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Season 1 – The Boroughs

Play trailer 2:28 Poster for Season 1 – The Boroughs May 2026 Drama Adventure Mystery & Thriller Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
96% Tomatometer 74 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
In a seemingly picturesque retirement community, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don't have, time.
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The Boroughs — Season 1

The Boroughs — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

The Boroughs exudes excellence through its wonderfully plotted sci-fi trappings, star-studded cast, heartfelt narrative, and genuine ingenuity; a new classic through-and-through.

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Audience Says

A slightly addictive sci-fi, creature-driven mystery, The Boroughs isn’t just for Boomers -- it’s a rewarding, star-studded binge steeped in atmosphere and corny charm, with broad appeal.

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Critics Reviews

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David Knox TV Tonight AU Jul 22
3.5
The cast is sprightly, bringing zippy chemistry to the tale. It’s enough to make a rather silly plot light and enjoyable. Which is just as well because there’s not nearly enough monster to sustain this for 8 episodes. Go to Full Review
David Bianculli NPR Jun 4
It's all good fun, even when it scores some serious points and has some serious scenes about death and dementia and loneliness. The cast is more than up to it all, and there are younger cast members contributing, too. Go to Full Review
Peter Travers The Travers Take May 29
3/4
It’s been called ‘Stranger Things’ for seniors, but it’s so much more as Geena Davis and Alfred Molina lead a cast of A-listers as retirees who take on aliens, aging and a society that sees them as invisible. Go to Full Review
John Stark Mac the Movie Guy Jul 14
89/100
The Boroughs is more than worthy of the less than 8 hours it takes to complete. Something is not right at The Boroughs, and it isn’t that danger lurks around every corner, it is that Netflix failed to see the potential and choose to realize it. Go to Full Review
Alex Hudson Exclaim! Jul 11
7/10
It's obvious how 'The Boroughs' was pitched: 'Stranger Things,' but with old people instead of kids. 'Older Things,' if you will. Go to Full Review
Marlon Wallace The M Report (WBOC.com) Jul 2
...so many old people are deemed disposable or not desirable. The show shows how instead that elderly folks can be useful and very capable of even extraordinary things. It makes sense that the villains would be those that value youth over everything else. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Susan S @RT61915072 2h Loved this. Shocked beyond belief they are not bringing it back. See more Delores R @quietabbie 1d It was one of the most intriguing new series of the year. It had a unique atmosphere, a compelling mystery, and a cast that made every episode engaging. It's such a shame that the show was canceled. It had so much potential, and it feels like there were still many stories left to tell. See more Paolo F @XKP-Producer 2d The Boroughs is a warm, easy-to-watch sci-fi horror series that never forgets to be fun. The premise is intriguing, the story stays engaging, and the cast carries every scene with confidence. The characters may not be the most original you'll ever see, but they're likable enough to make you care about what happens next. There's an unexpected sense of optimism running through the whole show, giving it a personality that stands out in a genre usually obsessed with darkness. It's the kind of series that's simply a pleasure to watch. See more Vin C @RT87136215 5d Creative and well written and directed show, albeit nowhere near as good as Stranger Things. Casting is good except for Gena Davis. The show is almost made unbearable by her talking through her teeth and her ridiculous plastic surgery face. Why can’t people age gracefully? She’s distracting and detracts from the story. See more Lon T @Dissappointed Jul 25 The first six episodes were entertaining, the last two were a wasted time. They were beyond science fiction. Nothing was believable. I would not watch again. Great acting. Great special effects, but dumb storyline. See more Corine R @Corine888 Jul 24 I loved the show. There were so many unexplained plots and I was hoping they'd be explained in season two. I actually liked this better than Stranger Things. See more Read all reviews
The Boroughs — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired May 21, 2026 Welcome to the Boroughs When grieving widower Sam Cooper reluctantly moves to a desert retirement community, he discovers something is lurking beneath its perfect surface. Details Episode 2 Aired May 21, 2026 The Mourning After Still reeling, Sam seeks answers close to home; Renee gets a break in the case of the missing minerals; Judy and Wally face up to painful realities. Details Episode 3 Aired May 21, 2026 A Pyramid Sam and Wally decide to take a risk; Renee and Paz's investigation brings them closer together; Art seeks answers in the desert. Details Episode 4 Aired May 21, 2026 Forbidden Fruit Art savors the fruits of his explorations; Blaine warns Sam that curiosity comes with consequences; Renee makes a shocking discovery. Details Episode 5 Aired May 21, 2026 Another Beautiful Day Sam, Judy and Wally uncover a new side of the Boroughs; Renee and Paz go on a road trip; Blaine tries to convince Claire to take action. Details Episode 6 Aired May 21, 2026 The Grey Rebellion With the entire gang under Blaine's thumb, Sam desperately seeks a way out; Art and Judy hit a breaking point; Wally gets a taste of a new life. Details Episode 7 Aired May 21, 2026 Time to Go As the anniversary party approaches, Anneliese reveals a painful secret; the gang gets in gear for a high-stakes rescue mission at the Manor. Details Episode 8 Aired May 21, 2026 Triple Audible With Blaine and Anneliese desperate to capture Mother, Sam and his friends put it all on the line to save their neighbors and set things right. Details
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Season Info

Director
Augustine Frizzell, Kyle Patrick Alvarez
Creator
Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews
Executive Producer
Jeffrey Addiss, Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Hilary Leavitt, Will Matthews, Ben Taylor
Network
Netflix
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama, Adventure, Mystery & Thriller, Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date
May 21, 2026