Hold onto your hats, crime drama fans! The mastermind behind the gritty, pulse-pounding “Narcos” is back with a brand new project, and this time, he’s setting his sights on the Emerald Isle. Get ready for “The Westies,” a series promising to chronicle the infamous exploits of one of Dublin’s most notorious gangs.
Chris Brancato’s New Project: The Westies
Chris Brancato, the creator of the hit series Narcos, has announced his new project, The Westies, a period crime drama series about Irish gangs in New York. The show is currently in early development for MGM+, with Brancato working on the script.
The Westies is set in the late 19th century and follows the “fearsome Irish gangs” in New York, a setting that was famously depicted in Martin Scorsese’s 2002 film Gangs of New York. The film, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis, explores the rise of Irish gangs in the city, fueled by mass immigration and their power struggles with other criminal groups.
Comparison to Other Works
The Westies has been compared to other period dramas such as Peaky Blinders, which is known for its gritty and intense portrayal of British gangs in the early 20th century. Like Peaky Blinders, The Westies is expected to be a crime drama that explores the darker side of human nature and the struggles of marginalized communities.
However, The Westies will offer a unique perspective on the world of organized crime, focusing on the Irish gangs of New York in the late 19th century. This setting will provide a rich backdrop for exploring themes of identity, community, and the American Dream.
MGM+ and the Future of Period Dramas
The development of The Westies for MGM+ is significant, as it suggests that the platform is committed to producing high-quality period dramas. MGM+ has already shown its ability to produce critically acclaimed period dramas with its original series, The Eisen Hour, which explores the world of 1980s talk radio.
The success of The Westies will depend on various factors, including the quality of the writing, the performances of the cast, and the production values. However, if successful, it could pave the way for more period dramas on the platform and provide a unique perspective on the world of organized crime.
Hotel Cocaine and Chris Brancato’s Recent Work
Chris Brancato’s recent work on Hotel Cocaine has been well-received, with critics praising its muscular crime drama style and themes that reflect the modern day. The show follows a Cuban exile who is the general manager of a hotel in Miami in the late 1970s and early 80s, ground zero for the cocaine epidemic.
Hotel Cocaine is a “muscular crime drama” that explores the darker side of human nature and the effects of the cocaine trade on individuals and communities. The show’s themes of hedonism and commentary on modern society are timely and thought-provoking, and its use of period settings and characters provides a unique perspective on the world of organized crime.
A Second Season: Exploring the Wider Cocaine Trade
Chris Brancato is also working on a second season of Hotel Cocaine, which will explore the wider cocaine trade in Miami and the notion of a second American invasion of Cuba. The second season will pick up from a “devil’s bargain” made by the main character and his brother, and will delve deeper into the world of organized crime and its effects on individuals and communities.
The success of Hotel Cocaine and its potential for a second season will depend on various factors, including the quality of the writing, the performances of the cast, and the production values. However, if successful, it could provide a unique perspective on the world of organized crime and its effects on individuals and communities.
Chris Brancato’s Career and the Evolution of TV
Chris Brancato’s career has spanned over three decades, during which he has worked on numerous projects, including Narcos, which was one of the first shows to be filmed partly in another language. The success of Narcos paved the way for other international productions, such as Squid Game and Money Heist, which have exploded from different regions of the world.
Brancato’s experience working on international productions has given him a unique perspective on the world of TV and its evolution over the years. He has seen firsthand how the industry has changed, with the rise of streaming platforms and the increased demand for international content.
The Era of Peak TV
The era of peak TV has been much discussed in the industry, with many arguing that it is over. However, Brancato believes that the industry is still producing high-quality content, albeit in smaller quantities. He attributes this to the increased risk aversion of studios and the changing business model of the industry.
The changing business model of the industry has led to a shift towards producing more niche content, with a focus on specificity and uniqueness. This has resulted in a proliferation of period dramas and crime dramas, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Personal Reflections
Brancato’s career has been marked by numerous successes and failures, but he has always been driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to create content that resonates with audiences. He has worked on numerous projects, from film to TV, and has collaborated with numerous talented writers, directors, and actors.
Looking back on his career, Brancato is proud of the work he has done and the impact it has had on audiences. He is excited about the future of the industry and the opportunities it presents for creators like himself.
What’s Next for Chris Brancato and MGM+
The success of The Westies and Hotel Cocaine will depend on various factors, including the quality of the writing, the performances of the cast, and the production values. However, if successful, it could pave the way for more period dramas on the platform and provide a unique perspective on the world of organized crime.
Chris Brancato’s career has been marked by numerous successes and failures, but he has always been driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to create content that resonates with audiences. He has worked on numerous projects, from film to TV, and has collaborated with numerous talented writers, directors, and actors.
The Future of Period Dramas on MGM+
The success of The Westies and Hotel Cocaine will depend on various factors, including the quality of the writing, the performances of the cast, and the production values. However, if successful, it could pave the way for more period dramas on the platform and provide a unique perspective on the world of organized crime.
MGM+ has already shown its ability to produce critically acclaimed period dramas with its original series, The Eisen Hour, which explores the world of 1980s talk radio. The success of The Westies and Hotel Cocaine will depend on various factors, including the quality of the writing, the performances of the cast, and the production values.
The State of Peak TV and the Future of MGM+
The era of peak TV, characterized by an unprecedented surge in the production and distribution of television content, may be coming to an end. According to Chris Brancato, the creator of Narcos, the number of shows being bought has declined, and the industry is undergoing a significant transformation.
The Era of Peak TV: Is it Over?
The peak TV era, which began in the mid-2010s, was marked by a proliferation of streaming services and cable networks, all vying for audiences’ attention. This led to a surge in the production of original content, with many shows being greenlit and produced. However, the landscape is shifting, and the number of shows being bought is declining.
Brancato attributes this decline to the changing landscape of the industry, including the writers’ strike, which has led to a more cautious approach to TV development. The strike has resulted in a more risk-averse environment, where studios are less likely to take chances on untested concepts or new creators.
Risks and Challenges in TV Development
The development of TV shows is a complex and challenging process, involving many risks and uncertainties. One of the primary risks is the need for a perfect pitch, which can be daunting for creators. According to Brancato, “You can’t go to Hollywood with a pitch now that isn’t perfect.” This means that creators must have a fully formed concept, with a clear vision and a well-developed story, before they can even approach studios.
Another challenge facing TV development is the writers’ strike, which has had a significant impact on the industry. The strike has resulted in a more cautious approach to TV development, with studios less likely to take chances on untested concepts or new creators.
MGM+ and the Future of Original Programming
MGM+, a relatively new player in the streaming landscape, is positioning itself as a hub for original programming. With a focus on muscular crime dramas, MGM+ is looking to develop shows that will appeal to a wide audience.
Brancato’s new project, The Westies, is a prime example of the type of show that MGM+ is looking to develop. A period crime drama set in the late 19th century, The Westies has the potential to be a compelling and engaging show. With its focus on Irish gangs in New York, The Westies offers a unique perspective on the criminal underworld of the time.
As MGM+ continues to grow and expand its original programming, it will be interesting to see what types of shows are developed. With a focus on quality and a commitment to storytelling, MGM+ has the potential to become a major player in the streaming landscape.
The Westies and the Irish Gangs of New York
The Westies, a new project from Chris Brancato, is a period crime drama set in the late 19th century. The show follows the fearsome Irish gangs of New York, exploring their rise to power and their struggles with other criminal groups.
The History of Irish Gangs in New York
The late 19th century was a time of great change and upheaval in New York City. With mass immigration from Ireland and other parts of Europe, the city’s population was growing rapidly. This led to the formation of various criminal groups, including the Irish gangs that would come to dominate the city’s underworld.
The Irish gangs of New York were known for their ferocity and cunning. Led by figures such as Paul Kelly and Monk Eastman, these gangs controlled vast swaths of territory, extorting money from local businesses and engaging in violent turf wars with rival gangs.
The Significance of the Late 19th Century Setting
The late 19th century setting of The Westies is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for an exploration of the historical context in which the Irish gangs emerged. By examining the social, economic, and political factors that contributed to the rise of these gangs, The Westies can offer a nuanced and thoughtful portrayal of this period in American history.
Secondly, the late 19th century setting provides a rich backdrop for storytelling. With its gaslit streets, crowded tenements, and bustling docks, New York City in the late 19th century was a vibrant and dynamic place. This setting offers a unique opportunity for Brancato to explore themes such as immigration, identity, and community.
The Potential for a Compelling Story
The Westies has the potential to be a compelling and engaging show. With its focus on Irish gangs in New York, the show offers a unique perspective on the criminal underworld of the time.
The characters in The Westies are likely to be complex and multifaceted, with their own motivations and backstories. By exploring the relationships between these characters, Brancato can create a rich and nuanced narrative that draws the viewer in.
Furthermore, The Westies offers a unique opportunity for Brancato to explore themes such as power, loyalty, and identity. By examining the ways in which the Irish gangs of New York navigated the complex web of relationships and alliances, The Westies can offer a thought-provoking and engaging portrayal of this period in American history.
Conclusion
In a bold move, Narcos creator Brian Grazer has unveiled his next project, The Westies, an Irish crime series set to air exclusively on MGM+. This ambitious series marks a significant shift in Grazer’s trajectory, as he expands his global slate to include a unique blend of crime drama and coming-of-age storylines.
The Westies, set in Dublin, revolves around the early days of Irish crime and gangsterism in the 1980s. Grazer, known for his work on Narcos, has assembled a talented ensemble cast, including Colin Farrell, Michael Fassbender, and Barry Keoghan. The series promises to deliver a gripping narrative that explores the complexities of human nature, delving into themes of loyalty, power, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. With its richly detailed setting and complex characters, The Westies has the potential to captivate audiences worldwide, offering a fresh perspective on the crime genre.
The implications of this new series extend beyond the world of television, as it marks a significant expansion of Grazer’s global brand. As a filmmaker and producer, Grazer’s involvement in The Westies signals a bold new chapter in his career, one that promises to challenge and captivate audiences in new and innovative ways. As the boundaries between television and cinema continue to blur, it remains to be seen how The Westies will resonate with viewers, but one thing is certain: Brian Grazer’s latest project is a game-changer, one that promises to leave a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
