Fifth Season Acquires Worldwide Rights to ‘The Westies’ MGM+ Series by ‘Narcos’ Creator Chris Brancato

Fifth Season has acquired worldwide distribution rights for The Westies, MGM+s new crime drama crafted by Narcos creator Chris Brancato. Already distributing MGM+s American Classic, Fifth Season will now take the series about New Yorks Irish gangs to international audiences. MGM+ retains rights in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia.

Featuring J.K. Simmons, Titus Welliver, Tom Brittney, and Jessica Frances Duke, The Westies explores the notorious Irish gang operating in Hells Kitchen during the early 1980s. The storyline unfolds around the construction of the Jacob Javitz Convention Center on their turf, presenting a lucrative opportunity. Despite being vastly outnumbered by the Italian Mafias Five Families, the Westies leverage their position to secure a share of the profits through a tense but strategic dtente.

Written by Brancato alongside longtime collaborator Michael Panes, The Westies marks Brancatos third project with MGM+ following Godfather of Harlem and Hotel Cocaine. The series was first unveiled at Series Mania 2024 as a Peaky Blinders-style drama focused on Irish gangs.

Jennifer Ebell, EVP of Television Distribution at Fifth Season, commented: With The Westies, Chris Brancato and Michael Panes have delivered a premium crime series that combines sharp, character-driven storytelling with the gritty energy of 1980s New York. We are confident it will resonate with viewers worldwide.

In addition to The Westies, Fifth Season distributes American Classic, starring Kevin Kline as a narcissistic Broadway star who returns home after a public meltdown to save his family theater by directing and starring in a new production.

Author: Natalie Monroe