Kevin Williamson, the mastermind behind iconic shows and films like Scream
, Dawson’s Creek
, and The Vampire Diaries
, is back with a fresh Netflix drama inspired by his true-life events that is already stirring buzz. Teaming up with Marcos Siega, director of hits like You
and Dexter: New Blood
, this series brings together an all-star cast from hit Netflix shows like BEEF,
The Girls on the Bus,
and more. With talent like this on board, The Waterfront
is set to uncover deep-seated secrets and complex family intrigue in a small town where every character hides something.
A master of horror and teen drama returns with a gripping new series featuring stars from Mindhunter
and Supergirl
. The Waterfront
offers twists, secrets, and family fights on the edge. Who is who and what is brewing? Here is a teaser on the cast and story hints.
Here is who is playing who in The Waterfront
There is no calm in Havenport with the Buckleys. As reported by Netflix’s Tudum
Holt McCallany shows up as Harlan Buckley
, the whiskey-loving patriarch with a shadowy past. Maria Bello plays Belle
, his tempestuous and scheming wife, while Jake Weary
brings the angst as their son Cane. Melissa Benoist turns up the heat as Bree
, the hot-tempered daughter with a messy past and Brady Hepner as Diller
her rebellious teen son
The Waterfront, a new series from Kevin Williamson, premieres June 19. Starring Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Jake Weary, and Melissa Benoist.
Inspired by true events, a family keeps their crumbling North Carolina fishing empire afloat through increasingly dangerous means. pic.twitter.com/zY2KdxjCV6
— Netflix (@netflix) May 22, 2025
Outside the Buckley bloodline, Rafael L. Silva plays a bartender
who is hiding more than cocktail recipes. Humberly González is the hometown journalist
who might just blow things up. Danielle Campbell sparkles as a picture-perfect wife
with secrets of her own. Add in star players like Gerardo Celasco, Michael Gaston, Zach Roerig, Topher Grace, and Dave Annable
— and this cast is locked, loaded, and ready to wreak havoc.
Read More: ‘Pokémon’ on Netflix: Streamer Set to Bring the Most Iconic Season to Screen This June
All these players—Harlan, Belle, Cane, and Bree—bring their own secrets and storms. But what really binds them, and what is on the line, here are the plot details.
Who is hiding what in The Waterfront
The Waterfront
dives into the messy legacy of the Buckleys — the Buckleys have ruled Havenport’s coast for years — fishing, restaurants, influence, all of it. But after Harlan suffers two heart attacks, his wife Belle and son Cane are left steering the ship
. The catch? They are not exactly doing it by the book. And the empire? It is cracking fast. Inspired by true events from creator Kevin Williamson’s own fisherman father, this empire’s decline feels all too real.
I CAN’T WAIT ! #RafaelSilva #TheWaterfront pic.twitter.com/qsedyjdWqm
— Angélique.F (@Angie_27_) May 22, 2025
While Belle crosses lines to save it all, Bree — the daughter fighting addiction and heartbreak — finds herself in deep trouble. With secrets, old flames, and dirty deals circling like sharks, Harlan returns to take back control
. But when everyone is making bad choices, who is really the villain here? This summer stretch, Netflix brings all the drama ashore.
The Waterfront
is shaping up to beone of this season’s most satisfying thrillers
— layered, intense, and full of bite. Who rises? Who falls? What happens when family ties snap? Here is when the Buckley’s arrive on Netflix this season.
When will the players bring the plot to life
The Waterfront
will arrive on Netflix with all eight episodes releasing on June 19, 2024
. Netflix revealed this exciting premiere date after first announcing the series in May, the countdown is officially on for this thrilling coastal drama with first looks that promise new secrets, suspense, and plenty of twists.
official poster for #TheWaterfront, coming to Netflix on June 19 pic.twitter.com/lB6BPITCZe
— melissa benoist lovebot (@badpostsbenoist) May 22, 2025
Filmed in the charming towns of Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina
, The Waterfront
turns the fictional Havenport into a living, breathing place full of mystery. These spots have starred in other hit shows like Dawson’s Creek
, so expect that perfect mix of small-town vibes and edge-of-the-seat tension.
Will you be watching The Waterfront
when it hits Netflix? Let us know in the comments!