The Duffer Brothers’ sci-fi series “The Boroughs” has been canceled by Netflix after one season.
The show, which was executive produced by the “Stranger Things” creators, debuted in May 2026 off the heels of that show’s final season. “The Boroughs” starred Alfred Molina and Alfre Woodard and followed a group of unlikely heroes at a retirement community who must “band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don’t have … time,” according to the logline.
The series, created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, was affectionately compared to “Stranger Things” — but with old people. It also starred Denis O’Hare, Clarke Peters, Carlos Miranda, Jena Malone, Seth Numrich, Alice Kremelberg and Geena Davis.
The writers of the show had planned for a three-season arc, and a Season 2 writers’ room had even opened prior to the cancellation (it’s not unusual for high-profile series to get a head start on writing while awaiting a renewal).
Asked in May about the possibility of a second season, Molina told Variety, “I would love to carry this on. I would love for this to be ongoing. … Who knows? TV can be fickle, but it can also give you incredible opportunities. We’ve got a wonderful cast. We’ve got a great premise. The sets are all there. I’d love to do more.”
“The Boroughs” attracted a sizable audience on Netflix, drawing nearly 19 million views in its first 18 days on the streaming service. But the sci-fi show, complete with the special effects necessary to sell a paranormal threat, also carried a hefty price tag, which can factor heavily into the decision of whether to renew or cancel a series.
Netflix recently renewed the animated “Stranger Things” spinoff “Tales From ’85” for a second season, as well as other freshmen series including “Little House on the Prairie,” “The Hunting Wives,” “Leanne” and more.
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
Deadline broke the news.
From Variety US