For fans of prestige crime dramas, the golden age of television owes a lot to shows like Boardwalk Empire. Alongside The Sopranos and The Wire, it helped define HBO as the home of must-watch storytelling, plunging viewers into the bootlegging underworld of Prohibition-era Atlantic City. With Steve Buscemi as the magnetic Enoch “Nucky” Thompson and a pilot directed by Martin Scorsese, it set a high bar. Now, a new series is poised to fill that void: The Westies, coming to MGM+ on July 12, 2026.
Set in the gritty 1980s, The Westies follows the infamous Irish-American street gang of the same name. Their mission? To muscle in on the construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center, a massive project that could line their pockets—if they can fend off rival gangs and a relentless police force. It’s a period piece that, like Boardwalk Empire, explores the messy intersection of crime and politics. But the parallels don’t end there.
A Cast That Demands Your Attention
One of the biggest draws of The Westies is its powerhouse cast. Two iconic character actors take center stage: J.K. Simmons as Eamon Sweeney, the ruthless head of the Westies, and Titus Welliver as Glenn Keenan, a police officer. The twist? They’re childhood friends, setting up a deeply personal conflict that fuels the drama. Welliver, best known for playing the stoic detective Harry Bosch, is deliberately playing against type here. In an interview with Collider, he described Keenan as “immensely corrupt” and living in “a very, very dark world.” Meanwhile, Simmons—who has terrified audiences in Whiplash and Invincible—brings his signature intensity to Sweeney, a gang leader with no moral limits. Their on-screen rivalry could become one of television’s most compelling.
If you’re a fan of crime noir, you might also want to check out Forget 'True Detective': 'When No One Sees Us' Is HBO Max's Must-Watch Crime Noir for another dark, character-driven thriller.
The Mastermind Behind the Mayhem
The Westies comes from Chris Brancato, a creator with an impeccable track record in the crime genre. He’s the man behind Netflix’s Narcos and MGM+’s The Godfather of Harlem, both of which blend historical accuracy with top-tier casting—think Pedro Pascal and Forest Whitaker. For Brancato, The Westies is a passion project. “This is a story about ambition, loyalty, and power, set against the backdrop of 1980s New York,” he said. That personal investment could be the secret ingredient that elevates the series beyond a simple period piece.
For those who love a good binge, Ridley Scott's 'Dope Thief' Is the Must-Binge Crime Thriller on Apple TV+ This May offers another adrenaline-fueled option while you wait for The Westies.
Why This Could Be the Next Great Crime Drama
Boardwalk Empire succeeded because it married historical detail with compelling characters and high-stakes drama. The Westies is following the same blueprint: a specific time and place (1980s New York), a morally complex protagonist, and a world where crime and politics are inseparable. With Brancato’s proven ability to craft addictive narratives and a cast that includes Simmons and Welliver at the top of their game, MGM+ may have found its next flagship series.
If you’re still craving more crime content, don’t miss Top 8 Thriller Shows on Apple TV+ Ranked: From Sci-Fi to Spy Drama for a curated list of binge-worthy options.
Boardwalk Empire is currently streaming on HBO Max. The Westies premieres on MGM+ on July 12, 2026. Mark your calendars—this is one gang you’ll want to join.
