The Waterfront Netflix: A Gritty Coastal Saga With Big Twists

A New Family Crime Drama for Summer Bingeing

“The Waterfront,” with Holt McCallany and Maria Bello, puts a coastal spin on the “Yellowstone” formula. Credit...Dana Hawley/Netflix

The Waterfront, Netflix’s latest crime-drama series, premiered its eight episodes on June 19, 2025, immersing viewers in the crumbling world of the Buckleys—a North Carolina fishing dynasty drawn back into the drug trade to save their legacy. Created by Kevin Williamson, it’s been described as a Southern-set blend of Ozark, Yellowstone, and Dawson’s Creek according to Vulture. If you're searching for an intense summer binge, The Waterfront Netflix might just be your next obsession.

What the Critics Are Saying About The Waterfront Netflix

Strong Performances Ground the Soap‑Opera Chaos

• Vulture praises the series for its compelling tension, noting Holt McCallany and Jake Weary “anchor the emotional core” in this chaotic yet familiar narrative.

• The Guardian calls it “perfect summer nonsense,” blending melodrama with crime and generational trauma, making it an ideal stream for binge sessions.

  
  

But Tone and Plot Division Raise Red Flags

The Daily Beast criticizes the uneven storytelling, saying it “struggles with tonal inconsistencies” and features a “coastal-set Yellowstone knockoff” vibe.

Overall, viewers describe The Waterfront Netflix as a guilty pleasure: formulaic, yet entertaining enough to hook you for a full season.

Plot Summary & Character Highlights from The Waterfront Netflix

• Harlan Buckley (Holt McCallany): recovering from health crises, he returns to find his fishing empire failing.

• Cane (Jake Weary) and Belle (Maria Bello): scrambling to fund the family’s debt, they resort to drug smuggling.

• Bree (Melissa Benoist): a recovering addict, seeking redemption and reconnection with her son.

• Topher Grace: introduces fresh conflict as a dangerous drug kingpin.

  
  

The eight interconnected episodes explore power, loyalty, money, and moral decline—all set against the picturesque but dangerous backdrop of Havenport, North Carolina.

Why The Waterfront Netflix Stands Out

• Creator credentials: Kevin Williamson, the mind behind Scream, Dawson’s Creek, and The Vampire Diaries, draws on his personal roots—his fisherman father’s past—to fuel the story (The New York Times).

• Summer binge factor: the show successfully balances melodrama and crime with just the right camp to feel indulgent yet satisfying (Variety).

• Compelling themes: explores toxic masculinity, family legacy, class divides, and survival amid deception.

  
  

Who Should Watch The Waterfront Netflix—and Why

• Fans of crime-dynasty dramas (Ozark, Yellowstone) will appreciate the family-descent storyline.

• Viewer beware: Rated TV-MA, with strong violence, mature themes, and family drama—best suited for adult audiences.