The Netflix series The Waterfront has hooked viewers with its gritty tale of the Buckley family navigating a crumbling fishing empire in the fictional town of Havenport, North Carolina. Fans are buzzing with curiosity about where The Waterfront was filmed, eager to pinpoint the real-life locations that bring this coastal drama to life. Filmed primarily in Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina, the show’s stunning seaside vistas and small-town charm have sparked interest in these picturesque towns. Let’s dive into the latest details about the filming locations, exploring how these real places shaped the show’s immersive world.
Wilmington: The Heart of Havenport
Wilmington, North Carolina, serves as the central hub for where The Waterfront was filmed. This vibrant coastal city, known for its historic charm and film-friendly atmosphere, transformed into the fictional Havenport. Production took place from August to December 2024, with crews capturing the essence of a tight-knit fishing community. Iconic landmarks like the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce doubled as Havenport’s hospital, while the downtown post office stood in for the Carter County Courthouse. The Cotton Exchange, a popular shopping and dining spot, appeared in dining scenes, adding authenticity to the Buckley family’s world.
The city’s riverfront and historic district provided a backdrop for key moments, including scenes at the Suites on Market motel, which portrayed a seedy hideout. Wilmington’s lush Greenfield Lake Park, home to alligators, set the stage for a tense swamp sequence in the premiere episode. Locals have shared excitement on Instagram, posting behind-the-scenes glimpses of filming at these spots, highlighting Wilmington’s starring role in the series.
Southport: Coastal Charm on Display
Southport, a quaint maritime town near Wilmington, is another key answer to where The Waterfront was filmed. Its docks, waterfront views, and historic buildings perfectly captured Havenport’s seaside aesthetic. The Fishy Fishy Cafe, a beloved local eatery, was transformed into the Buckley Crab Shack, with its exterior and deck featuring prominently in multiple episodes. Morningstar Marinas, just a short walk from downtown, served as a recurring location for boating scenes, while the Southport Community Building hosted a dramatic funeral sequence.
Southport’s officials have taken to Instagram, showcasing filming at spots like Potter’s Seafood and Yacht Basin Drive. These locations, bathed in golden sunlight, amplify the show’s Southern gothic vibe. Fans on social media have noted the town’s charm, with some planning visits to explore the waterfront that inspired the series. Southport’s small-town feel, paired with its cinematic history, made it an ideal choice for creator Kevin Williamson, who grew up in nearby New Bern.
Key Point Summary
- Wilmington: Central filming hub, featuring the Chamber of Commerce, Cotton Exchange, and Greenfield Lake Park.
- Southport: Key coastal location with Fishy Fishy Cafe, Morningstar Marinas, and the Southport Community Building.
- Filming Period: August to December 2024, capturing North Carolina’s coastal beauty.
Other Notable Filming Spots
Beyond Wilmington and Southport, a few additional North Carolina locations added depth to where The Waterfront was filmed. Wrightsville Beach, just east of Wilmington, provided establishing shots of Havenport’s coastline. A memorable scene of a character biking over the South Banks Channel Bridge at Wrightsville Beach seamlessly cut to downtown Southport, delighting locals who spotted the creative edit. The Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts in Wilmington portrayed the Southern Alliance Bank, its historic facade adding gravitas to financial plotlines.
Some interior scenes may have been shot at Cinespace Studios Wilmington, though this remains unconfirmed. The studio’s 258,000-square-foot complex offers versatile sets, ideal for recreating the Buckley restaurant’s elegant interiors. Recent YouTube vlogs from Wilmington film enthusiasts have speculated about studio use, but on-location shooting dominates the series’ visual style, grounding it in real coastal settings.
Why North Carolina?
Creator Kevin Williamson’s deep ties to North Carolina shaped the decision to film in Wilmington and Southport. Born in New Bern and a graduate of East Carolina University, Williamson has a history of shooting in the region, including Dawson’s Creek and I Know What You Did Last Summer. He told Netflix Tudum, “I love North Carolina; I would shoot everything here if I could.” His personal connection, including his father’s past as a fisherman involved in drug trafficking, inspired the show’s story and setting, making the choice of these towns deeply intentional.
The region’s film industry also played a role. Wilmington, dubbed “Hollywood East,” boasts experienced crews and diverse locations, from beaches to historic buildings. Southport’s maritime heritage aligned perfectly with the Buckley family’s fishing empire. Recent posts on X from local film boards celebrate the economic boost from The Waterfront’s production, underscoring North Carolina’s appeal as a filming destination.
A Coastal Drama Brought to Life
The question of where The Waterfront was filmed reveals more than just locations—it uncovers a love letter to North Carolina’s coast. Wilmington and Southport, with their rich textures and scenic beauty, breathe life into Havenport, making it feel like a character in its own right. From the bustling docks of Southport to the historic streets of Wilmington, these towns create a vivid backdrop for the Buckley family’s saga of secrets and survival. As fans binge the series, launched on June 19, 2025, they’re not just watching a crime drama—they’re exploring a region steeped in cinematic and cultural history.
Have you fallen for The Waterfront’s coastal charm? Plan a visit to Wilmington or Southport to walk the docks where the Buckleys’ story unfolded, or share your favorite filming location in the comments below!