Premiering June 19, The Waterfront is the latest gripping drama from acclaimed writer and executive producer Kevin Williamson (Scream, Dawson’s Creek). Set against the stormy backdrop of coastal North Carolina, the series dives deep into the turbulent lives of the Buckley family, a once-powerful fishing dynasty now teetering on the edge of collapse.
With an all-star cast led by Holt McCallany (Mindhunter, The Iron Claw) and Maria Bello (BEEF, A History of Violence), The Waterfront promises a raw, unflinching look at family loyalty, betrayal, and survival. Here’s everything you need to know before the series washes ashore.
The Story: A Family Empire on the Brink
A Legacy Built on Grit—and Secrets
For decades, the Buckley family ruled Havenport, North Carolina, controlling everything from the local fishing industry to the town’s restaurant scene. But their empire is crumbling:
- Harlan Buckley (McCallany), the family’s hardened patriarch, is recovering from two heart attacks—yet refuses to change his hard-drinking, hard-living ways.
- His wife, Belle (Bello), and son, Cane (Jake Weary), struggle to keep the business afloat, making increasingly desperate—and dangerous—decisions.
- Their daughter, Bree (Melissa Benoist), a recovering alcoholic who lost custody of her son, gets entangled in a risky relationship that could destroy the family for good.
As Harlan steps back in to reclaim control, long-buried secrets, betrayals, and illegal dealings threaten to pull the Buckleys under for good.
A Moral Tightrope
Williamson describes the series as a “study in lesser evils.”
“It’s about people who make bad choices, then keep digging themselves deeper,” he explains. “Some find redemption. Others drown in their mistakes.”
Fans can expect shocking twists, emotional confrontations, and a family pushed to its breaking point.
Meet the Buckley Family—and Their Enemies
The Buckleys: Flawed, Fierce, and Fighting to Survive
- Harlan Buckley (Holt McCallany) – A volatile, whiskey-loving patriarch who built the family business on both hard work and crime. Now, he must decide: save his legacy or let it sink?
- Belle Buckley (Maria Bello) – The steely matriarch running the fishery—by any means necessary.
- Cane Buckley (Jake Weary) – The tortured son, torn between loyalty to his father and the life he wished he had.
- Bree Buckley (Melissa Benoist) – The black sheep, battling addiction while trying to reconnect with her estranged son.
The Outsiders Who Threaten Their World
- Shawn Wilson (Rafael L. Silva) – A mysterious bartender hiding a secret that could destroy the Buckleys.
- Jenna Tate (Humberly González) – A journalist returning home—and reigniting old flames with Cane.
- DEA Agent Marcus Sanchez (Gerardo Celasco) – A federal investigator circling the family’s shady dealings.
- Sheriff Clyde Porter (Michael Gaston) – A corrupt lawman with his own agenda.
Special Guest Stars:
- Topher Grace (That ’70s Show)
- Dave Annable (Brothers & Sisters)
- Zach Roerig (The Vampire Diaries)
Behind the Scenes: A Dream Team of Drama
Kevin Williamson’s Return to Southern Gothic Storytelling
The creator of Dawson’s Creek and Scream brings his signature mix of sharp dialogue, emotional depth, and suspense to The Waterfront.
“This is a family saga with teeth,” Williamson says. “It’s about what happens when your back’s against the wall—and how far you’ll go to survive.”
Filming in Authentic Coastal Carolina
Shot in Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina, the series captures the gritty, salt-weathered beauty of coastal life—a setting Williamson knows well (Dawson’s Creek, I Know What You Did Last Summer).
Directorial Vision
Marcos Siega (You, Dexter: New Blood) helms the first two episodes, setting a dark, atmospheric tone for the series.
Why This Could Be the Summer’s Must-Watch Drama
✔ A Stellar Cast – McCallany and Bello deliver career-best performances as the embattled Buckleys.
✔ High-Stakes Family Drama – Think Succession meets Outer Banks, with a Southern Gothic twist.
✔ Twists You Won’t See Coming – Williamson’s trademark shocking reveals are in full force.
How to Watch
📅 Premiere Date: June 19 (all 8 episodes drop at once)
📺 Where to Stream: [Streaming Platform]
Final Verdict: A Storm Is Coming
The Waterfront is shaping up to be 2025’s most addictive family drama—a tense, emotionally charged saga of love, betrayal, and survival.
Will the Buckleys save their empire? Or will their secrets drag them under?
Mark your calendars for June 19—and prepare for a wild, windswept ride.
Are you excited for The Waterfront? Which character intrigues you most? Sound off in the comments!