Netflix is bringing a new family drama that’s already making waves — The Waterfront. Created by Kevin Williamson (Scream, The Vampire Diaries), this emotionally intense, character-driven series promises power struggles, legacy, and redemption — all set in a gritty North Carolina coastal town.
Here’s everything you need to know before the 19 June 2025 premiere.

Release Date
Netflix will premiere The Waterfront on June 19, 2025.
- Season 1 will feature 8 hour-long episodes
- Streaming will begin worldwide on the same day
Each episode is expected to mix personal tension, political backstory, and intergenerational family drama.
The Creators Behind the Story
- Kevin Williamson: Showrunner, writer, and executive producer
- Michael Narducci & Marcos Siega: Executive producers (formerly of The Originals, The Vampire Diaries)
- Produced by Outerbanks Entertainment and Universal Television for Netflix
Filming took place in Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina, adding authenticity and Southern coastal texture to the storytelling
Official Cast & Characters
This is where The Waterfront truly shines — a stellar cast that promises raw, emotional performances:
Actor | Character | Description |
Holt McCallany | Harlan Buckley | The powerful patriarch, head of a multi-generational fishing empire |
Maria Bello | Belle Buckley | Harlan’s resilient wife, balancing family and business pressures |
Jake Weary | Cane Buckley | Ambitious son looking to modernize the family legacy |
Melissa Benoist | Bree Buckley | A daughter struggling with addiction and motherhood |
Danielle Campbell | Peyton Buckley | Cane’s wife, trying to find her place in the Buckley world |
Rafael L. Silva | Shawn Wilson | New bartender entangled in Buckley affairs |
Humberly González | Jenna Tate | Local reporter, Cane’s ex, and emotional wild card |
There will also be guest appearances by Topher Grace, Dave Annable, and Zach Roerig.
Plot Summary: What Is ‘The Waterfront’ About
Set in the fictional town of Havenport, North Carolina, the story follows the Buckleys — a powerful family at the helm of the region’s fishing empire. But when the patriarch Harlan suffers back-to-back heart attacks, the family is forced into a battle for power, identity, and survival.
Belle and Cane try to stabilize the business, while Bree seeks redemption after losing custody of her son. Meanwhile, old secrets, romantic betrayals, and political enemies threaten to tear the family apart from the inside out.
Setting & Cinematic Feel
What sets The Waterfront apart is its authentic Southern setting, moody atmosphere, and emotionally rich characters. Shot in real coastal towns of North Carolina, the visuals are expected to feel intimate, raw, and organic — perfect for a grounded family drama.Think: Bloodline meets Succession with a bit of Outer Banks flavor.
Why You Should Watch It
- A-list cast with emotionally complex roles
- 🧠 Writer of Scream & The Vampire Diaries at the helm
- 🏞️ Authentic Southern U.S. storytelling
- 🔥 A mix of politics, family legacy, addiction, and redemption
- 🎯 Relevant for today’s viewers across the U.S. and beyond

Themes Explored
Addiction and healing Social class struggles Generational trauma Southern culture & economic shifts
- Family loyalty vs. ambition
Holt McCallany Previous films & Tv Shows
Mindhunter | Lights Out | |
Fight Club | Three Kings | |
Wrath of Man | The Amateur |
- Maria Bello as Belle Buckley

Maria Bello has to play the role of a very responsible woman in this series who tries very hard to run her business with great difficulties to save her family.
Maria Bello Previous films & Tv Shows
A History of Violence | Lights Out |
Secret Window | The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor |
Every Day | Butterfly on a Wheel |
- Jake Weary as Cane Buckley

In this series, Jake Weary will be seen as Cane Buckley, who is the only son of Harlan Buckley. And the two have a complicated relationship but Kane listens to everything his father says and tries very hard to do everything he says
Jake Weary Previous films & Tv Shows
Fred: The Movie |
Trigger Warning |
It Follows |
- Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley

Melissa Benoist Previous films & Tv Shows
Supergirl |
Whiplash |
Patriots Day |

YOUR QURIES
- The Waterfront Netflix Cast
Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Jake Weary, Melissa Benoist, Rafael L. Silva, Humberly González, Danielle Campbell and Brady Hepner
- The Waterfront Netflix Release Date
Premiere 19 June 2025 Only On Netflix
- The Waterfront Netflix Trailer
Netflix has not released the trailer of this series yet and has not announced the trailer release date.
- The Waterfront Netflix True Story
Bast On Coastal Northern Carolina
- the waterfront netflix release date season 2
Netflix has not yet given the date or any news related to Waterfront Season 2
How much are you waiting for the crime family drama series The Waterfront coming from Netflix? Do tell us in the comments below.