Fans of Titus Welliver's iconic portrayal of Harry Bosch, get ready for a very different kind of cop. The actor is back on our screens in The Westies, a new crime thriller set in the violent 1980s New York City underworld. The first teaser trailer has just dropped, and it promises a brutal, blood-soaked ride through Hell's Kitchen.
Premiering Sunday, July 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MGM+, The Westies follows the infamous Irish-American gang of the same name. During one of the most dangerous eras in the city's history, the Westies find themselves locked in a historic gang war. As the construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center brings massive money into their territory, they must fight to hold onto power against New York's Five Families. Outnumbered but fiercely determined, the Westies are ready to battle for every inch of their turf.
A Stellar Cast Brings the Grit to Life
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Alongside Welliver, who plays the corrupt beat cop Glenn Keenan, the show features J.K. Simmons as Eamon Sweeney, Tom Brittney as James “Jimmy” Roarke, Jessica Frances Dukes as Birdie Polk, Stanley Morgan as Mickey Flanagan, Sarah Bolger as Bridget Walsh, and Allen Leech as Brendan Cahill. Hamish Allan-Headley takes on the role of John Gotti, adding another layer of historical intrigue.
The Westies comes from Chris Brancato, the showrunner behind Godfather of Harlem and Narcos, and Michael Panes. Brancato serves as executive producer and showrunner, ensuring the series has the same gritty authenticity and complex storytelling that fans of his previous work have come to expect.
Welliver's Corrupt Cop: A Far Cry from Harry Bosch
In a previous interview, Welliver teased that his character, Glenn Keenan, is "no Harry Bosch." Instead, Keenan is a Vietnam War veteran and a beat cop whose moral compass has been "completely compromised." Welliver explained, "Somebody said to me, ‘Do you really want to do another cop?’ Well, if I could let you read the script, you would realize why. This is a very, very complex and deeply nuanced character... But this is a very, very dark world."
This darker, more morally ambiguous role is a departure from the principled Bosch, and it's sure to captivate viewers who enjoy crime thrillers with complex anti-heroes. For those who love a good crime saga, this series is shaping up to be a must-watch. If you're looking for more gripping crime stories, check out our list of 8 Underrated War Thrillers That Deserve Your Attention or dive into Netflix's 'Nemesis' Blends 'Heat' and 'The Wire' Into a Must-Binge Crime Thriller.
The Westies premieres July 12 on MGM+. Watch the teaser trailer above to get a taste of the violence and intrigue that awaits.
