New crime drama about Irish gang from Sopranos director coming to streaming

Released abroad on a streaming service unavailable in Ireland, Irish viewers had been wondering, till now, when they would be able to see the series.

Set in early 1980s Hell’s Kitchen in New York, the show revolves around the titular, infamous Irish-American organised crime gang.

In particular, the series follows Eamon Sweeney (Oscar-winner J. K. Simmons, Whiplash), the leader of the Westies. When construction begins on the giant Jacob K. Javits Convention Center located on the gang's home turf, Sweeney makes a fragile, uneasy alliance with their Italian Mafia rivals to secure a piece of the promised financial windfall.

Many of the younger members of The Westies (including Tom Brittney's Jimmy), however,don't share their leader's vision, stirring up tensions between the Irish and Italian gangs. This threatens Sweeney's Javits Center deal, while also sweeping the Westies into an "ever-deepening investigation" by the FBI.

Watch the trailer for The Westies right here:

The series also stars Titus Welliver (Bosch) as Glenn Keenan, a corrupt NYPD officer who has a history with the Westies.

This is alongside Irish actress Sarah Bolger (Descendant) as Bridget, Jimmy's girlfriend, a former IRA soldier lying low in the States, who finds herself pulled back into her old life.

JOE has seen a sneak peek of The Westies. We heartily recommend it for its period setting, its blend of pulp crime storytelling and real history, and its charismatic performances.

Oscar-winner J. K. Simmons in The Westies

Earlier this year, JOE spoke to Sarah Bolger on the IFTA red carpet and asked her about what people can expect from the crime drama.

She told us: "I think that show may be one of the coolest things I've ever been part of.

"Chris Brancato, who's our showrunner and creator, and Michael Panes, our other writer, they did such an impeccable job with creating this 1980s New York.

"Bridget is the character I play. I don't think I've ever played such a badass before, and a fierce Irish woman.

"I cannot tell you how proud I am of not only the work but the entirety of the project."

Watch a clip of Sarah Bolger speaking to JOE about The Westies below:

Bolger was also full of praise for Brancato, adding: "He's incredible. Chris Brancato has a brilliant mind.

"He's so creative, he's so thoughtful, and my God, he's so kind because he always picks up the phone when I call him with stupid questions," she said, laughing.

The Westies was made for the streaming service MGM+, which is currently unavailable in Ireland.

As such, Irish viewers had been wondering when they would have a chance to check out the new crime drama, whose first two episodes were directed by Alan Taylor of The Sopranos and The Many Saints of Newark fame.

Thankfully, RTÉ confirmed today (Wednesday, 26 August) that The Westies will be "coming soon" to the RTÉ Player. The Irish broadcaster has not set a release date yet, however.