their increasingly desperate efforts threaten to spiral out of control, forcing Harlan to reclaim leadership. Meanwhile, their daughter Bree (Benoist), battling addiction and grappling with the loss of custody of her son, becomes involved in a complicated relationship that could jeopardize the family’s future.
Filmed in the scenic landscapes of North Carolina—where Williamson famously shot Dawson’s Creek—The Waterfront benefits from a talented ensemble cast, including Rafael L. Silva, Humberly González, Danielle Campbell, and Brady Hepner. Notable guest stars such as Topher Grace and Dave Annable add depth to the series.
This highly anticipated Netflix release is poised to captivate audiences with its intense storytelling and complex character dynamics, reaffirming Kevin Williamson’s place in the landscape of compelling movie narratives.
