MGM+ has made waves with the official announcement of The Westies, an electrifying new crime drama penned by acclaimed Narcos creator Chris Brancato. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s New York City, this series promises to capture the intense drama of Irish gangs clashing with organized crime syndicates. This evocative narrative will come to life in Toronto starting July 2025.
A Thrilling New Addition to Crime Drama
In the vein of wildly popular series like Peaky Blinders, The Westies charts the treacherous waters of gang rivalry and survival. The setting transports viewers to a time when the skyline of New York was changing with the construction of landmarks like the Jacob Javits convention center—a hotbed of opportunity for those seeking to control the city. The tale intricately weaves together themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal.
Creative Visionaries at the Helm
MGM+ has entrusted this ambitious project to Chris Brancato, whose storytelling genius is renowned through hits like Godfather of Harlem. Joining forces with Michael Panes as executive producer, this eight-episode series is set to become a masterstroke in the collection of MGM+ originals. As stated by Michael Wright, MGM+’s creative head, “We are thrilled to bring our viewers another provocative crime drama from the incomparable vision of Chris Brancato.”
The Tensions Beneath the Surface
The series dives deep into the internal conflicts of the Irish gang, known as the Westies, who are at a crossroads between old-school leadership and a brash new generation. The gang must also fend off external threats from the Italian Mafia’s Five Families and a relentless FBI crackdown on organized crime. This volatile concoction promises high-stakes drama and explosive outcomes.
Global Reach and Future Prospects
While the series will premiere exclusively on MGM+ across major markets, it marks a strategic content expansion for Amazon MGM Studios Distribution, ensuring the story’s reach across every corner of the globe. Fans of intricate crime sagas will likely find the lessons and legacy of The Westies lingering long after the series concludes.
The anticipation builds as viewers worldwide wait for this new addition to the pantheon of crime dramas. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it promises to be a compelling tale of ambition and consequence in the electrifying chaos of New York’s most dangerous alleyways.