Westside Story

Overview

Westside is a gritty, darkly comedic New Zealand television drama that serves as a prequel to the long-running series Outrageous Fortune. Set in 1970s Auckland, the series chronicles the early lives of Ted and Rita West, the patriarch and matriarch of the infamous West crime family. It explores the origins of their criminal empire, their volatile relationship, and the social landscape of New Zealand during a decade defined by cultural shifts and economic instability. The narrative follows Ted West, a career criminal struggling to maintain his status in the underworld, and his sharp-witted wife, Rita, who is the true backbone of the family. As they navigate police scrutiny, rival gangs, and the challenges of raising a family while living outside the law, the series masterfully blends high-stakes crime drama with the nostalgic, often absurd, realities of 1970s suburban life. The show captures the evolution of the West family legacy, setting the stage for the events that would unfold decades later.