MGM+ announces new Irish crime series, "The Westies."

A new Irish crime drama called "The Westies" has been ordered to series at MGM+. The show comes from Chris Brancato, known for creating the popular series "Narcos." "The Westies" will have eight episodes and is set in the 1980s. It focuses on a violent Irish gang in New York, known as the Westies. The story unfolds during the construction of the Jacob Javitz Convention Center in Hell's Kitchen, where the gang sees an opportunity for profit. Despite being greatly outnumbered by the Italian Mafia, the Westies manage to survive through their notorious violence and clever tactics. However, tensions rise between the younger gang members and the older leaders, which could lead to chaos. This conflict may also attract the attention of the FBI, who are investigating the Mafia. Brancato created the show with Michael Panes, who will also be an executive producer. Filming is set to begin in Toronto this July. This marks Brancato’s third project with MGM+, following “Godfather of Harlem” and “Hotel Cocaine.” Michael Wright, head of MGM+, expressed excitement about the new series, praising Brancato's ability to create gripping stories with complex characters. Brancato described "The Westies" as a passion project and highlighted its themes of ambition and loyalty in the vibrant setting of 1980s New York.