The Boroughs Is Netflix’s New Sci-Fi Summer TV Event

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Netflix content is very inconsistent lately – you either get a truly exceptional, award-winning show that changes the game, or a pricey, forgettable production that makes you question the budget. Luckily for Netflix subscribers, their newest original series is a definite win and well worth the monthly cost.

From the creators of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, comes The Boroughs, a new eight-episode show earning rave reviews. Currently, it boasts a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 36 reviews – just slightly below the score of Stranger Things’ first season. Beyond the impressive numbers, the sci-fi series is a genuinely touching story exploring the complexities of relationships.

Stranger Things Fans Will Adore The Boroughs

It’s understandable that the creators of the original show would want to continue with a concept that was so successful. The story centers around Sam Cooper, a somewhat bitter man who recently lost his wife and is now moving into a retirement community that seems perfect on the surface. However, Sam is still deeply saddened by his loss, and feeling pressured by his family only makes him feel more alone.

You can definitely see the influence of Stranger Things in The Boroughs. Like that show, this story features hidden monsters threatening a town, a group of unlikely heroes—in this case, a band of seniors—embarking on a mission to get revenge and protect their home, and a strong sense of nostalgia. The only element it’s missing is a character like Eleven—a quiet, powerful kid with special abilities.

Both shows feature a disturbing, off-limits location that characters avoid. In The Boroughs, it’s the Manor, a care facility where residents with health problems live. Like the other show, it’s secretly used for dangerous and illegal experiments on supernatural creatures, masking a truly sinister purpose. However, in The Boroughs, the Manor also represents the serious issue of elder abuse within healthcare systems.

Fans of Stranger Things will likely be most drawn to the core group of characters in The Boroughs. Each character is well-developed and follows a personal path that connects to the larger story. Alfre Woodard delivers a particularly moving performance as Judy Daniels, who, like Sam, is searching for purpose after a tragic loss. The supporting cast also includes notable actors like Denis O’Hare, Clarke Peters, and Geena Davis.

The Boroughs Takes a Senior-Citizen Adventure

It’s a welcome change to see energetic and lively characters of this age featured in a story. These kinds of tales usually focus on younger people or those going through mid-life challenges, but this one explores death as a common part of life for its characters—some of whom seem remarkably at peace with it. However, it’s only when they face their own mortality that fear sets in, adding a strong emotional layer to the story.

Okay, so the characters initially felt a little… familiar, you know? We had the classic tropes – the spaced-out hippie, the older woman chasing younger guys, the guy who’s seriously ill. But honestly, the writers did a great job of adding layers to them, making them feel fresh. Take O’Hare, who’s surprisingly the youngest of the cast. He plays Wally, who’s facing a terminal diagnosis, and he just nails it. It’s not just about being sick; it’s about how facing death makes Wally really think about where his loyalties lie. He’s stuck between doing what’s right for the people he cares about and maybe, just maybe, doing something that could help everyone by stopping a really nasty disease.

As a lifelong movie and TV fan, I have to say The Boroughs really hit home for me. It’s amazing how often we see older actors relegated to playing just grandparents, the wise old mentor, or, frankly, the villain. It’s refreshing to see baby boomers as the heroes for once! Seeing Sam, Judy, and Wally gearing up to fight the monster was honestly one of the most exciting TV moments I’ve had in ages. This show is a game-changer, and I’m really hoping we get a second season to see what happens next with Sam and the crew.

The Boroughs is available to stream on Netflix.

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2026-05-25 17:08