The Westies premieres Sunday, July 12 at 9 p.m. ET on MGM+ through DIRECTV with a special two-episode premiere. Set in 1980s Hell’s Kitchen, the eight-episode crime drama follows a young Irish gangster navigating loyalty, organized crime and shifting power in a rapidly changing New York City.
With its gritty setting, powerhouse cast and morally complex storytelling, The Westies delivers a fresh take on the gangster genre. Blending historical drama with high-stakes crime and unforgettable characters, the series explores how ambition, loyalty and survival collide in one of New York City’s most notorious neighborhoods.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of prestige crime dramas or simply looking for your next must-watch series, here’s everything you need to know about The Westies before its premiere on MGM+ through DIRECTV.
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‘The Westies’ at a Glance
- Premiere: Sunday, July 12
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: MGM+ through DIRECTV
- Episodes: 8
- Genre: Historical crime drama
- Setting: Hell’s Kitchen, New York City
- Stars: J.K. Simmons, Titus Welliver, Tom Brittney and Jessica Frances Dukes
What Is ‘The Westies’ About?
At the center of The Westies is Jimmy Roarke, a young Irish gangster caught between the life he inherited and the future he hopes to build. After his mentor demands an unthinkable act, Jimmy must choose between the loyalties that shaped him and the opportunity to rise through the ranks of New York’s criminal underworld.
As construction of the Javits Center transforms Manhattan’s West Side, Jimmy becomes entangled with rival Italian mobsters, corrupt law enforcement officials and IRA operatives. Every alliance comes with a cost, and every decision could determine his future.
Rather than telling a traditional mob story, The Westies combines the intensity of a classic gangster drama with the emotional depth of a character-driven thriller, examining the personal sacrifices behind the pursuit of power.
Why ‘The Westies’ Stands Out Among Crime Dramas
Set against the backdrop of 1980s Hell’s Kitchen, The Westies captures New York City during a period of dramatic transformation. As neighborhoods evolve and redevelopment reshapes Manhattan, organized crime adapts alongside it.
The series goes beyond shootouts and power struggles, focusing on shifting alliances, family loyalty and the difficult moral choices that define its characters.
Fans of prestige crime dramas, historical thrillers and organized crime stories can expect:
- A tense battle between rival criminal organizations
- A character-driven story about loyalty, ambition and survival
- A gritty portrait of New York City during a transformative decade
- Complex characters navigating impossible choices
- A fresh perspective on the gangster genre
Who’s in the Cast of ‘The Westies’?
The Westies Cast
- J.K. Simmons
- Titus Welliver
- Tom Brittney
- Jessica Frances Dukes
J.K. Simmons brings his signature intensity following acclaimed performances in Whiplash, Spider-Man and Oz.
Titus Welliver delivers another commanding performance after starring in Bosch and Bosch: Legacy.
Tom Brittney, known for Grantchester and Outlander, brings emotional complexity to Jimmy Roarke’s journey.
Jessica Frances Dukes, recognized for Ozark and Earth Abides, rounds out the ensemble with another powerful dramatic performance.
Together, the cast creates a world filled with tension, ambition and unforgettable characters whose motivations are rarely black and white.
Why You Should Watch ‘The Westies’
If you enjoy layered crime dramas with compelling characters, The Westies offers much more than a traditional mob story.
The series combines:
- Prestige crime drama storytelling
- Organized crime intrigue
- Historical drama rooted in 1980s New York City
- High-stakes rivalries and shifting alliances
- Strong performances from an acclaimed ensemble cast
With its mix of Irish mob history, emotional storytelling and period detail, The Westies stands apart as one of this summer’s most anticipated crime dramas.
How to Watch ‘The Westies’ on DIRECTV
The Westies premieres Sunday, July 12 at 9 p.m. ET with a special two-episode premiere on MGM+ through DIRECTV. New episodes debut weekly through the season finale on August 23.
Subscribers with access to MGM+ through DIRECTV can watch each new episode as it premieres, making it easy to follow Jimmy Roarke’s dangerous journey through New York City’s criminal underworld.
Don’t miss one of the summer’s biggest new crime dramas, featuring standout performances, layered storytelling and a vivid recreation of 1980s Hell’s Kitchen.
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Frequently asked questions
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