Watch Making of the Mob: New York
- 2015
- 2 Seasons
Making of the Mob: New York is a historical documentary series that premiered on AMC in 2015. Produced by Stephen David Entertainment, the show is a re-telling of the origins of organized crime in the United States. The show is divided into eight episodes, with each episode covering a specific period in the history of organized crime in the United States. The first few episodes focus on the rise of the Italian Mafia in the late 19th century, while later episodes explore the involvement of other ethnic groups such as the Irish and Jewish communities.
Each episode features interviews with historians and experts on organized crime, as well as actors portraying famous figures from the era such as Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, and Al Capone. The interviews are interspersed with footage and images from the time period, including archived newsreels, photographs, and re-enactments of key events.
The show emphasizes the importance of the social and economic context in which organized crime developed. It explores how prohibition, immigration, and the Great Depression contributed to the growth of criminal networks in some of the largest American cities, and how these networks eventually became the powerful syndicates we know today.
One of the key themes of the show is the concept of the American Dream, and how organized crime provided a means for some immigrants to achieve wealth and power in a country that might have otherwise marginalized them. It explores the complex motivations of the characters involved in organized crime, and asks questions about whether these figures were simply opportunists taking advantage of a broken system, or whether they had a genuine desire to defend and protect their communities.
Making of the Mob: New York is also notable for its attention to detail and its high production values. The show's re-enactments are especially impressive, with careful attention paid to accurate costumes and sets that transport viewers back to the early decades of the 20th century.
Overall, Making of the Mob: New York is a fascinating, well-researched examination of one of America's darkest and most captivating subjects. While the subject matter might not be for everyone, those who are interested in history, crime, and social issues will find much to enjoy in this show.