Watch Hey, Willie

Hey, Willie is a heartwarming and inspiring series from Great Big Story that takes us on a journey through the life of Willie Ortiz, a garbage man from New York who has been feeding feral cats for more than two decades. This six-episode docuseries chronicles the day-to-day life of Willie as he ventures through the streets of New York, feeding and caring for the cats that have become his family.

The show opens with Willie's daily routine of waking up in the morning, getting ready, and starting his truck. But instead of collecting garbage, Willie spends his mornings driving around the city, filling up bowls with cat food and making his rounds to feed the hundreds of feral cats that he has come to know and love over the years. As we watch him interact with the cats, we immediately see that he has developed a special bond with them, recognizing each cat by name and calling them over for a pat or a scratch behind the ears.

Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to some of the cats that Willie has been looking after for years, getting to know their individual personalities and quirks. We also learn about the challenges that Willie faces as a cat caretaker, including the demands of managing a colony of feral cats, dealing with city bureaucracy, and maintaining a healthy balance between caring for the cats and his day-to-day life.

What sets this show apart from other animal-centric series is the story behind Willie's journey to becoming a cat caretaker. As a former addict who struggled with alcoholism and homelessness, Willie found solace in helping the cats he saw on his garbage route. The cats provided him with a sense of purpose and a reason to get up every morning, and his daily routine of feeding them helped him to overcome his addiction and turn his life around.

In each episode, we learn more about Willie's backstory, from his childhood in Puerto Rico to his struggles in New York. Viewers get a glimpse into the events and people that shaped his life, including his wife and his best friend, who tragically passed away from an overdose. In one episode, we see the deep emotional pain that Willie still carries with him today as he visits his best friend's grave and reflects on the impact his friend had on his life.

But even as we witness the hardships that Willie has faced, the show always maintains a sense of hope and positivity. Despite the challenges he faces, Willie's unwavering dedication to the cats remains at the forefront of each episode. Viewers are reminded of the power of kindness and the impact that one person can have on the world around them.

Aside from Willie's story, the series also sheds light on the issue of feral cats in urban areas. By following Willie's work, the show explores the ethical and practical complications that arise when trying to manage a colony of feral cats, as well as the efforts of local organizations to address the issue. It also touches on the importance of spaying and neutering, as Willie works to prevent the spread of the feral cat population.

Overall, Hey, Willie is a charming and heartfelt series that highlights the power of compassion and the connection between humans and animals. With its focus on Willie's personal journey and the impact he has had on his community, the show is a welcome reminder of the good that exists in the world and the potential for each of us to make a difference.