For decades, the Buckley family has ruled Havenport, North Carolina, dominating everything from the local fishing industry to the town’s restaurant scene. But their fishing empire has started to crumble as patriarch Harlan Buckley (Holt McCallany) recovers from two heart attacks, and his wife Belle (Maria Bello) and son Cane (Jake Weary) venture into the deep end to keep the family businesses afloat.
All 8 episodes of The Waterfront release today, June 19, 2025 on Netflix. The seaside town immersed audiences into the story and sets the tone for this gripping family centric drama.
As the family attempts to keep things afloat, things just seem to keep spiraling out of control, leading them into treacherous waters. Patriarch Harlan steps back in to take command as other key family members are set and ready to take matters into their own hands.
Facing her own demons, Buckleys daughter Bree (Melissa Benoist) — an addict in recovery who’s lost custody of her son Diller (Brady Hepner) — finds herself entangled in a complicated relationship that could threaten the family’s future forever.
Once the stakes are raised, the plot unfolds, and things get hot, there isn’t enough water that can keep things cool in this dangerously entertaining and lethal family saga. The show is set in the fictional town of Havenport, NC, but was filmed in Wilmington and Southport, NC. The setting alone creates the vibe that lets you know viewers know that they’ve crossed into the territory of wealthy class, close knit, and powerful families. Wealth and privilege run deep in this beautifully charming seaside town.
Inspired by true events and set against the backdrop of coastal North Carolina, The Waterfront comes from prolific showrunner Kevin Williamson. The twisty drama plays out over eight episodes that are as much about family dynamics as they are about the lengths people will go to when their legacy is on the line. All 8 episodes are available now on Netflix.