Titus Welliver and J.K. Simmons Star in 1980s Crime Drama The Westies

MGM+ is expanding its lineup with The Westies, a new period crime drama from Narcos creator Chris Brancato that stars J.K. Simmons and Titus Welliver.

Set in early 1980s Hell’s Kitchen during construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center, the series is inspired by the real-life Irish gang known as the Westies. With the new development on their turf, the gang seeks to exploit a lucrative opportunity while facing pressure from the Five Families and an FBI probe into the Italian mafia.

Simmons plays fictional mob boss Eamon Sweeney and Welliver portrays Glenn Keenan, a Vietnam War veteran and beat cop who grew up with Sweeney. Keenan is torn between loyalty to the law and love for his wayward son, and the show examines the internal conflicts that threaten to tear the Westies apart.

With its nostalgic ’80s tone and fictionalized approach to history, The Westies aims to appeal to fans of other period crime dramas and premieres July 12 on MGM+.

United States, New York City

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