Netflix Cancels Sci-Fi Series The Boroughs After One Season Despite Strong Viewership

The Boroughs has been cancelled by Netflix after just one season, despite earning positive responses from viewers and critics.

The sci-fi series, created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, centres on an unlikely group of heroes living in a retirement community who discover a mysterious otherworldly threat.

The Boroughs is executive produced by Stranger Things creators The Duffer Brothers. Alfred Molina leads the cast, joined by Alfre Woodard, Geena Davis, Denis O’Hare, Clarke Peters, Carlos Miranda and Jena Malone.

All eight episodes of The Boroughs were released on Netflix on May 21, 2026.

Why did Netflix cancel The Boroughs?

Netflix has not publicly explained why the series was cancelled, but reports indicate the decision was largely driven by its high production costs.

According to sources cited by The Hollywood Reporter, each episode of The Boroughs reportedly cost around $10 million (£7.5 million) to produce. Although the series performed well, drawing more than 20 million views in its first month, that audience was apparently not enough to offset the expense of making another season.

Another reported factor was The Duffer Brothers’ move away from Netflix in favour of a four-year deal with Paramount, though a source close to Netflix has denied that the decision influenced the cancellation.

How have the cast reacted to the cancellation?

Geena Davis said she and the rest of the cast were “terribly disappointed” by the news.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Davis said: “Fortunately, the creators, who became our dear, dear friends, were able to tell us before the news came out, and we’re all terribly disappointed.

“Honestly, I don’t know what happened. I think it’s probably rare for a show to not get picked up and to have it announced that it’s not being picked while it’s still in the top 10.”

Source link