Review by Chadd Clubine

The Boroughs is a new Netflix show with all eight episodes now available to stream. Created by Jeffrey Addiss & Will Matthews and executive produced by the Duffer Brothers, the show stars Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Denis O’Hare, Clarke Peters, Bill Pullman, Carlos Miranda, Jena Malone, Seth Numrich, and Alice Kremelberg.

In a seemingly perfect retirement community, a grieving newcomer’s monstrous encounter inspires him to join a misfit crew of unlikely heroes who uncover a dark secret that proves their “golden years” are more dangerous, and they are more formidable, than anyone expects.

Between the involvement of the Duffer Brothers and the cast, I was immediately intrigued by this show. I enjoyed Stranger Things, though I was never a die-hard fan; however, I really appreciated the Duffer Brothers’ previous series, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. Either way, I was going to give this new show a watch—and for the most part, I’m glad I did. The cast, tone, and story all make it a worthwhile watch, but there’s a familiar structure and sense of repetition that can make it feel predictable at times, especially if you’ve seen their previous work. It’s almost like Stranger Things reimagined in a retirement community.

Alfred Molina is not only having an impressive year, but a particularly notable May. Ironically, he’s appeared in two separate Netflix projects that both involve a Pullman. Molina continues to be one of the industry’s most consistently underrated performers, and it’s great to see him in a lead role here. What makes him so compelling is his ability to balance warmth and irritation in the same breath, giving his characters a grounded, relatable edge regardless of the material.

Alongside Molina is an exceptionally strong supporting cast that feels carefully and confidently assembled. The casting choices feel just about perfect. Geena Davis brings a refreshing, almost youthful energy, while Alfre Woodard adds layered, nuanced characterization with real emotional depth. Denis O’Hare delivers a compelling arc that steadily builds in impact as the story unfolds. Even Carlos Miranda stands out with a performance that feels like a breakout moment, the kind that could easily lead to more substantial roles going forward.

The show’s tone—especially in its opening credits—feels like something out of a Steven Spielberg or J. J. Abrams production, with a polished, nostalgic-leaning cinematic style. While the story structure and pacing will feel familiar to fans of Stranger Things, the execution leans in a noticeably different direction, embracing a more futuristic, sci-fi-forward sensibility. That tonal shift is ultimately what sets the series apart. Fans of Stranger Things will likely gravitate toward it, but it’s the distinct atmosphere that gives the show its own identity.

The tone is exactly what the show needs; without it, the series would feel like a straightforward imitation of Stranger Things. If you’re familiar with that show, the predictability starts to set in after a while. It opens on a bold, confident note, but as it progresses, the trajectory becomes fairly easy to anticipate. There are noticeable similarities in both structure and resolution, which makes the unfolding events feel familiar in ways that work against its originality. Ultimately, the series could have benefited from taking more risks in its second half to better distinguish itself and carve out a stronger identity of its own.

I recently heard on a podcast that episodes shouldn’t be padded to fill an hour, but instead run only as long as the story requires—a point I completely agree with. The episodes here never exceed an hour, and some don’t even reach 45 minutes, which makes the series feel light, accessible, and easy to fit into a busy schedule without requiring a major time commitment.

Lastly, the production design is a real strength. It’s clear a great deal of thought and care went into building out this fictional town, giving it a lived-in, immersive quality that invites you to explore more of its world and inner workings.

As key plot points unfold, that sense of place enhances the impact, making revelations land more effectively. Experiencing the town through Alfred Molina’s character’s perspective adds an extra layer of intrigue, framing the setting itself as something of a mystery.

Overall, The Boroughs delivers solid entertainment value, from its strong cast to its easy, well-paced structure, but it doesn’t always do enough to distinguish itself from its clear inspirations. Even so, it’s a series I’d be interested in seeing more of, particularly in how it develops its characters and world.
There’s real promise in the bold, creative energy established in the first half of the season, and leaning further into that direction could help the show evolve into something more distinctive in future installments.

VERDICT: 3.5/5 – Pretty Good