This is an odd one. A new sci-fi series, with a well known cast, terrific producers behind the scenes and critical acclaim upon its release, and it gets canned out of nowhere? Streaming math is a tricky thing, and it seems like even “Stranger Things with seniors” couldn’t outrun it. After one season, the next big sci-fi show is cooked.
Netflix has canceled The Boroughs after its first season. The series, executive produced by Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, debuted last month to strong reviews but softer-than-expected viewership. The cancellation is somewhat surprising, as there had reportedly been talk of a renewal, with a Season 2 writers room already opened and one idea floated to shoot Seasons 2 and 3 back-to-back.
That was before the numbers landed. The Boroughs opened with 5.6 million views in its first weekend, then grew to 9.5 million views in its first full week. However, it quickly dropped to 3.7 million views the following week, suggesting the long-tail growth Netflix would have wanted was unlikely.
Created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, The Boroughs is set in a retirement community where a group of, shall we say, experienced people are forced to team up to stop a threat from another world from getting away with some dastardly intentions: stealing time. It’s a really neat hook and that’s another reason why it’s such a surprise that we won’t be getting more of it.
The cast of The Boroughs includes Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2), Geena Davis (Thelma & Louise), Alfre Woodard (Luke Cage), Denis O’Hare (American Horror Story), Clarke Peters (The Wire), Bill Pullman (Independence Day), Jena Malone (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), Carlos Miranda (Vida), Seth Numrich (Turn: Washington’s Spies), and Alice Kremelberg (The Sinner).
Was ‘The Boroughs’ Any Good?
By most accounts, yes, that’s what makes the cancellation feel a bit harsh. Rotten Tomatoes has Season 1 at 97%, with the consensus praising its “wonderfully plotted sci-fi trappings,” and the general vibe is that it wasn’t exactly groundbreaking, but very charming, well-acted, and a smart twist on the Duffer-style sci-fi formula. Several critics compared it to Stranger Things crossed with Cocoon, and most importantly, it was fun.
The Boroughs is now streaming on Netflix.
via Collider