One of the stars from the popular TNT crime dramaAnimal Kingdomis making a big splash as the star of Netflix’s new hit seriesThe Waterfront. Created by Kevin Williamson ofScream,I Know What You Did Last Summer, andDawson’s Creekacclaim.The Waterfrontis an eight-part family drama/crime thriller with similar notes toNetflix’s Emmy-winning seriesOzark. Holt McCallany leads thecast ofThe Waterfrontas the head of the prominent Buckley family in the fictional coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina.The Waterfrontwas released on Aug 13, 2025, and is already topping Netflix’s TV streaming charts.
Animal Kingdomran for 75 episodes across six seasonson TNT from 2016 and 2022. Based on the 2010 crime thriller movie written and directed by David Michôd,Animal Kingdomcenters on a family in Southern California who, likeThe Waterfront’sBuckleys, also have their hands dirty in various criminal operations. Developed by Jonathan Lisco,Animal Kingdomreceived an overall Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 78% across its first two seasons. WhileThe Waterfrontdebuted with an RT score of just 67%,Williamson has set the series up for success, with a second season planned but not yet confirmed.
Animal Kingdom’s Jake Weary Stars In Netflix’s Family Crime Drama The Waterfront
He Plays The Hometown “Golden Boy” Cane Buckley
Jake Weary returns for his first leading TV role sinceAnimal Kingdomin Netflix’sThe Waterfront.Weary plays Cane Buckley, a prominent local who works for his fatherHarlan’s (Holt McCallany) fishing and restaurant business, among other off-the-books operations.
The Waterfrontis currently the #1 TV show on Netflix, whileAnimal Kingdomis also #8 in the U.S. charts.
Cane was a strong athlete who had hopes of playing professionally, but that never panned out. Back in his hometown of Havenport, NC – which is inspired by coastal areas such as Wilmington and Southport – Cane is married to Peyton, another local who never left town, but tries to spark an old flame with his high school sweetheart, Jenna.
Weary made his TV debut in a 2003 episode of the long-standing soap operaGuiding Light. He appeared in several episodes of theLaw & Orderfranchise before landing a recurring role in the soap operaAs the World Turnsin 2005.Weary rose to prominence after starring in 2014’s psychological drama movieIt Follows, which led him to appear inPretty Little Liars,It: Chapter Two, andHow to Blow Up a Pipeline. Weary has recently appeared inBleeding Love,Trigger Warning, andThe Walking Dead: Dead Citybefore starring in The Waterfront. He is also slated to star in Reed Van Dyk’s filmAtonementalongside Kenneth Branagh.
Weary’s Cane Buckley Is Very Similar To His Animal Kingdom Role
Both Are The Baby Brothers Of Their Families
Weary played Deran inAnimal Kingdom, the youngest son and brother of the Cody family. Similar to his role inAnimal Kingdom,Weary’s Cane Buckley is also the youngest sibling and childand is often treated as such, despite being a fully grown man, husband, and father to a young girl named Savannah. Although Cane is more polished than Deran, both are prone to reckless behavior and have several notable, destructive flaws. Both Cane and Deran are subject to the overbearing expectations and presence of one of their parents. Fans ofAnimal Kingdomshould find something to like about Netflix’s new hitThe Waterfront.
