There’s Something Big Beneath The Boroughs

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It’s tempting to think of the new Netflix series, The Boroughs, as a story about baby boomers – and it easily could have been. This isn’t meant as a dig at the generation, though. While the show is a sci-fi adventure about a group of seniors defending themselves and proving age shouldn’t mean becoming irrelevant, that’s a storyline that feels a bit familiar. What makes The Boroughs truly compelling is its honest exploration of what this generation owes to those who came after them. The show presents two possible paths for boomers, taking the narrative beyond simple comforts and into more thought-provoking territory.

The series, titled The Boroughs, is set in a fictional retirement community reminiscent of The Villages in Florida, but located in the New Mexico desert and notably lacking the political leanings often associated with that community. Founded in 1949 by a former coal miner looking to repurpose exhausted land, the Boroughs is now a haven of mid-century homes, charming shops, and abundant recreational facilities like golf courses, pools, and gyms. While advertisements promise residents “the time of your life,” Sam Cooper (Alfred Molina) isn’t interested. A recently widowed aeronautical engineer whose wife, Lily (Jane Kaczmarek), died from a stroke, Sam moved to the Boroughs with his wife’s life savings invested in a new home. He’s consumed by grief and, as portrayed brilliantly by Molina, is a decidedly grumpy and irritable man. He’s pushing away his daughter, Claire (Jena Malone), who is struggling with the loss of her mother, and finds fault with everything his neighbors do. Jack (Bill Pullman) is overly friendly, Renee (Geena Davis) is too boisterous, and Wally (Denis O’Hare) is too blunt. Meanwhile, Art (Clarke Peters) and Judy (Alfre Woodard), a married couple, are dealing with their own issues – his constant marijuana use and her emotional withdrawal – and Sam wants nothing to do with their drama.

Sam’s quiet life is disrupted when he witnesses something inexplicable at a neighbor’s house, and that neighbor soon dies. This sets him on a path to uncover the truth. The first half of the eight-episode series introduces several storylines for the characters. Some are fairly predictable, like a romance between Renee and a younger security guard, while others are surprisingly touching, such as Art’s sincere quest for meaning. Wally’s story, a doctor haunted by past losses, is particularly poignant. As is common with Netflix shows, the plot really takes off around the fourth episode, when these separate stories begin to connect and the residents realize they’re all investigating the same mysteries. The series does suffer from some typical Netflix issues – a lack of clear explanation about the world it’s built in, villains who aren’t fully developed, and an ending that leaves things open for a potential second season.

Despite some silly-looking special effects, The Boroughs excels at creating the right atmosphere. Creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews skillfully balance frightening moments with quieter, more emotional scenes. Two standout elements are Sam’s disturbing visions of Lily – which could be memories or a sign of his deteriorating mental state – and the surprisingly touching friendship between Art and a crow named Brooksy, where they discuss life’s big questions. While described as ‘misfits,’ the characters actually feel relatable and lonely. Their loneliness, in a world that often values possessions and careers, is surprisingly common. When the show slows down, it powerfully explores the anxieties of finding meaning in life.

Netflix’s promotion of The Boroughs openly acknowledges its resemblance to Stranger Things, which is fitting since the Duffer Brothers, who created Stranger Things, also executive produced this new series. Like Stranger Things, The Boroughs draws heavily from the style of classic Amblin Entertainment films, with a playful score reminiscent of John Williams, a retro-futuristic suburban setting, and visual effects that mimic an old VHS tape. The show features mysterious monsters, a town hiding dark secrets, and a scene where the main characters arm themselves with unusual weapons for a final stand. Given the way The Boroughs has been advertised, viewers might expect a simple rehash of the first season of Stranger Things – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The series definitely delivers a similar wave of nostalgia, lovingly showcasing details like old tube TVs, vinyl records, classic cars, and diners, complete with unenthusiastic staff and less-than-stellar fries.

While Stranger Things initially pointed out that our fondness for the 80s often ignores the anxieties and fears of that time, The Boroughs focuses on the hidden challenges facing people in their later years today. The series highlights the isolation that comes with aging – being overlooked by family and society, and dealing with declining health. Characters sometimes lose themselves, but more often they are forgotten by others, creating a consistently sad and reflective mood. Despite enjoying life – smoking, having affairs, and socializing – the characters in The Boroughs are aware of their limited time and constantly struggle with how to spend it. They question difficult choices like assisted suicide, consider making a difference in a world they’ve benefitted from (even if it means sacrifice), and grapple with their legacy. The series asks when and at what cost baby boomers will start prioritizing future generations, and how much more is expected of them.

Netflix has a history of shows featuring older characters, like Grace and Frankie, The Kominsky Method, A Man on the Inside, and The Thursday Murder Club. The Boroughs explores similar themes, and could have delved deeper into the relationships between its characters—particularly the communication issues between Sam and Claire after a loss, and the complacency between Art and Judy. What makes The Boroughs stand out is its realistic portrayal of conflict not just between generations, but within them, as characters grapple with their own mortality. The strong performances from the experienced cast make even the show’s more outlandish monster elements enjoyable, and elevate its thoughtful exploration of life’s purpose as we age. The show’s relatable themes—more so than its references to films like E.T., Thelma & Louise, and the music of Bruce Springsteen—are what truly draw you into the world of The Boroughs, making it feel like home, even with all the creatures lurking around.

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2026-05-21 20:55