‘The Westies’ Review: New MGM+ Crime Drama Called Competent but Derivative
6 verified4 unconfirmed2 contested
MGM+ has premiered “The Westies,” an eight-episode crime drama set in 1980s New York that follows the Irish American gang of the same name as it attempts to profit from construction of the Javits Center. The series stars Oscar winner J.K. Simmons as crime boss Eamon Sweeney and Titus Welliver as corrupt NYPD officer Glenn Keenan. Created by Chris Brancato and Michael Panes, the team behind “Godfather of Harlem,” the show depicts tensions between Irish and Italian mob factions and includes a subplot involving an IRA combatant. Critics from two major outlets describe the series as well-made but lacking originality, with praise for the performances of Simmons and Welliver but criticism for formulaic characters and a generic feel. The premiere is set for July 12 on MGM+.
What’s verified
“The Westies” is an eight-episode drama on MGM+ about an Irish American gang in 1980s New York.
The series stars J.K. Simmons as crime boss Eamon Sweeney and Titus Welliver as corrupt officer Glenn Keenan.
It was created by Chris Brancato and Michael Panes, who previously collaborated on “Godfather of Harlem.”
The plot involves the gang attempting to profit from construction of the Javits Center in Manhattan.
Critics describe the show as competent but unoriginal, with a formulaic approach to the crime genre.
Performances by Simmons and Welliver are noted as highlights, but characters are called clichéd and lacking depth.
Where accounts differ
One source describes the production design as lacking authentic local texture due to filming in Ontario, while another calls the version of New York “admirably lived-in” and credits the production design team. The sources do not directly contradict each other; one focuses on the disadvantage of filming location, while the other assesses the final set design quality.
No major factual contradictions were identified across sources.
Not yet confirmed
One source reports that the premiere episode is directed by Alan Taylor and includes characters such as FBI agent Birdie Polk (Jessica Frances Dukes) and John Gotti (Hamish Allan-Headley). It also states the show premieres on July 12 at 9 p.m. ET, with subsequent episodes airing weekly.
One source notes that the Westies are a real historical outfit that operated in midcentury Manhattan, but this background is not required to follow the series.
One source mentions the inclusion of a rocket launcher in a fight scene and upbeat music during action sequences.
Questions not answered: Whether MGM+ has announced a second season, or what the show’s viewership numbers are.
Key figures
J.K. Simmons: actor playing Eamon Sweeney
Titus Welliver: actor playing Glenn Keenan
Tom Brittney: actor playing Jimmy Roarke
Sarah Bolger: actor playing Bridget
Stanley Morgan: actor playing Mickey Flanagan
Hamish Allan-Headley: actor playing John Gotti
Allen Leech: actor playing Brendan
Jessica Frances Dukes: actor playing Birdie Polk
Chris Brancato: co-creator
Michael Panes: co-creator
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
