As the mastermind behind iconic pop-culture phenomena such as the Scream film franchise, <em>Dawson's Creek</em>, and <em>The Vampire Diaries</em>, Kevin Williamson has firmly established a remarkable legacy in the entertainment industry. This year, this influential creator has made a significant return to television with the gripping new series The Waterfront, a captivating ensemble family crime drama that seems perfectly crafted to captivate audiences on Netflix.
The Waterfront resonates with elements that have made series like Yellowstone and Ozark sensations in modern television, all while preserving the unique essence of Williamson’s storytelling that has defined his work for decades. This new series represents a natural and unexpected evolution in Williamson’s career, and the outcome is nothing less than extraordinary. It stands out as one of the top and most exhilarating new shows of 2025, with the potential to become one of Netflix’s flagship series, especially if its future seasons successfully build upon its engaging premise.
Discover the Intriguing Plot of ‘The Waterfront’
The narrative unfolds in the picturesque coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina, where the Buckley family reigns as local royalty. Led in contemporary times by the formidable patriarch Harlan (Holt McCallany) and his devoted wife Belle (Maria Bello), the Buckleys represent a thriving seafood empire with various branches. However, the family is also deeply involved in another less savory business: drug trafficking. Harlan is at the helm of this operation as well, with his conflicted son, Cane (Jake Weary), offering hesitant support amidst the chaos.
A disastrous and unclear drug run exacerbates Harlan’s ongoing heart condition and deteriorating health. His situation would likely worsen if he were aware that his restaurant’s new bartender (Rafael L. Silva) is actually his illegitimate son seeking closure, or that his daughter, Bree (Melissa Benoist), has been romantically involved with DEA Agent Marcus Sanchez (Gerardo Celasco) since her rehabilitation. The Buckleys find themselves navigating a landscape of double crossings and precarious new alliances within the drug trade, pushing them into previously uncharted territories.
Experience Kevin Williamson’s Mastery in ‘The Waterfront’
It is incredibly satisfying to witness Williamson operating at the height of his creative powers. Nearly three decades after his groundbreaking, self-aware, and cleverly witty Scream screenplay reshaped the horror genre, the acclaimed screenwriter has transitioned into a full-fledged family crime drama that bears resemblance to popular series like Ozark and the works of Taylor Sheridan. (It’s important to highlight that The Waterfront is reportedly inspired by real-life events, including Williamson’s personal experiences in the North Carolina fishing industry.) The series has a commercial appeal that is likely to resonate with a broad audience, reminiscent of the popular shows it draws inspiration from, yet it remains an intimate and wild narrative, filled with unexpected twists and uniquely engaging characters.
At its core, The Waterfront aims to deliver an entertaining experience. Williamson’s signature dialogue shines; it is sharp, insightful, and often humorous without crossing into the realm of absurdity. The show features moments of explicit content, thrilling action sequences, and well-timed shocking gore, all of which contribute to its engaging nature. Williamson’s enjoyment in creating this series is palpable. While The Waterfront sometimes flirts with outrageousness, it maintains a serious tone when needed. The audience becomes invested in the unfolding events, leading to a finale filled with tension and suspense. It is highly likely that viewers will feel compelled to binge-watch the entire eight-episode season, all of which were made available for review, in one go.
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Explore the Talented Cast of ‘The Waterfront’ Featuring Jake Weary and Melissa Benoist
In line with Netflix’s high production standards, the performances in this series are exceptional, with two standout actors taking center stage. Weary delivers a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance that anchors much of the drama, marking a career-high for an actor who previously made a significant impact in films like It Follows and the television adaptation of Animal Kingdom.
Bree’s journey of recovery from addiction serves as a crucial driving force in the narrative, and The Waterfront adeptly portrays the complexities surrounding this disease—one that heavily affects the Buckley family. The show achieves a level of authenticity and realism that surpasses many other media portrayals of addiction, including numerous critically acclaimed films. The script does not excuse Bree’s past mistakes, yet she emerges as the most sympathetic character, grappling with her fight for custody and her tenuous relationship with her estranged teenage son, Diller (Brady Hepner). Bree is depicted as a vivid and complicated character, filled with regret and resentment (her mother even dismisses her for speaking “in riddles”), but Benoist’s magnetic presence brings the character to life, giving the show an emotional core.
Given that The Waterfront is unapologetically elevated pulp, some viewers may overlook its artistic merits. However, Williamson’s original breakout film in 1996 faced similar criticism, initially being perceived as merely good or slightly above average. Over time, the deconstructionist and playful Scream has been recognized as one of the most significant and influential American films. Williamson possesses an instinctive understanding of how to engage audiences with genre content, expertly balancing seriousness with the understanding that viewers seek entertainment and escapism. The Waterfront represents an entertaining display of a showrunner who is in complete control of his craft, making it easy to recommend to a broad audience.
The Waterfront Season 1 is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
The Waterfront
Kevin Williamson’s Netflix crime drama is one of the best and most entertaining shows of the year, with the Scream and Dawson’s Creek creator at the top of his game.
- Release Date
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June 19, 2025
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Marcos Siega
- Writers
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Kevin Williamson
- The Waterfront is as entertaining as anything on TV right now.
- The show boasts uniformly excellent and charismatic performances, with Melissa Benoist and Jake Weary standing out in particular.
- Williamson’s dialogue is as good as ever.
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