Set in late 1970s Naples, the new six-part prequel series to the acclaimed crime drama Gomorrah explores the early life and rise of Pietro Savastano, the central character of the original show. Directed by Marco D’Amore, the series seeks to depict the social and economic conditions that shaped Savastano, portrayed by Luca Lubrano, during a period marked by extreme poverty and widespread hardship.

Following the conclusion of Gomorrah in 2021 after five successful seasons, the prequel provides a deeper look into the origins of organized crime in Naples, focusing on the city's backstreets and underworld. The narrative situates itself against the backdrop of a community suffering from malnutrition, reflected in high infant mortality rates that underscore the harsh realities of the time.

The series adopts a gritty aesthetic dominated by the brown and orange hues of the era’s disco scene and urban decay, setting a tone of both vibrancy and despair. By chronicling Savastano’s early career, the show aims to explore how the socio-economic environment contributed to the rise of criminal enterprises in southern Italy.

Critics have noted parallels with other crime dramas such as Romanzo Criminale, which centers on the heroin trade in Rome, and the Colombian production Narcos, both of which portray complex criminal networks within broader societal challenges.

With Marco D’Amore returning to direct, the series is expected to maintain the raw and unsparing narrative style that characterized the original Gomorrah, providing a nuanced portrayal of the city’s criminal underworld during a tumultuous period.