Netflix’s latest drama, The Waterfront, has taken the streaming world by storm, and its cast is a major reason why. Premiering on June 19, 2025, this gripping series, created by Kevin Williamson, dives into the turbulent lives of the Buckley family as they fight to save their crumbling North Carolina fishing empire. With a blend of seasoned actors and rising stars, the cast of The Waterfront delivers performances that keep viewers glued to their screens. Let’s explore the talented ensemble behind this coastal saga, highlighting the latest updates about their roles and contributions to the show.
Who’s Who in the Cast of The Waterfront
The cast of The Waterfront is a powerhouse of talent, bringing depth to the Buckley family’s complex dynamics. Leading the pack is Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley, the flawed patriarch who built the family’s fishery through grit and questionable morals. After suffering two heart attacks, Harlan steps back, only to return when his empire faces collapse. Maria Bello shines as Belle Buckley, Harlan’s fierce wife, who takes charge with cunning and determination. Jake Weary plays their son, Cane, a former football star torn between family loyalty and personal dreams. Melissa Benoist portrays Bree, Harlan’s daughter, grappling with addiction and a strained bond with her son, Diller, played by Brady Hepner.
Rounding out the main cast are Rafael L. Silva as Shawn Wilson, a bartender with a game-changing secret, Humberly González as journalist Jenna Tate, and Danielle Campbell as Peyton, Cane’s sharp-witted wife. Recurring roles include Topher Grace, Dave Annable, Michael Gaston, Gerardo Celasco, and Zach Roerig, adding layers to the drama. Each actor brings a unique flair, making the Buckley family’s saga both relatable and riveting.
Recent Casting Developments
In the lead-up to the premiere, the cast of The Waterfront saw exciting additions. In September 2024, Netflix announced that Melissa Benoist, Rafael L. Silva, Humberly González, Danielle Campbell, and Brady Hepner joined as series regulars, with Michael Gaston and Gerardo Celasco in recurring roles. By October, Topher Grace and Andrew Call hopped on board, followed by Dave Annable in November. These late additions sparked buzz on social media, with fans praising the diverse talent pool. Williamson himself noted that the cast’s chemistry was a highlight during filming in Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina, locations that added authenticity to the coastal setting.
The cast’s commitment shone through in recent interviews. McCallany described Harlan as “morally ambiguous” yet deeply devoted to his family, while Benoist shared that playing Bree’s recovery journey was both challenging and rewarding. These insights, shared on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, have heightened anticipation, with fans eager to see how the actors’ real-life camaraderie translates on-screen.
- Main Cast: Holt McCallany (Harlan), Maria Bello (Belle), Jake Weary (Cane), Melissa Benoist (Bree), Rafael L. Silva (Shawn), Humberly González (Jenna), Danielle Campbell (Peyton), Brady Hepner (Diller).
- Recurring Stars: Topher Grace, Dave Annable, Michael Gaston, Gerardo Celasco, Zach Roerig.
- Recent Additions: Announced between September and November 2024, boosting the show’s star power.
- Filming Locations: Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina, enhancing the show’s coastal vibe.
Why the Cast Shines
The cast of The Waterfront isn’t just a list of names; it’s a blend of experience and fresh energy. McCallany, known for Mindhunter, brings gravitas to Harlan’s flawed leadership. Bello, a veteran of NCIS and BEEF, infuses Belle with strength and nuance. Weary, fresh off Animal Kingdom, captures Cane’s inner conflict, while Benoist, beloved for Supergirl, delivers a raw, emotional performance as Bree. Rising stars like Silva (9-1-1: Lone Star) and Hepner (The Holdovers) add depth to their complex roles. Social media posts from the set show the cast bonding over North Carolina’s seafood and scenery, which fans say reflects their on-screen chemistry.
Critics have praised the ensemble’s ability to elevate the script, despite some noting the show’s pacing issues. On YouTube, reviewers highlight standout scenes, like Benoist’s emotional confrontations and Weary’s tense exchanges with McCallany. The recurring cast, including Grace and Annable, adds intrigue, with their roles teased as pivotal to the season’s twists.
What Fans Are Saying
Since the trailer dropped in May 2025, fans have flooded Instagram and YouTube with excitement over the cast of The Waterfront. Comments praise the mix of established names and new faces, with many calling Benoist and McCallany a dream pairing. On X, posts have trended about Campbell’s return to a Williamson project after Tell Me a Story, sparking nostalgia for The Vampire Diaries fans. The cast’s diversity and the show’s coastal aesthetic have also resonated, with viewers sharing clips of the scenic North Carolina backdrop. This buzz underscores why The Waterfront is a must-watch for drama lovers.
Looking Ahead
As The Waterfront streams on Netflix, the cast continues to drive its success. With all eight episodes available, fans can binge the season and see how the Buckley family’s saga unfolds. The cast’s performances have already sparked calls for a second season, with social media abuzz about potential new characters. For now, the focus remains on this talented ensemble, whose chemistry and depth make The Waterfront a standout.
Stream The Waterfront on Netflix today to witness this incredible cast bring the Buckley family’s drama to life. Share your favorite moments in the comments below!