The Waterfront Cast and Character Guide: Everything You Need to Know For Netflix’s Latest Reality Drama

Netflix’s upcoming drama series The Waterfront has been generating buzz as one of the year’s most anticipated shows. Created by Kevin Williamson, the series promises a gripping tale inspired by true events centered around the Buckley family’s struggle to maintain control of their crumbling fishing empire in North Carolina.

With a stellar cast and intriguing character dynamics, here’s a detailed guide to the cast and characters of The Waterfront.

Meet the Cast of The Waterfront

Holt McCallany as Buckley Family Patriarch

Holt McCallany leads the cast as the head of the Buckley family, a man determined to protect his legacy at any cost. Known for his commanding presence in Mindhunter, McCallany is set to deliver another powerful performance.

Maria Bello as Matriarch Evelyn Buckley

Maria Bello plays Evelyn Buckley, the family’s matriarch. Her character is described as fiercely loyal yet deeply flawed, navigating the complexities of family loyalty and survival.

Melissa Benoist as Clara Buckley

Melissa Benoist (Supergirl) portrays Clara Buckley as one of the key members of the Buckley family. Clara is ambitious and willing to make sacrifices for her family’s empire, even if it means crossing moral boundaries.

Jake Weary as Lucas Buckley

Jake Weary (Animal Kingdom) stars as Lucas Buckley, a rebellious son whose actions often contradict his family’s goals. Lucas’s character adds tension and unpredictability to the storyline.

Rafael L. Silva as Mateo

Rafael L. Silva (9-1-1: Lone Star) plays Mateo, whose motivations intertwine with the Buckleys’ struggle for power. His role brings an outsider’s perspective into the family drama.

Humberly González as Sofia

Humberly González (Ginny & Georgia) takes on the role of Sofia, a character whose loyalty and intentions remain ambiguous throughout the series.

Danielle Campbell as Lily Buckley

Danielle Campbell (The Originals) portrays Lily Buckley, another member of the family who faces her moral dilemmas while trying to uphold their legacy.

Brady Hepner as Young Charlie Buckley

Brady Hepner plays Charlie Buckley, a younger member of the family whose innocence contrasts with the darker themes surrounding his relatives.

Recurring Guest Stars

Michael Gaston as Senator William Tate

Michael Gaston (The Man in the High Castle) appears as Senator William Tate, whose political ties complicate matters for the Buckleys.

Gerardo Celasco as Detective Ramirez

Gerardo Celasco (Passions) plays Detective Ramirez, tasked with investigating suspicious activities tied to the family empire.

Special Guest Star

Zach Roerig as Fisherman Joe

Zach Roerig (The Vampire Diaries) guest stars as Fisherman Joe, a local figure who becomes entangled in the Buckleys’ schemes.

Behind-the-Scenes Talent

Marcos Siega, known for his work on Dexter and The Following, directs the first two episodes and serves as an executive producer on the pilot. His expertise promises a visually compelling and emotionally charged narrative.

What Makes The Waterfront Unique?

This eight-episode series dives deep into power, loyalty, and survival themes. True events inspire it and paint a gritty picture of a family willing to go to dangerous lengths to protect their legacy.

With its North Carolina coastal setting serving as both backdrop and metaphor for their crumbling empire, expect stunning visuals paired with intense drama.

Why You Should Watch The Waterfront

If you’re a fan of family sagas like Succession or morally complex dramas like Ozark, The Waterfront is bound to captivate you. With its star-studded cast and compelling narrative, this Netflix series is poised to be one of 2025’s breakout hits.

Stay tuned for its release date, and prepare for an unforgettable ride into the depths of ambition and betrayal!

About The Waterfront

The Waterfront is an upcoming Netflix drama series created by Kevin Williamson, known for his work on Scream and Dawson’s Creek.

Set to premiere on June 19, 2025, the eight-episode series is inspired by true events and follows the Buckley family as they struggle to maintain control of their crumbling fishing empire in the fictional coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina. Combining elements of family drama, crime, and suspense, The Waterfront has been compared to hit shows like Succession and Ozark for its exploration of power, loyalty, and betrayal.