MGM+ is betting big on The Westies, the upcoming 1980s crime drama starring Titus Welliver and J.K. Simmons. So big, in fact, that the network and creators Chris Brancato and Michael Panes are already mapping out a second season — even before the first episode has aired.
In a recent interview, Brancato and Panes revealed that they have detailed plans for The Westies Season 2, signaling confidence from the network in the gritty period piece. The show, which follows the rise of an Irish-American gang in 1980s New York, is set to premiere on MGM+ in July 2026. Welliver, best known for his iconic role as Harry Bosch in the long-running Amazon series, steps into the world of organized crime alongside Simmons, who plays a formidable mob boss.
“We’ve always envisioned this as a multi-season story,” Brancato said. “The world of the Westies is rich with history and conflict, and we’ve already outlined where we want to take these characters in Season 2.” Panes added that the creative team has been working closely with MGM+ to ensure the show’s long-term arc feels cohesive and compelling.
The early renewal talk comes as MGM+ continues to build its original programming slate. The network has been investing heavily in prestige dramas, and The Westies is positioned as a flagship series. For fans of Titus Welliver, this marks another major crime role following his celebrated turn in the Bosch universe, which recently expanded with a Renée Ballard spin-off.
Set against the backdrop of 1980s New York City, The Westies explores the real-life Irish-American gang that terrorized Hell’s Kitchen. The show promises a blend of historical authenticity and high-octane drama, with Welliver playing a hardened detective caught between the law and the underworld. Simmons’ character, meanwhile, is a kingpin whose ambitions threaten to ignite a gang war.
The series also taps into the current appetite for period crime stories, following the success of shows like The Penguin and Boardwalk Empire. Brancato, who co-created Narcos, brings his trademark gritty realism to the project, while Panes’ experience on The Last Ship — which recently sailed to Netflix success in July 2026 — ensures a taut narrative.
While no official Season 2 order has been announced, the creators’ openness about their plans suggests MGM+ is eager to lock in the show’s future. For now, fans can look forward to the Season 1 premiere, which will introduce a sprawling cast of characters and set the stage for what Brancato and Panes hope will be a long-running saga.
“We’re building a world that feels lived-in and dangerous,” Panes said. “And we’re just getting started.”
