The Waterfront Filming Locations: Where Netflix’s 2025 Drama Series Was Shot

Netflix’s new 2025 drama THE WATERFRONT brings a gritty, emotional tale of power, family, and survival to the small screen — and it does so with a strong sense of place. Created by Kevin Williamson, the American drama television series consists of eight episodes and is set in the fictional coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina. The series goes deep into the world of the Buckley family, a close-knit group of people who are fighting to keep control of their struggling fishing empire. The show’s themes are based on real events.

There is a story about the Buckleys in THE WATERFRONT. They were a proud working-class family that used to run the beach town of Havenport. They were in charge of the fishing industry and the restaurants in town for many years. But things are about to change. After surviving two heart attacks, family patriarch Harlan Buckley (played by Holt McCallany) finds his grip on the business loosening. His wife Belle (played by Maria Bello) and son Cane (played by Jake Weary) are forced to take bold — and often risky — steps to keep the business alive.

Meanwhile, daughter Bree (played by Melissa Benoist), a recovering addict who lost custody of her child, finds herself in a personal struggle that could impact the entire family’s future. As secrets unravel and pressures mount, Harlan is drawn back into the fray in a last-ditch effort to steer the family through stormy waters.

The drama series also features Rafael L. Silva, Humberly González, Danielle Campbell, Brady Hepner, and guest stars Topher Grace, Dave Annable, Michael Gaston, Gerardo Celasco, and Zach Roerig.

According to Williamson, the show explores “lesser evil” decisions — characters often caught between bad choices and worse ones, making mistakes and trying to undo them.

WHERE WAS THE WATERFRONT FILMED?

Though the fictional town of Havenport does not exist, the series was filmed on real North Carolina soil, specifically in Wilmington and Southport — coastal communities with rich cinematic histories.

Principal photography for The Waterfront began on August 29, 2024, and wrapped in December 2024. These areas have previously hosted other Kevin Williamson projects such as Dawson’s Creek and I Know What You Did Last Summer. It’s no surprise he returned here — the charm, grit, and texture of the region are palpable and perfectly mirror the emotional tone of the series.

WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA FILMING LOCATIONS IN THE WATERFRONT

Wilmington, North Carolina, often called the “Hollywood of the East,” plays a major role in The Waterfront (2025) as the primary filming location for the fictional town of Havenport. Known for its historic architecture, scenic waterfronts, and versatile urban spaces, Wilmington provided the perfect backdrop for the Buckley family’s world. Several key scenes were filmed across downtown and the riverfront area to bring authenticity and texture to the show.

Filming began at Suites on Market, a downtown location that served as a flexible interior set. The Cotton Exchange, a historic shopping complex, was transformed into local storefronts and public areas within Havenport. The Cape Fear Club, one of the oldest gentleman’s clubs in the South, was used to depict exclusive meetings among the town’s elite. On the 100 block of North Front Street, production captured the bustling atmosphere of Havenport’s main commercial zone, showcasing street-level drama and family conflict. Nearby, Little Drum Landing on Ann Street became the setting for several emotionally charged scenes between members of the Buckley family, with its riverside views adding symbolic weight to the family’s struggles.

Kevin Williamson has a deep connection with North Carolina — he grew up there, and he understands the way life pulses through the region’s coastal towns. That connection is evident in every frame of The Waterfront.

FILMING LOCATIONS IN SOUTHPORT, NORTH CAROLINA

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In addition to Wilmington, Southport was another key filming destination. With its quiet, picturesque charm and coastal aesthetic, Southport has long been a favorite for film and TV productions. For The Waterfront, the town’s streets, piers, and restaurants helped bring the story to life.

One notable filming spot was the Fishy Fishy Café, a local waterfront restaurant that was transformed into a fictional eatery for the series. Its outdoor deck and harbor views were used in multiple scenes featuring the Buckley family’s business dealings and personal conversations.

Other scenes were filmed along Southport’s docks and marinas, which helped anchor the show’s narrative in the world of commercial fishing. The town’s local community and businesses played a supportive role, providing a sense of realism that is hard to replicate on sound stages.

THE LEGACY OF COASTAL FILMING IN NC

Wilmington and Southport have long attracted major productions. From One Tree Hill to The Summer I Turned Pretty, and now The Waterfront, the area has become a go-to spot for high-quality, emotionally-driven television. The region’s film-friendly infrastructure and experienced local crews make it ideal for ambitious projects like this one.

And for fans of THE WATERFRONT, visiting these locations offers a unique opportunity to walk in the Buckleys’ footsteps. Whether it’s a stroll down North Front Street in Wilmington or lunch at Fishy Fish Café in Southport, the filming sites of the series provide more than just settings — they’re an invitation into the world of Havenport.

THE WATERFRONT OFFICIAL TRAILER

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