Fifth Season Expands Worldwide with ‘The Westies’ Series from Chris Brancato, Creator of ‘Narcos’
Fifth Season Secures Global Distribution Rights for MGM+’s The Westies
Fifth Season has announced that it has acquired global distribution rights for The Westies, the latest crime drama from Narcos creator Chris Brancato. MGM+ retains rights for the series in several territories, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia.
Set in early 1980s New York City, The Westies revolves around the notorious Irish gang known by the same name. The series depicts a transformative period as the construction of the Jacob Javitz Convention Center on their turf in Hell’s Kitchen presents a lucrative opportunity. Despite being vastly outnumbered by the Italian Mafia’s Five Families, the Westies manage to negotiate a precarious peace to share in the profits.
The series features an ensemble cast, including J.K. Simmons, Titus Welliver, Tom Brittney, and Jessica Frances Duke. Co-written with longtime collaborator Michael Panes, The Westies marks Brancato’s third project with MGM+, following Godfather of Harlem and Hotel Cocaine. The series was first revealed at Series Mania in 2024, described as a Peaky Blinders-style drama centered on Irish gangs.
In addition to The Westies, Fifth Season also handles distribution for American Classic, featuring Kevin Kline. This drama follows a Broadway star who faces personal and professional upheaval, returning to his hometown to save the family-run theater by directing and starring in a new production.
Jennifer Ebell, Executive Vice President of Television Distribution at Fifth Season, expressed her enthusiasm for the project. “With The Westies, Chris Brancato and Michael Panes have created exactly the kind of premium crime series we know audiences and buyers respond to. It’s sharp, character-driven storytelling set against the gritty pulse of 1980s New York, with all the ambition and edge you want from a world like this,” Ebell stated.
In related news, MGM+ and the BBC have partnered to adapt John le Carré’s Legacy of Spies, featuring Matthew Macfadyen as George Smiley. This adaptation is based on a series of novels featuring the seasoned intelligence officer. Macfadyen is joined by Charlie Hunnam, Daniel Brühl, and Devrim Lingnau in this project produced by The Ink Factory and Amusement Park Film in association with 127 Wall Productions and Paramount Television Studios.
The founders of The Ink Factory, Simon Cornwell and Stephen Cornwell, described Legacy of Spies as “the most ambitious and all-encompassing adaptation of le Carré’s work to date.”
