MGM+ Announces Production of ‘The Westies’ with Chris Brancato

MGM+ has officially confirmed the production of The Westies, a gripping crime drama crafted by Chris Brancato, known for his work on Narcos. This exciting new series promises to engage audiences with an intense narrative centered on notorious Irish gangs operating in New York City.

A Bold Setting in 1980s New York

Unlike Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed 2002 film, Gangs of New York, which depicted the ferocity of Irish gangs in the 1800s, The Westies takes a thrilling leap into the vibrant and tumultuous atmosphere of 1980s New York City. The show will commence production in Toronto in July 2025, setting the stage for intriguing storytelling.

Violence and Intrigue in Hell’s Kitchen

The series will focus on the violent Irish gang known as the Westies, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the Jacob Javits Convention Center’s construction. Located in Hell’s Kitchen, this ambitious development represents both a financial opportunity and an escalating conflict involving the infamous Five Families of the Italian Mafia. As internal strife simmers between the rebellious younger members of the gang and the seasoned leadership, the Westies find themselves entangled in an increasingly intense FBI investigation into organized crime.

High Hopes from MGM+

Michael Wright, the head of MGM+, expressed his enthusiasm for the series, stating, “We are thrilled to bring our viewers another provocative, exciting crime drama from the incomparable vision of Chris Brancato. Chris is a gifted showrunner who crafts compelling characters navigating perilous worlds. The Westies showcases his talents at their finest, and we can’t wait to present it to our audience.”

Production Team and Distribution

Chris Brancato will not only showrun but also executive produce the series alongside Michael Panes. This compelling drama stems from Brancato’s overall television deal with MGM+ and follows the success of other prominent projects, including Godfather of Harlem, which stars Forest Whitaker and is set to return for a fourth season on April 13, as well as the crime thriller Hotel Cocaine.

Global Debut

The Westies will premiere exclusively on MGM+ across various countries, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia. For other international markets, distribution will be handled by Amazon MGM Studios Distribution.

For additional details, visit the Hollywood Reporter.