Watch The Waterfront: New Drama by Dawson’s Creek Creator
Watch The Waterfront is a gripping new Netflix drama from Dawson’s Creek creator Kevin Williamson. Set in coastal North Carolina, the series follows the Buckley family, whose fishing empire is on the brink of collapse after patriarch Harlan Buckley suffers two heart attacks. As his wife Belle and son Cane try to save the family business, daughter Bree battles addiction recovery. Featuring stars like Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, and Melissa Benoist, this emotional, suspense-filled series is perfect for fans of dark family dramas. All eight episodes are now streaming on Netflix.
Move over Outer Banks—a new coastal Carolina drama has docked on Netflix, and it’s making serious waves. The Waterfront, a gritty, emotional series set in a fictional North Carolina fishing town, is the latest creation from acclaimed TV writer and producer Kevin Williamson. Known for iconic hits like Dawson’s Creek, The Vampire Diaries, and Scream, Williamson is once again diving deep into the world of small-town secrets, family conflict, and moral gray zones.
What is The Waterfront About?
Set in the fictional seaside town of Havenport, North Carolina, The Waterfront centers around the powerful but faltering Buckley family. Once the unchallenged rulers of the local fishing industry and restaurant scene, the Buckleys now face a tidal wave of troubles that threaten their legacy.
At the heart of the story is family patriarch Harlan Buckley (played by Mindhunter‘s Holt McCallany), who is battling the aftershocks of two serious heart attacks. As his grip on the empire weakens, the weight of responsibility falls to his resilient wife Belle Buckley (Maria Bello) and ambitious son Cane Buckley (Jake Weary). Meanwhile, daughter Bree Buckley (Melissa Benoist of Supergirl) is fighting her own battles, struggling with addiction recovery and personal demons.
But this isn’t your typical family melodrama. According to Williamson, the show explores how people navigate morally complex situations when pushed to the edge. In an interview with Netflix’s Tudum, he said, “It’s just about a bunch of people who make mistakes. They do some bad things, and then they get in deeper and deeper. Sometimes they keep making worse mistakes, and sometimes they find their way out and do the good thing.”
With a blend of suspense, emotional depth, and coastal grit, The Waterfront tells a tale of love, betrayal, and the difficult choices people make to protect what matters most.
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When Did The Waterfront Premiere?
The Waterfront Season 1 officially premiered on June 19, 2025, releasing globally on Netflix at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT. The first season consists of eight binge-worthy episodes, all available for streaming now.
Watch The Waterfront
Where to Watch The Waterfront
The Waterfront is a Netflix exclusive, meaning the only way to watch it is through a Netflix subscription. The streaming service currently offers various plans, starting at $7.99/month, depending on your region and whether you want to watch with or without ads. Note that Netflix does not offer free trials, so a paid subscription is required to access the series.
If you’re already a Netflix subscriber, simply search for The Waterfront in the app or on the website, and start streaming all episodes of Season 1.
Meet the Cast of The Waterfront
The show boasts a compelling ensemble cast with a mix of established stars and rising talent. Here’s a breakdown of who’s who in Havenport:
Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley – The family patriarch and longtime kingpin of Havenport’s fishing industry.
Maria Bello as Belle Buckley – Harlan’s devoted yet sharp-witted wife, who holds the family together while steering the business.
Jake Weary as Cane Buckley – The tough, determined son ready to take charge but constantly pulled into morally complicated waters.
Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley – A daughter in recovery, grappling with inner turmoil and family expectations.
Rafael L. Silva as Shawn West – A mysterious outsider with ties to Bree’s past and future.
Humberly González as Jenna Tate – A journalist digging into the Buckley family’s past.
Danielle Campbell as Peyton Buckley – A cousin with her own ambitions and secrets.
Brady Hepner as Diller Hopkins – A local teen connected to the Buckleys through loyalty and lies.
Why The Waterfront Is Worth Watching
What makes The Waterfront stand out is its emotionally layered storytelling. Unlike typical melodramas, this series doesn’t give easy answers or paint characters in black and white. Instead, it explores the blurry lines between right and wrong, good and evil, loyalty and betrayal.
The show’s coastal North Carolina setting is more than just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself, filled with rugged landscapes, tight-knit communities, and the haunting beauty of the Atlantic shore. Combined with Kevin Williamson’s sharp writing and the cast’s gripping performances, The Waterfront offers a deeply immersive viewing experience that’s as visually stunning as it is emotionally charged.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dawson’s Creek or The Vampire Diaries, or you’re just in the mood for a new drama packed with heart, tension, and twists, The Waterfront is your next must-watch.
