The Waterfront: Revisiting Netflix’s latest family crime drama in its entirety 

Netflix’s The Waterfront continues its tradition of family crime dramas, following earlier hits like Bloodline, which premiered in 2015, and Ozark in 2017. This time, creator Kevin Williamson—known for Scream and Dawson’s Creek—adds his spin, presenting a blend of suspense and emotional depth.

The Waterfront is set in the fictional town of Havenport, North Carolina, and depicts the Buckley family, who once thrived in the fishing business but are now collapsing. Harlan Buckley is the family patriarch who often clashes with his rebellious son Cane. The family eventually turns to crime out of desperation and to save their fishing empire. What makes it stand out is that the show focuses on the dysfunctional family as much as it does on the criminal activity. Read on to revisit The Waterfront Season 1.

The Waterfront opens with the DEA and the sheriff investigating a drug case

As mentioned, The Waterfront portrays the Buckley family dealing with their long-time business falling apart. They get into crime out of desperation to save the fishing empire. The show uses some classic themes of family dysfunction, bad decisions, and crime but still handles them in a fresh way. The characters make realistic yet emotionally grounded choices within meaningful and layered relationships. The show also has an eerie and unsettling tone, which makes it unique from other crime dramas.

Episode 1, titled Almost Okay, is largely about setting up the foundation for the storylines and introducing the characters in depth. It opens with a dramatic, botched drug drop at sea where some men are knocked overboard—setting off the central conflict. Cane Buckley covers up the incident, while DEA agent Marcus and Sheriff Porter begin to probe.

Harlan is shown as the tough, ailing patriarch trying to step back but unable to let go. Despite his health issues, he slowly pulls the strings again as the family spirals deeper into criminal activity. Belle is the matriarch who keeps the business afloat by secretly running the drug operation through the fishing boats. Cane, Harlan’s son, is torn between moral boundaries and loyalty—struggling to lead but often overshadowed by his father. Bree is the sober daughter fighting for custody of Diller’s son. Cane is stuck in a love triangle between his wife Peyton and old flame Jenna, adding personal conflict to his professional mess.

Episode 2 is about surviving the fallout. Curtis and Troy’s bodies are found, and the authorities intensify their investigation, putting Cane under fire. Bree acts as an informant for the DEA and ends up in a secret relationship with Marcus. Tensions rise as the Buckley trio decides to keep smuggling to stay afloat; Harlan re-enters the illicit trade. The episode ends with a cliffhanger when Sheriff Porter is revealed to be a drug overseer named “Owen.”

The lines get more blurred in episode 3. The family is now deeply entrenched in the drug trade. Once again, Harlan takes over from Cane, while Bree, struggling with her recovery, grows closer to Marcus.

In episode 4, the drug operation becomes more complicated. DEA surveillance picks up movement, causing the family to scramble. Action-packed scenes become the highlight when Brent crosses paths with a new smuggler. Harlan and Belle get into a fight over how they’re managing the syndicate.

The family dynamics in episode 5 worsen in The Waterfront

Family dynamics worsen in episode 5. Cree faces a legal setback in the custody case, while Belle’s secret meeting raises suspicion. Friction between Cane and Harlan escalates. In episode 6, Owen (aka Porter) tightens his control, while Belle’s land plan accelerates.

Topher Grace appears as a guest star playing Grady, injecting more unpredictability into the plot. Bree continues to struggle but finds some hope.

In the final two episodes, the family gets into serious trouble when the DEA tails Cane. Harlan tries to protect the family while balancing rival interests. He confronts his past, and Belle’s landslide decision looms.

Episode 8 ends with a cliffhanger setting up the next season—DEA agents raid the Buckley house, leading to violent confrontations. Harlan and Cane operate under intense pressure. Bree must decide whether to stay in the crime world or redeem herself.

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Catch The Waterfront only on Netflix.

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