AMC Grabs the 'Goodfellas' TV Series

A Goodfellas TV series based on Martin Scorsese's hit film has long been discussed, but now it has finally come closer to fruition.  In attempt to join in the arms race of network mafia/organized crime related TV series, like HBO's Boardwalk Empire and upcoming shows like Luck, AMC has decided to develop the Goodfellas series, according to Deadline.

The new series will serve as a prequel to the original film, meaning it will highlight the exploits of characters Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) when they were younger during the 1960s.  You know before they became the "good fellas" we all came to know and love in the epic film.  

It could prove to be a great addition to an already stacked AMC lineup of Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead.  Are fans ready for another mob series that will probably constantly draw both good and bad comparisons to its predecessors like the original film and the most popular mob drama ever The Sopranos?  Will it give us something we haven't seen before on Boardwalk Empire?  If I were a betting man I'd say yes.

There are two main reasons I believe this series will succeed.  First, the films original writer Nicholas Pileggi, who also wrote the novel "Wise Guy", the story from which Goodfellas was based will write the series script and produce along with original producer Irwin Winkler and Jorge Zamacona (Homicide: Life on the Street).  It's possible that Scorsese could participate in some form as well, though nothing has been reported to that effect yet.  Having the original writer is a huge plus for this project.

Secondly, every series as of late that AMC has aired, whether it be The Killing or Hell on Wheels as recent examples, has at least been called back for a second season.  This basically means the majority of shows AMC produces have good enough ratings to warrant being picked up for a follow up season.  That has to bode well for a Goodfellas series.  Either that, or I just really want to see it succeed since I loved the film so much (easily in my top five movies ever).

I can't say that I'll tune in to watch the show each week, as back in the day I preferred to watch The Sopranos on DVD so I could watch more than one episode at a time.  With Goodfellas I may just opt to wait for it on Netflix or catch it on Blockbuster Movie Pass.

What do you think, will a Goodfellas TV series work?