Netflix has cancelled supernatural drama The Boroughs after one season, bringing the Duffer Brothers-produced series to an early end less than a month after its premiere. Created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, the series followed a group of residents at a seemingly peaceful retirement community who discovered an otherworldly threat stealing the one thing they could not afford to lose: time.
The ensemble cast included Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, Geena Davis, Bill Pullman, Clarke Peters and Denis O’Hare. Jena Malone, Carlos Miranda, Seth Numrich and Alice Kremelberg also starred.
The Boroughs opened with 5.6 million views during its first weekend and climbed to 9.5 million in its first full week. That figure then fell to 3.7 million the following week, with the show’s elaborate visual effects and high-profile ensemble reportedly making its performance difficult to justify against its production costs.
The cancellation comes as something of a surprise, as discussions about continuing the series had already taken place. A writers’ room was reportedly opened for Season 2, while one proposal involved filming the second and third seasons back-to-back. Matt and Ross Duffer executive produced the series through Upside Down Pictures alongside Hilary Leavitt. Addiss, Matthews and Ben Taylor also served as executive producers, with Taylor directing multiple episodes, including the pilot.
Although comparisons with Stranger Things were inevitable, The Boroughs brought something different to the supernatural catalogue by placing older characters at the centre of its mystery. Its cast gave the series warmth, while its exploration of ageing, grief and companionship helped it stand apart from the genre formula.
For CultureCues, this one is genuinely disappointing. The Boroughs had an excellent cast and a premise that deserved more room to develop, particularly when work on another season had reportedly already begun. Netflix may have decided the figures were not strong enough, but cancelling a well-received series within weeks of its arrival gives audiences very little reason to become invested. Sadly, another promising show has joined the growing collection of one-season Netflix casualties.
The first and only season of The Boroughs is available to stream on Netflix.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.