Key Takeaways:
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The Waterfront centers around the Buckley family and their complex personal and business relationships.
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Harlan and Belle Buckley are the heads of the family, with three children from different relationships.
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Secrets and family tension fuel the drama, shaping every twist of the Netflix series.
Netflix’s Southern drama The Waterfront unravels a story of power, betrayal, and survival within one influential family. As the Buckleys fight to keep their North Carolina fishing empire alive, understanding their relationships is key to following the plot. Here’s a complete breakdown of the Buckley family tree and how each character connects to the rest.
Who Are the Buckleys in The Waterfront?
The Buckleys are at the heart of The Waterfront. The family operates a powerful fishing and restaurant business in Havenport, North Carolina. However, their personal and professional lives are deeply entwined, leading to a web of conflicts and alliances that unfold throughout the series.
Harlan Buckley is the family patriarch and head of the business. A man known for his strict leadership and complicated past, Harlan’s personal decisions have shaped the structure of the Buckley family. He is married to Belle Buckley, with whom he has two children — Cane and Bree. Harlan also has a third child, Shawn West, from a previous relationship with Bebe, making Shawn a half-sibling to Cane and Bree.
Belle Buckley is Harlan’s wife and the matriarch of the family. As the business faces increasing pressure, Belle becomes a stabilizing force, managing both family affairs and a growing criminal network.
READ MORE: Will There Be The Waterfront Season 2?
How Are the Buckley Children Connected in The Waterfront?
The Buckley children each play a unique role in the family’s internal and external conflicts.
Cane Buckley is the eldest son of Harlan and Belle. Married to Peyton, Cane is the father of Savannah, making her the couple’s only child. Cane is heavily involved in the business and often at odds with his father, especially when leadership is questioned.
Bree Buckley, Cane’s sister, is a recovering addict dealing with the emotional aftermath of losing custody of her son. She was previously married to Rodney Hopkins, with whom she shares a son named Diller Hopkins. Bree’s strained relationship with her family adds another layer of tension to the Buckley dynamic.
Shawn West is the illegitimate son of Harlan and Bebe. Though not initially a part of the Buckley core, Shawn’s entrance into the family introduces new challenges, especially for Cane, as they adjust to being half-brothers. His growing involvement in the family business and budding connections with other members spark additional drama.
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What Is the Extended Buckley Family Structure?
The Buckley family includes several grandchildren, adding depth to the generational tension that The Waterfront explores.
Savannah Buckley, daughter of Cane and Peyton, represents the third generation of the Buckley line. While she isn’t a central figure yet, her role may evolve as the family legacy comes into question.
Diller Hopkins, son of Bree and Rodney, is another grandchild of Harlan and Belle. As Bree struggles with recovery and regaining custody, Diller becomes a symbol of both hope and consequence in the series.
With both Savannah and Diller being cousins, and with Shawn as their uncle, the family web continues to grow, reflecting the show’s themes of loyalty, secrecy, and betrayal.
READ MORE: Is The Waterfront Based on a True Story
What to Expect Next From The Waterfront Family?
With Season 1 ending on a major twist and Belle taking a leadership role, the Buckley family dynamics are set to shift dramatically. Future episodes are likely to explore how the family reacts to Belle’s covert alliance and how Shawn’s presence will alter the existing sibling bonds.
Creator Kevin Williamson has hinted at a focus on Belle’s rise and deeper involvement from Shawn in a potential Season 2, which could further complicate the Buckley legacy.
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Where Can You Watch The Waterfront?
The Waterfront Season 1 premiered on June 19, 2025, and is now available to stream exclusively on Netflix. Viewers can binge all eight episodes and delve into the layered world of the Buckleys.
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