Key Points:
- The Waterfront premieres June 19 on Netflix with a cast led by Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, and Topher Grace.
- The show centers on the Buckley family, a powerful but broken clan running a fishery in fictional Havenport.
- Creator Kevin Williamson based the story on his North Carolina upbringing and family dynamics.
What Is The Waterfront All About?
The Waterfront is a family crime drama created by Kevin Williamson, set in the fictional North Carolina town of Havenport. The story follows the Buckleys, a prominent family trying to maintain their fishery empire amid personal chaos, dangerous partnerships, and emerging threats. This emotionally charged series reflects Williamson’s own upbringing, blending nostalgia with modern-day conflict.
Who Plays Who in The Waterfront?
Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley – Harlan is the complex patriarch of the Buckley family, deeply flawed yet fiercely devoted. A two-time heart attack survivor, Harlan has stepped back from the business but may return as trouble looms. McCallany brings layered intensity to the role, which was inspired by Williamson’s father. “You’re either going to get rugged and tough and hardcore or you’re going to get vulnerable and emotional and honest,” Williamson says of casting McCallany.
Previous credits: Mindhunter, The Iron Claw, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Maria Bello as Belle Buckley – Belle runs the family fishery using questionable methods. As the resilient matriarch, she fights to hold her family together while navigating rising desperation. Williamson calls Belle a survivor and draws inspiration from his own mother for her unwavering strength.
Previous credits: BEEF, A History of Violence, The Cooler
Melissa Benoist as Bree Buckley – Bree is Harlan and Belle’s daughter, known for her intelligence and volatility. After losing custody of her son Diller and facing addiction issues, Bree tries to maintain her sobriety and rebuild relationships. Despite her flaws, she remains loyal and emotionally driven.
Previous credits: Supergirl, The Girls on the Bus, Masters of the Universe: Revolution
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Jake Weary as Cane Buckley – Cane, the younger Buckley sibling, is emotionally transparent and deeply entangled in the family business. Constantly seeking his father’s approval, Cane enjoys the perks of the fishery but harbors dreams of a different life.
Previous credits: Animal Kingdom, The Walking Dead: Dead City, Trigger Warning
Danielle Campbell as Peyton Buckley – Peyton is Cane’s wife, a poised Southern woman and former debutante. While she supports Cane, she quietly observes the family’s drama, storing details for strategic use. Her calm exterior hides a calculated awareness of the Buckley chaos.
Previous credits: Tell Me a Story, The Originals
Brady Hepner as Diller – Diller is Bree’s teenage son, now living with her ex-husband. Still angry about her past addictions, Diller idolizes his grandfather Harlan instead. His resentment adds emotional tension to the Buckley family dynamic.
Previous credits: The Holdovers
Rafael Silva as Shawn – Shawn, the Buckley’s new bartender, is captivated by the family but hides a secret that could shake their world. He’s bold, loyal, and refuses to back down.
Previous credits: 9-1-1: Lone Star
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Humberly Gonzalez as Jenna – Jenna, a journalist returning home to care for her sick father, rekindles memories of her past with high school sweetheart Cane. Her return brings unresolved feelings to the surface.
Previous credits: Ginny & Georgia
Dave Annable as Wes – Wes is a businessman aiming to align with the Buckleys. His true intentions, however, remain uncertain.
Previous credits: Brothers & Sisters, What/If
Topher Grace as Grady – Grady is a wealthy newcomer with polished manners and dangerous ambitions. Williamson tailored this role for Grace, flipping his usual comedic persona into a chilling villain. “There’s nothing Grady won’t do,” Grace says, describing his character as a calculated psychopath.
Previous credits: That ’70s Show, Black Mirror, Love, Death + Robots
Michael Gaston as Sheriff Porter – Sheriff Porter is Harlan’s childhood friend turned wary lawman. Despite shared history, Porter has always felt like an outsider compared to Harlan’s privileged upbringing.
Previous credits: The Leftovers, Bridge of Spies, Daredevil: Born Again
Gerardo Celasco as DEA Agent Sanchez – Agent Sanchez arrives in Havenport after a suspicious event triggers federal interest. His presence adds legal tension and raises stakes for the Buckleys.
Previous credits: Devil in Ohio, Pulse
READ MORE: What Inspired The Waterfront Netflix Show
When and Where Can You Watch The Waterfront?
The Waterfront premieres June 19, 2025, exclusively on Netflix. It’s created by Kevin Williamson and promises a mix of emotional drama, family conflict, and small-town intrigue set against the North Carolina coast.
Source: Netflix
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