The Westies will soon make their debut on MGM+, bringing with them the rough, violent world of 1980s Hell’s Kitchen, where one of New York City’s most notorious Irish gangs fought to survive as the Mafia tightened its grip on organized crime and billions of dollars in development transformed their neighborhood.
Starring J.K. Simmons and Titus Welliver, the series unfolds against the backdrop of the construction of the Javits Convention Center, where the promise of millions in redevelopment turned Hell’s Kitchen into prime real estate, forcing the Westies into a brutal struggle to protect their territory, their power, and their way of life.
Anticipation for the drama is at a high, but it begs the question: Will there be a Season 2? Here is everything we know so far about The Westies Season 2.
Will there be a Season 2 of The Westies?
As of the writing of this article, a second season of The Westies has not been officially greenlit. Still, creators Chris Brancato and Michael Panes have mapped out a multi-season “gangster soap opera” and are “very confident” about the show’s future ahead of its premiere.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss what is coming up next, but we definitely have shows in the offing, and we’re very confident there will be a second season of The Westies,” Brancato told Deadline.
A formal decision may be made following the premiere and a gauge of viewership metrics.
What is The Westies about?
The Westies is a gritty MGM+ crime drama series about a notorious Irish-American mob syndicate operating in Hell’s Kitchen, New York during the early 1980s. The story follows the gang, led by Simmons, as they try to exploit the construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center. They are vastly outnumbered by the Italian Mafia, but use sheer brutality to secure a piece of the profits while navigating mounting pressure from local authorities.
“The Javits Center project took place right on the Westies’ home turf of Hell’s Kitchen, so the Italian mob had no choice but to cut them in for illegal skimming, no-show jobs, and theft,” Brancato explained to TV Insider. “Michael Panes and I felt that this was a rich backdrop for the series. That as the largest construction project in NYC history was taking place, rival criminal gangs were fighting for the spoils — and with each other.”
Who stars in The Westies?
J.K. Simmons stars as the head of the Westies, Eamon Sweeney, and Tom Brittney stars as his right-hand man, Jimmy. Titus Welliver stars as cop Glenn Keenan, while Jessica Frances Dukes stars as FBI agent Birdie Polk. Sarah Bolger plays Jimmy’s girlfriend Bridget, and Stanley Morgan stars as his best friend Mickey.
The series also stars Allen Leech, Vincent Walsh, Hilary McCormack, Jeremy Walmsley, and Dan Reilly.
Who is behind The Westies?
Showrunner Chris Brancato executive produces the series alongside Michael Panes. The eight-episode series marks Brancato’s third project with MGM+, following the success of his critically acclaimed Godfather of Harlem, starring Forest Whitaker, and the crime thriller Hotel Cocaine, starring Danny Pino. Brancato also created Netflix’s hit series Narcos, which starred Pedro Pascal and Wagner Moura.
“The Westies has been a passion project of mine, and I can’t wait to bring it to life,” Brancato said in a statement. “This is a story about ambition, loyalty, and power, set against the backdrop of 1980s New York. I’m grateful to be working again alongside my collaborator Michael Panes and, most especially, with Michael Wright and the entire MGM+ team.”
The Westies, Season 1 Premiere, Sunday, July 12, 9/8c, MGM+