Netflix has announced the cancellation of 'The Boroughs', the new sci-fi series from 'Stranger Things' creators the Duffer Brothers, after only one season. The six-episode show, which debuted last month, followed residents of a retirement community confronted by mysterious, otherworldly threats.
The series boasted a notable cast, including British actor Alfred Molina, alongside Alfre Woodard, Geena Davis, and Denis O’Hare. Set in a seemingly idyllic retirement community, the narrative centred on a group of older individuals who must unite to prevent an alien threat from stealing their most precious commodity: time.
Despite receiving strong critical acclaim, including a four-star review from NME, 'The Boroughs' reportedly struggled to maintain viewership. Initial figures saw 5.6 million views in its opening weekend, rising to 9.5 million in its first full week. However, these numbers saw a sharp decline to just 3.7 million the following week, according to reports.
The high production costs associated with the elaborate series and its star-studded cast were a significant factor in Netflix's decision-making process. The streaming giant typically evaluates viewing figures against production expenses when considering renewals. This cancellation comes despite the show's writers, Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, having planned for a three-season story arc, with a writers' room for a second season already established prior to the announcement.
The Duffer Brothers, known for their global hit 'Stranger Things', had another executive-produced series, 'Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen', also launch in March. That show, a terrifying miniseries described as borrowing from 'Twin Peaks', also received a three-star review from NME.