The Westies Trailer Drops: J.K. Simmons Plunges into 80s NYC Gangland
J.K. Simmons is diving headfirst into the brutal underworld of 1980s New York with The Westies, a new crime drama hitting MGM+ on July 12. Fans of gritty, no-holds-barred storytelling, take note: this eight-episode series promises a deep, violent plunge into Hell's Kitchen.
Co-created by Chris Brancato (known for Narcos and Godfather of Harlem) and Michael Panes, The Westies centers on the infamous Irish gang during the contentious construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Vastly outnumbered by the Italian Mafia's Five Families, the Westies' legendary brutality secured them a precarious share of the spoils. But internal conflict among generations, coupled with an expanding FBI investigation, threatens to ignite this powder keg.
Simmons leads a strong ensemble cast, including Titus Welliver (Bosch), in a role that sounds perfectly suited to his intense gravitas. The series kicks off with a two-episode premiere. Expect a visceral, unflinching look at a notorious chapter in NYC crime history.
“Despite being vastly outnumbered by the Italian Mafia's Five Families, the Westies' legendary brutality secured them a precarious share of the spoils.”
Catzye Take
While not anime, a gritty crime drama like The Westies often resonates with fans of dark seinen manga or series like 91 Days. The historical backdrop and focus on criminal underworlds make it a fascinating watch. J.K. Simmons always delivers, so this is definitely one to keep an eye on if you appreciate intense character studies.
Newsletter
Stay in the loop
Weekly digest of the top manga & anime stories. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
People & Places
Want to learn more?
Read our complete Manga guide →
