Watch the trailer for Netflix’s ‘The Waterfront,’ filmed and set in NC

It’s almost time to dive into a new Netflix drama series set and filmed in North Carolina.

This summer, the Carolina coast will be in the spotlight of the new short series called “The Waterfront” focused on fictional Buckley family and their crumbling fishing empire.

Here’s a look at the official trailer for the new show releasing soon:

What is ‘The Waterfront’ about?

The new drama is the fifth project made in and around the Southport area by creator Kevin Williamson, according to Netflix’s Tudum. Pulling from his past, the storyline is also reportedly, in part, inspired by his own fisherman father from North Carolina.

Less than one month from the premiere, fans are now getting a sneak peak at what’s to come for a family planning to “venture into the deep end to keep the family businesses afloat” after their fishing empire begins to fall.

‘The Waterfront’ streaming

The full eight-episode drama series will be available to stream beginning Thursday, June 19 on Netflix.

‘The Waterfront’ cast

Starring Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Jake Weary, Topher Grace and Melissa Benoist, the series follows the story of the Buckleys “trying to find the lesser evil in a treacherous situation” as their fishing empire and family’s future struggle to stay afloat, according to Netflix.

“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,” Williamson reportedly said. “Sometimes they keep making worse mistakes and sometimes they find their way out and do the good thing.”

NC filming locations

According to the North Carolina film office website, season one of the series was filmed last December. Set in the fictional town of Havenport, the show was produced around Wilmington and Southport — a full circle moment for Williamson, where he filmed in “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Dawson’s Creek.”

In the spotlight, you may even see several fan-favorite restaurants including Fishy Fishy Café, Morningstar Marina, and Potter’s Seafood, according to City of Southport officials.

“We have the beautiful sailboats, the yachts, and the fishing trawlers,” Williamson said. “We have the whole world here. It’s the beautiful side of the business, and the commercial side of it.”

This story was originally published May 22, 2025 at 12:56 PM.

Chyna Blackmon

The Charlotte Observer

Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription