New Netflix Drama Explores Family Secrets and Crime

Kevin Williamson, the creator behind “Dawson’s Creek” and “Scream,” ventures into the world of family dysfunction and illicit activities with his latest series, “The Waterfront.” Premiering on Netflix, this drama promises twists and turns against the backdrop of a North Carolina setting reminiscent of his earlier work.

Family Ties and Criminal Schemes

The Buckley family of Havenport, though not quite the Corleones, navigates a multigenerational entanglement with the criminal underworld. Patriarch Harlan (Holt McCallany) has largely withdrawn, preferring his vices to family matters. His wife, Belle (Maria Bello), and son Cane (Jake Weary), secretly involve themselves in drug smuggling to save their legitimate businesses.

Cane grapples with his past, particularly the dashed hopes of a football career, and the return of his high school girlfriend, Jenna (Humberly González). He finds himself increasingly drawn into the family’s illegal dealings, a source of both tension and reluctant participation.

“I’m really good at almost, I’m almost a good husband, father, son. Just not quite, you know.”

—Cane

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2021, over 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses (Source). The drama explores the personal consequences of such activities.

Additional Characters and Intrigue

Bree (Melissa Benoist), Cane’s sister, has her own struggles, recently released from rehab. Also adding to the drama are a DEA agent, a sheriff with a grudge, and a bartender whose skills are questionable.

The series is set in the location where the creator grew up, the series seems to focus on criminal acts and the associated relationships. As the story unfolds, the series is intended to offer ample opportunities for suspense and surprising reveals.