Netflix has cancelled the sci-fi thriller The Boroughs after just one season, despite the show earning a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and amassing millions of views within its first 10 days. The series, created by the Duffer brothers, followed a group of pensioners in an eerie secure community who encounter an extraterrestrial being.
High Ratings but Low Longevity
The show was hailed as a "masterpiece" by audiences, but Deadline reported that it tallied only 5.6 million views in its opening weekend. Star Alfred Molina expressed interest in continuing the series, telling Variety in May: "I would love to carry this on. I would love for this to be ongoing." However, budget constraints are believed to be the primary reason for the cancellation.
According to the Tab, the ensemble cast, New Mexico filming location, and VFX likely cost millions per episode. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has previously stated that the company has "never cancelled a successful show," while executive Peter Friedlander noted that decisions are not based on metrics alone.
Narrative Closure
The cancellation is not entirely surprising given the show's ending. The protagonists are out of danger, and the main villain is defeated, leaving little tension for a second season. The ambiguous final scene, with Sam's reflection glitching, is more thought-provoking than a potential follow-up that might have fallen flat.
The show's core message about grief and death is effectively encapsulated by its abrupt end. While viewers may never know the characters' fates, the journey itself was worthwhile.
