Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama series The Waterfront, which premiered on Netflix on June 19, 2025, and has already established itself as one of the most gripping crime dramas of the year.
Released on June 19, 2025, this American crime drama series consists of eight hour-long episodes that dive deep into the dark waters of family legacy and moral compromise. Created by Kevin Williamson (Scream, Dawson’s Creek), The Waterfront stars Holt McCallany, Melissa Benoist, Jake Weary, and Maria Bello in a Southern noir tale set in the fictional coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina.
Set against the backdrop of North Carolina’s fishing industry, the series explores themes of family loyalty, economic desperation, and the lengths people will go to preserve their heritage. This is a story about people who make mistakes, do bad things, and then find themselves getting deeper and deeper into treacherous waters, both literally and figuratively.
The Crumbling Buckley Empire
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 economic pressures and changing times threaten their maritime heritage. When a suspicious shipwreck draws the attention of law enforcement, the fractured Buckley family must put aside their grievances to cover their tracks and protect what remains of their dynasty.
Harlan Buckley: The Patriarch’s Burden
Holt McCallany delivers a powerhouse performance as Harlan Buckley, the family patriarch who owns the local restaurant, port, and significant land holdings. His character carries the weight of a family legacy built on his father’s cartel connections, now trying to legitimize their businesses after personal tragedy. McCallany brings gravitas to a man caught between his family’s dark past and their uncertain future.
Bree Buckley: A Daughter’s Redemption Arc
Melissa Benoist portrays Bree Buckley, Harlan’s daughter whose struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction led to losing custody of her teenage son after a devastating house fire. Her character represents the personal cost of the family’s dysfunction, as she battles her demons while trying to find her place in the family business and win back her son’s trust.
Choosing the Lesser Evil
The series builds to a climactic confrontation where the family must make impossible choices to survive. As law enforcement closes in and their criminal activities escalate, each family member faces defining moments that will determine not only their fate but their moral compass. The show’s creator describes it as ultimately being about finding the “lesser evil” in treacherous situations.
Success on Netflix
The Waterfront has garnered attention as Kevin Williamson’s triumphant return to television and North Carolina storytelling. All eight episodes dropped simultaneously on Netflix, making it perfect for binge-watching. The series has been praised as a Southern noir tale that effectively blends crime drama with family dysfunction, featuring stellar performances from its ensemble cast. With its coastal North Carolina setting and morally complex characters, The Waterfront has established itself as a standout addition to Netflix’s crime drama catalog, drawing comparisons to other successful family crime sagas.
If you love morally complex crime dramas with deep family dynamics, The Waterfront is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The combination of Southern Gothic atmosphere, stellar performances, and Kevin Williamson’s masterful storytelling creates an unforgettable viewing experience.
A gripping tale that proves when a family empire starts sinking, some will do anything to keep their heads above water, no matter how dark those waters become.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 8 episodes
Platform: Netflix
Rating: 7.0/10
Genre: Crime Drama, Family Drama, Thriller
Protagonists: Holt McCallany (Harlan Buckley), Melissa Benoist (Bree Buckley), Jake Weary (Cane Buckley), Maria Bello (Belle Buckley)
Antagonist: Economic pressure, law enforcement, and the family’s own moral compromises