Fans of Stranger Things searching for their next sci-fi fix have been told a new Netflix series branded a 'masterpiece' is ideal for weekend binge-viewing. The Duffer Brothers' hit show reached its conclusion on New Year's Eve, 2025, leaving countless sci-fi horror enthusiasts desperate for comparable content.
Critic's Verdict
Television critic Luke Eccleston believes The Boroughs fits the bill perfectly. 'I have found the perfect show for you,' he announced in a TikTok video. 'Eight episodes have just dropped on Netflix and I have binge-watched the entire thing. If you love Stranger Things or Steven Spielberg films, this is exactly what you need.'
Luke enthused that The Boroughs 'gives that whole sci-fi adventure and mystery vibe', though it centres on older adults — contrasting with Stranger Things, which spotlighted youngsters.
Plot Overview
Outlining the storyline, he elaborated: 'It follows Alfred Molina [who plays Sam Cooper], whose wife passes away and he has to move to this thing called The Burroughs where loads of old people go to live.' Cooper subsequently detects something at his neighbour's door — and upon entering, discovers an alien atop him.
Luke revealed: 'What becomes of this is crazy. It's full of sci-fi and mystery and you are constantly questioning what is going on in this town... There is no police at this place, but there is security and they are being really, really strange. I'm not comparing it to the levels of Stranger Things, but it does give you that Stranger Things fix.'
'It's a great laugh, it has good vibes, and it's great for the sci-fi element. So, make sure you get it added to your watch-list!'
Cast and Reception
Created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, Netflix's description for The Boroughs reads: 'In a seemingly perfect retirement community, a crew of unlikely heroes must stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don't have: time.'
On IMDb, The Boroughs boasts a score of 7.5 out of 10 from over 6,500 reviews. Beyond the previously mentioned Molina, the ensemble features Geena Davis (portraying Renee Joyce), Bill Pullman (Jack Willard), Jena Malone (Claire Cooper) and Alfre Woodard (Judy Daniels).
More remarkably, The Boroughs has achieved a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One recent critique stated: '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.'
Fan Reactions
Responding to Luke's assessment, a TikTok user wrote: 'Just watched this today, it's really good.' A second viewer concurred: 'I watched it all in one weekend, it's incredible.'
A third commenter noted: 'I'm watching it now. Three episodes in. It's quite odd but addictive at the same time.'
While a fourth TikTok user observed: 'The Boroughs feels like a modern version of The Manor (2021). Hope this one has a better ending!'
