LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2025
Family, fishing, and fatal mistakes: The new crime series everyone’s watching.
Viewers are hooked on Netflix‘s latest crime drama.
- “The Waterfront” follows the Buckley family and their struggles.
- The series is written and executive produced by Kevin Williamson.
- Viewers are binging all eight episodes in one sitting.
- Critics’ opinions are divided.
Netflix’s new crime series, The Waterfront, follows a family clinging to their legacy, and the series has quickly become a binge-worthy obsession for many viewers.
A North Carolina family fights to survive
The Waterfront dives into the lives of the Buckley family. They are facing the collapse of their fishing empire in North Carolina. The series explores just how far they will go to protect what they’ve built.
What is The Waterfront about? According to Kevin Williamson, the show focuses on “a working man who’s trying to make a go of it for his family.” He told Tudum that the family “pulled themselves up from nothing and they’ve built this mini fishing empire in their small little town,” but now “it’s being taken away from them bit by bit,” leading them to “do anything to hold onto it, because it represents their family.”
fan reactions are pouring in
The series has sparked conversations, particularly on the ‘Netflix Bangers‘ Facebook group. One viewer rated the series a ’10/10’.
Other viewers shared their thoughts:
- “It was good. There were a few episodes where it got out of control.”
- “Started this last night, binged 6 episodes really good.”
- “Such a good watch if you like action and killings.”
Did you know? Kevin Williamson also said, “It’s just about a bunch of people who make mistakes. They do some bad things, and then they get in deeper and deeper and deeper. Sometimes they keep making worse mistakes, and sometimes they find their way out and do the good thing.”

Critics remain divided
While fans are largely enthusiastic, critics have offered mixed reviews.
Lucy mangan of The Guardian wrote in her review on June 19, 2025: “It is indeed escapist summer nonsense with – God, I hope – no pretensions to being or else.Dive into the adult creek and wallow in nostalgia as the waves of absurdity sweep towards shore.”
Ben Travers from IndieWire offered a different viewpoint. He wrote: “Nothing that happens has to evoke any real emotions, it just has to remind you of shows that did. Even if you haven’t seen Ozark or Yellowstone – heck, even if The Waterfront is the first series you’ve ever seen – there’s no mistaking a sinking ship.”
The Waterfront, starring Jake Weary, Melissa benoist, Maria Bello, Danielle Campbell, and Holt McCallany, is available on Netflix now.
More than Just a Crime Drama: Exploring the Themes of ‘the Waterfront’
Beyond the thrilling plot of The waterfront, the series delves into complex themes that resonate with viewers. The show, at its heart, is a character study of a North Carolina family struggling to preserve their legacy. LetS unpack the core elements that make this series so compelling.
The show’s exploration of family dynamics is central. The Buckley family faces external threats to their business. These add an extra layer of tension to their already intricate relationships. The series also delves into the lengths people will go to protect those thay love. This makes for gripping viewing, keeping audiences invested in the characters’ fates.
The setting also plays a crucial role. North Carolina’s coastal surroundings provides a backdrop that not only captures the beauty of the setting, but also reflects the Buckley’s fight for survival. The fishing industry’s decline means the family is vulnerable. This constant struggle contributes to the show’s suspenseful atmosphere.
“The Waterfront” examines the idea of the American Dream. the show portrays the Buckley’s hard work and dedication, showcasing the challenges they face. Their fishing empire symbolized their aspirations and is now under threat.This creates a sense of urgency that is prevalent throughout the narrative.
The series also highlights the moral gray areas many of the characters inhabit.The show’s creator, Kevin Williamson, has already mentioned this in interviews. The show depicts how pressure can lead people to make questionable choices. This makes the show’s crime drama more than just entertainment. It encourages deep reflection on the nature of decisions and their consequences.
What to Expect in Future Seasons
Given the show’s success, fans are already speculating about the future.If the series gets renewed, where might the story go? Here are some theories:
- Decline of the Fishing Empire: Will the Buckley family ultimately lose their business? How will each family member cope with the fallout?
- Rising Criminal Activity: Could the family’s actions escalate into more serious crimes? This could attract a new antagonist and cause more family conflict.
- New Alliances: The series may bring in new characters and alliances. These might affect the Buckleys’ future.
Why “The Waterfront” is Trending
The Waterfront‘s popularity stems from many factors. Its blend of crime, family drama, and suspense has drawn a wide audience. The show’s strong performances, intriguing storyline, and beautiful setting have made it a must-watch for audiences worldwide.
The series’s success also highlights viewers’ preferences for complex stories. The show joins a long list of dramas exploring the dark side of the american Dream. This makes it a series worth watching for anyone who enjoys a good crime story mixed with family drama.
FAQs About ‘The Waterfront’
Here are some of the most common questions about the series:
What makes ‘The Waterfront’ different from other crime dramas?
The Waterfront is distinctive because of its tight focus on family dynamics. Coupled with the North Carolina setting, this gives the series a unique edge over other crime dramas you might potentially be used to.
Who are the main actors in the series?
The show stars Jake Weary, Melissa Benoist, Maria Bello, Danielle Campbell, and Holt McCallany.
What can viewers expect from future seasons?
Future seasons could explore the fallout from the family’s decisions. They might also delve deeper into the characters’ motivations as the conflict intensifies.
Is ‘The waterfront’ based on a true story?
Even though the show isn’t explicitly based on a true story, it does draw on real-life issues faced by fishing communities. The themes of family and survival are universally relatable.
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