The co-creator of Narcos has expressed hope that his new historical crime drama, The Westies, will resonate with fans of The Sopranos and Peaky Blinders. Chris Brancato, who developed the series with Michael Panes, described the show as 'brutal' and praised its 'unbeatable' cast in an exclusive interview.
What Is The Westies About?
The Westies, premiering on 12th July 2026 exclusively on MGM+ (accessible via Amazon Prime Video in the UK), is a gritty crime drama based on the real-life Irish American gang of the same name. Set in Hell's Kitchen, New York, during the early 1980s, the series centers on the gang's violent control of the neighborhood and their fragile détente with the Italian Mafia's Five Families, despite being outnumbered fifty-to-one. The construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center promises a financial windfall, but internal conflict between the younger generation and old-school leadership threatens to ignite a powder keg, drawing FBI scrutiny.
Star-Studded Cast
The series features a notable ensemble cast, including Hollywood veteran J.K. Simmons as kingpin Eamon Sweeney, Grantchester's Tom Brittney as Jimmy Roarke, Bosch star Titus Welliver as Glenn Keenan, Ozark's Jessica Frances Dukes as Birdie Polk, and Downton Abbey's Allen Leech as Brendan Cahill. Brancato revealed that Simmons was the first actor to sign on, providing the 'gravitas' needed to attract an 'A-level' cast. Panes added, 'Everyone was so excellent that it became a joy to write for them.'
Appeal of Organised Crime Dramas
Reflecting on the enduring appeal of the genre, Brancato said, 'I think people are captured by those who are willing to break any rule or boundary to get what they want, which is usually money. We wouldn’t ordinarily put ourselves in those situations but to watch others who are doing so is somehow gripping. That’s what has always drawn me to the genre: it’s dangerous, you could lose your life at any moment, the tension is high, the stakes are very high.'
Comparisons to The Sopranos and Narcos
Asked whether The Westies could become the 'next big show' in the crime genre, Brancato said, 'We hope there are comparisons to those three shows. We’d be very pleased if that were the case. We never know how the audience is going to respond. We’ve had a very favourable reaction from people seeing the show before it aired, and we hope people enjoy it.' Panes promised viewers will 'love it, laugh, and be on the edge of your seat,' while Brancato urged audiences to watch because 'it’s a fresh iteration in the gangster genre with actors that you just can’t beat.'
