A new Netflix sci-fi series executive produced by Stranger Things creators, the Duffer Brothers, has claimed the top stop among the most-watched TV content on the streamer in the UK. Starring Alfred Molina and Geena Davis as two residents of a supposedly idyllic community for retirees in the middle of the desert, The Boroughs blends elements of science fiction and heartfelt drama to investigate the mystery at the heart of this town.
Premiered on 21 May, The Boroughs has had a strong start on Netflix, becoming the UK's number one TV series on the platform in less than a week. Also at number one in the US, the series created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews kicks off with the brutal murder of an older resident, who's killed by an otherworldly creature.
The victim's house is reluctantly occupied by new resident, Sam Cooper (Molina), who's grieving the sudden death of his wife Lilly, played by Malcolm in the Middle's Jane Kaczmarek. Grumpy Sam isn't one for making new friends, but he's soon welcomed by a pot-smoking, quick-witted group of residents who find themselves with an inexplicable puzzle on their hands when a second suspicious death occurs.
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Also starring are Alfre Woodward, Denis O'Hare, Clarke Peters, and Bill Pullman, as well as Jena Malone as Sam's daughter Claire.
The series is the latest outing in the deal between the Duffer Brothers' production company, Upside Down Pictures, and Netflix after horror series Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen, premiered earlier this year, and Stranger Things animated spinoff, Tales From '85.
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Despite a classic start to what seems a self-contained, elderly community murder mystery, The Boroughs gradually develops into an original sci-fi series with fleshed-out characters turning all old-age stereotypes on their head.
The series is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 95% from 43 reviews. Critics have praised it as "a thrilling show that tries to do something different" (The Times of India).
"With excellently executed twists, thoughtful character relationships, and a cast that never rests on its laurels, The Boroughs is one of the best series that Netflix has put out this year," But Why Tho? penned.
The Boroughs is streaming on Netflix.
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Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
