Fifth Season acquired global distribution rights for "The Westies"

Fifth Season has secured the worldwide distribution rights for the new eight-part crime drama "The Westies," the latest series created by Chris Brancato, best known for "Godfather of Harlem" and "Hotel Cocaine." Produced under Brancato’s overall television deal with MGM+, the series will be launched on MGM+ in the U.S., UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia.

Jennifer Ebell, EVP of Television Distribution at Fifth Season, emphasized the series' commercial appeal, stating: “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. We’re confident the series will cut through and connect with viewers globally”.

Set in early 1980s New York City, "The Westies" portrays the notorious Irish-American gang of the same name operating in Hell’s Kitchen during the construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Despite being dramatically outnumbered by the Five Families of the Italian Mafia, the Westies leverage their ruthlessness to broker a tentative peace and stake their claim in the city’s underworld economy. However, tensions between an ambitious younger faction and traditionalist leaders threaten the gang’s stability just as federal investigations into organized crime intensify.

The series is created and executive produced by Brancato and Michael Panes, who also serves as showrunner. "The Westies" marks Brancato’s third collaboration with MGM+ following the critically acclaimed "Godfather of Harlem" and "Hotel Cocaine".

Fifth Season continues to expand its global footprint in premium television, following previous success with titles like "Severance," "Tokyo Vice," and "Nine Perfect Strangers." With offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, and an expansive global infrastructure, the company is a key player in content development, production, and distribution, backed by shareholders CJ ENM, Toho, and Endeavor.