Kevin Williamson has long believed that his father’s life experiences would translate into a compelling television narrative. His latest project, “The Waterfront,” draws inspiration from his father’s journey as it follows the Buckley family navigating the murky waters of illegal trade intertwined with their fishing business.
In recounting the story to Entertainment Weekly, Williamson reflects on his father’s past. “Back in the ’80s, my dad got into some trouble,” he shares, detailing how his father, a fisherman, became involved with individuals who offered him money to smuggle drugs using his fishing boat. This period marked a challenging moment for the fishing industry on the Eastern Seaboard, which was beginning to face significant decline. Williamson emphasizes the complexity of his father’s character, describing him as a “good man who did some bad things,” ultimately serving time in prison during Williamson’s college years.
While “The Waterfront” embraces fictional elements, much like Williamson’s earlier hit “Dawson’s Creek,” he retains personal connections, stating, “I still grew up on a creek filming movies in my backyard.” The series boasts a talented cast including Jake Weary, Melissa Benoist, Maria Bello, Rafael Silva, and Danielle Campbell, showcasing a diverse array of performances.
Williamson reveals that the concept for “The Waterfront” has been brewing for years, with a humorous nod to his father’s request to wait to share the story until after his passing. He also mentions his father’s wish for Kevin Costner to portray him, and while that didn’t materialize, Holt McCallany has taken on the patriarch role of Harlan Buckley. Williamson humorously notes, “What he doesn’t know is Holt is more like him than anyone,” highlighting an ideal casting choice.
This isn’t the first time Williamson has woven elements of his father’s life into his work; the character Joey’s father on “Dawson’s Creek” faced prison time for drug dealing, and a fisherman character in “I Know What You Did Last Summer” further exemplifies this narrative thread. Williamson concludes by noting his father’s pivotal influence on his career.
“The Waterfront” is set to premiere on Netflix on June 19, offering viewers a fictionalized yet poignant take on family, choices, and consequences amidst the backdrop of a changing industry.