1. The Creators Behind “The Waterfront”
Kevin Williamson has long been recognized for his ability to craft engaging, suspenseful, and often chilling narratives. Best known for creating The Vampire Diaries (TVD) and The Originals, as well as his work on Scream, Williamson has built a reputation for storytelling that blends supernatural intrigue with relatable human drama. His return to the TV landscape with The Waterfront is a welcome one for fans who love complex characters and high-stakes family dynamics.
A Reunion of Familiar Faces
In The Waterfront, Williamson reunites with Michael Narducci and Marcos Siega, who previously collaborated with him in the world of The Vampire Diaries. Together, this trio has proven that they know how to captivate audiences with both dark, intense moments and emotional depth. This creative partnership has been instrumental in shaping the tone of The Waterfront—a series that blends family drama with the kind of suspenseful twists that made TVD so beloved.
A Family Drama with High Stakes
Set in the town of Havenport, North Carolina, The Waterfront follows the wealthy Buckley family, whose fishing empire is on the verge of collapse. The patriarch of the family, Harlan Buckley, is recovering from two heart attacks, which sets off a chain of events that threaten to unravel everything he and his family have worked for. The series explores not just the business pressures facing the family, but also the personal conflicts and betrayals that come with such a high-profile, high-stakes life.

2. A Stellar Cast: A Reunion of The Vampire Diaries and Supergirl Stars
One of the most exciting aspects of The Waterfront is its cast, which brings together actors from some of the most beloved series of the past decade. Fans of The Vampire Diaries and Supergirl will be thrilled to see familiar faces return to the small screen.
Melissa Benoist: From Supergirl to Bree Buckley
Melissa Benoist, who portrayed the beloved superhero Kara Zor-El on Supergirl, takes on the role of Bree Buckley in The Waterfront. Bree is part of the powerful Buckley family and plays a significant role in the unfolding drama of the series. Benoist’s ability to transition from a superhero role to a more grounded, dramatic character demonstrates her versatility as an actress. Her portrayal of Bree will undoubtedly be one of the central storylines in the series, and fans of Benoist’s work on Supergirl will be eager to see her take on a more complex, family-oriented role.
Danielle Campbell: A Return to the Supernatural
Danielle Campbell, known for her portrayal of the powerful witch Davina Claire on The Originals, brings her talents to The Waterfront as Peyton Buckley, the wife of Cane Buckley. Peyton is caught in the whirlwind of her husband’s attempts to keep the family business afloat. Campbell’s return to a role involving family dynamics and intense emotional conflict will be a treat for fans who remember her captivating performances as Davina on The Originals.
Zach Roerig: A New Role After The Vampire Diaries
Fans of The Vampire Diaries will also be pleased to see Zach Roerig, who played the heroic Matt Donovan on the show, return to the small screen. Though not yet featured in the first-look images, Roerig is set to guest star in The Waterfront. His character’s involvement will undoubtedly add depth to the storyline, and his established fanbase from TVD will be curious to see how he fits into the dramatic narrative of the Buckley family’s downfall.
Other Notable Cast Members
The series also features a strong supporting cast, including Holt McCallany (known for his work on Mindhunter), who plays Harlan Buckley, the patriarch struggling to keep his business intact. Maria Bello, another talented actress, portrays Belle Buckley, Harlan’s wife, who must navigate the chaos as her family’s empire teeters on the brink of collapse. This ensemble cast promises a range of performances that will elevate The Waterfront beyond its already intriguing premise.
3. A Family Drama with High Stakes: The Plot of The Waterfront
At its core, The Waterfront is a high-stakes family drama that focuses on the collapse of the Buckley family’s empire. As the patriarch Harlan Buckley deals with health issues, his family is forced to confront the reality of their crumbling business. Harlan’s wife Belle and son Cane take matters into their own hands in an attempt to stabilize the situation. However, their actions only make things worse, forcing Harlan to retake control and navigate the complex web of family loyalty, business pressures, and personal betrayals.
Business Under Siege
The Buckley family’s fishing empire is more than just a business—it’s their lifeblood. With the fishing industry at the heart of Havenport, the Buckleys have been at the top of the town’s social and economic hierarchy for years. However, as Harlan’s health falters, the business begins to crumble, and the family must confront the possibility that their reign at the top is coming to an end. This struggle for power and control is central to the plot of The Waterfront, and it serves as the backdrop for the characters’ personal journeys.
A Web of Personal and Professional Conflicts
As the family members attempt to salvage their empire, personal conflicts arise, including marital tensions, sibling rivalries, and the strain of living up to Harlan’s legacy. Peyton, Cane’s wife, finds herself caught between supporting her husband and protecting her young child. Meanwhile, Cane’s impulsive decisions lead to further complications, forcing the family to confront deep-seated issues they’ve been avoiding for years. The Waterfront promises to explore not only the business side of the family’s downfall but also the emotional and psychological toll it takes on everyone involved.
4. The Legacy of Kevin Williamson: A Return to Form
Kevin Williamson’s name is synonymous with thrilling, emotional dramas, especially those with supernatural elements. After his success with The Vampire Diaries and Scream, Williamson has carved out a niche for himself as a creator who can blend suspense with rich, character-driven storytelling. The Waterfront marks his return to television, and it’s clear that he hasn’t lost his touch.
Supernatural Influences in a Grounded Setting
While The Waterfront isn’t a supernatural series in the traditional sense, it does carry echoes of Williamson’s earlier work on The Vampire Diaries and The Originals. The Buckley family’s struggle to maintain control of their empire is driven by powerful emotions and intense family dynamics, much like the relationships at the heart of his earlier supernatural dramas. In The Waterfront, Williamson’s ability to craft complex, morally ambiguous characters will no doubt shine through, ensuring the series stands out as a must-watch drama.
Building on Previous Success
Williamson’s experience working on The Vampire Diaries and Scream has given him the tools to craft a compelling narrative for The Waterfront. This new series builds on his earlier success by offering audiences a mix of intense drama, family intrigue, and emotional depth, all set against the backdrop of a high-stakes business empire on the brink of collapse. Fans of his previous works will find much to love in this new project.
5. The Waterfront’s Impact: What Fans Can Expect from Netflix’s Latest Drama
The Waterfront is poised to be a major hit for Netflix, and its combination of returning stars, a strong creative team, and a compelling storyline gives it all the ingredients for success. The show will appeal to fans of family dramas, business intrigue, and intense emotional storytelling, while also drawing in those who love the nostalgic feel of past CW shows like The Vampire Diaries and The Originals.
As Netflix continues to dominate the streaming landscape, The Waterfront will add to the platform’s impressive slate of original programming. The series is expected to have a strong impact on the drama genre, combining the best elements of previous television successes while forging its own path with unique characters and high-stakes storytelling.
From: Doublejoydesigns