“The Boroughs” apparently didn’t meet Netflix’s expectations.screenshot: youtube/netflix
After the mega hit “Stranger Things”, the Duffer brothers have to cope with a bitter setback. Her new project was extremely well received by both the audience and critics.
June 18, 2026, 1:32 p.mJune 18, 2026, 1:32 p.m
Jennifer Ullrich / watson.de
There is bitter news for fans of mystery and science fiction series on Netflix: The series “The Boroughs,” produced by “Stranger Things” creators Ross and Matt Duffer, is canceled after just one season.
The streaming service is pulling the plug shortly after the premiere – even though the ambitious format was designed for a longer runtime from the start. Deadline reports about the end.
That’s what “The Boroughs” is about
At the center of the story is an unusual group of heroes: In a retirement home in New Mexico, elderly outsiders are confronted with mysterious, supernatural events, that go far beyond everyday life.
The star-studded cast, which includes Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, Denis O’Hare, Clarke Peters, Bill Pullman and Geena Davis, generated additional attention.
At the premiere in Hollywood on May 18, 2026 (from left to right): Carlos Miranda, Clarke Peters, Jena Malone, Alice Kremelberg, Alfre Woodard, Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Denis O’Hare, Seth Numrich and Bill Pullman.Image: www.imago-images.de
Big plans for the Netflix series will not be implemented
The series, co-developed by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, debuted on Netflix just about a month ago. The creative duo had already revealed in advance that they actually had big plans for “The Boroughs”.
The series was originally planned to last at least three seasons, with ideas for possible spin-offs if necessary. An example that the team remembered: Their previous Netflix series “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” had also ended early. This should not happen again.
That’s why it was decided to give the first season of “The Boroughs” an emotional conclusion and not leave any open cliffhangers. Nevertheless, in the final moments of the season, doors were opened for further stories, which now remain unopened.
The decision to end the project comes at a critical time for the Duffer brothers and Netflix. While the cult series “Stranger Things” ended with a noticeable conclusion and “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85” started, it is questionable how many other Duffer projects will even be implemented on the streaming service. The fact that the duo is soon moving to Paramount could be the reason for these upheavals.
The unexpected end of the series “The Boroughs” is definitely a disappointment for the fan community. The show was also well received by critics: On Rotten Tomatoes The result is an almost perfect 97 percent.