Plot Synopsis

The six-episode first season of FAMILIES OF THE MAFIA follows four neighboring mafia-related families for two years, as they try to decide whether to cut their ties to organized crime or embrace its legacy. The families include:

The Gravanos: The Gravano name is synonymous with "mafia" on Staten Island. Karen's father, Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, was underboss of the Gambino crime family, and when Karen was growing up, she had everything she ever wanted -- but nothing lasts forever. The mafia was taken down, and the Gravanos moved to Arizona. Soon after, Sammy went to prison and Karen had her own legal issues. Karen then moved back to Staten Island to start her own empire, eventually bringing along her daughter Karina. They both put down roots there despite concerns from their family out west. Karen is trying to make sure her daughter stays on the right path and focuses on her future, not just her volatile boyfriend Paulie. Sammy is keeping tabs on both women, trying to make sure the Gravanos living on Staten Island now fare better than those of yesteryear.

The O'Tooles: The Italian-American Mafia created the structure used by other criminal organizations in the New York underworld, and they worked with these groups to increase their power and influence. One of these groups was the Irish Mafia, known as the Westies. Billy O'Toole was brought up in the Westies lifestyle and followed in the footsteps of his father "Wild Bill," who made a name for himself on the streets of Brooklyn. Because of the volatile lifestyle in which he was raised, Billy wasn't around to help raise his twin children Joe and Taylor. The household was reliant on his ex-wife Jess, a hardworking single mom. Both Joe and Taylor have had run-ins with the law, and Jess is doing everything she can to make sure her kids don't continue the family's destructive cycle.

The LaRoccas: The mafia worked closely with many drug syndicates in an attempt to make more money. Gina LaRocca jumped into the drug world in Staten Island and Brooklyn, a decision that led to nine months in Rikers and the abandonment of her son CP when he was a baby. Christian, CP's father, is currently serving a seven-year sentence on narcotics charges in upstate New York, leaving CP to be raised by his Aunt Trish and Uncle Anthony. While Trish and Anthony have stayed out of the street life, they are no strangers to it. They are trying to build a life for CP, who has had his own issues with the law. The older CP gets, the more Gina, Trish and Anthony have tried to show CP a life away from the streets, using his father as the greatest example of where the mafia lifestyle can lead you.

The Augustines: When you're raised on Staten Island, there are all sorts of people, both in the lifestyle and out. Lisa Augustine and Karen Gravano grew up in the same friend circle, but they came from two different worlds. Lisa's daughter Dennie just finished college, and Lisa is trying to make sure she stays on the right path, but everyone has their demons, and Dennie is no exception. Her father abandoned her and Lisa when she was young, and that haunts her to this day.



Season 2 of FAMILIES OF THE MAFIA premiered on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT on MTV, with a simulcast on VH1, Paramount, and MTV2. The 10-episode new season introduces two new families, the Nayfelds and the Cutolos, who are on a mission to find their meaning and purpose after life in the mafia underworld. The families in the second season include:

The Gravanos: Karen is back in New York and has grown a passion for prison reform. Having so much experience in the justice system, she is working hard to help reverse the verdict of her boyfriend who is currently serving a life sentence. Karina strives to build her own empire and has begun her professional life in the competitive male-dominated world of finance, while trying to distance herself from the Gravano family legacy. Meanwhile, her grandfather Sammy "The Bull" launches a podcast to divulge his notorious past, causing strife in the family.

The O'Tooles: In the wake of their father's unexpected death, the entire family bands together to launch an investigation as they grow suspicious that his cause of death wasn't suicide.

The Laroccas: CP continues to navigate the relationship with his parents now that his father has been released from prison after serving a five year stint for drug charges; but the family is thrown off their course to "normal" when they receive life altering news.

The Nayfelds: Eli Kiperman, son of Boris Nayfeld, known as one of New York's most influential Russian mafia bosses, prepares to reunite with his father who has been serving out his probation in Moscow, Russia. Eli has chosen the legitimate route and works hard to support his mother Angela who continues to struggle with the idea of a life without her husband Boris.

The Cutolos: Billy Cutolo Jr., the son of once powerful underboss William "Wild Bill" Cutolo, continues to reacclimate to life with his family after their time on the run in the witness protection program. He plans for his return to New York for the first time since his father's infamous murder to reunite with his estranged family and tie up loose ends with his father's old associates.
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On Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 9-11pm ET/PT, MTV premiered the Season 2 finale of FAMILIES OF THE MAFIA, debuting back-to-back episodes:

"Chapter 9 - Reconciliation" (9pm): Bills connects with Dana in person for the first time and updates her on the case. New information is uncovered in the cause Billy's death which causes renewed suspicion amongst the O'Tooles. CP and his family work together to help Big Chris.

"Chapter 10 - Conclusion " (10pm): While meeting for the first time since witness protection, Billy and Dana discuss the potential consequences of the case. The O'Tooles receive Billy's autopsy report and reflect on life after his passing. Angela tracks down Boris to discuss their divorce.