Netflix has cancelled ‘The Boroughs’, marking another frustrating cancellation for fans who were invested in the sci-fi series. The decision came despite the show boasting strong early viewership numbers and critical acclaim, as well as creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews having publicly stated their vision for three seasons.According to Forbes, the cancellation is particularly notable given that a writer’s room for season 2 was already in motion at the time the decision was made.
What ‘The Boroughs’ was about
The series follows retirees as they investigate a monster infestation in their senior living community. The cast featured an ensemble cast including Alfre Woodard, Alfred Molina and Geena Davis, and the show blended comedy, adventure and occasional horror elements into what many described as compelling viewing.
The ensemble cast of ‘The Boroughs’ featured stars including Alfre Woodard, Alfred Molina and Geena Davis.
‘The Boroughs’ was also notable as one of the last projects on the platform that would have involved the Duffer brothers, who are departing for a rival streaming platform in the coming months.
The viewership numbers that sealed its fate
Despite a strong initial reception, the show’s viewership declined sharply between its first and second weeks. The series already hit 9.5 million views in its first week, but then it fell to 3.7 million views in week 2, which apparently wasn’t enough to keep the platform pleased.
Alfre Woodard and Alfred Molina starred as retirees investigating mysterious events in their senior living community in ‘The Boroughs’.
The cancellation is part of the streaming service’s metrics-driven success, which has been criticised for its focus on a cost-to-viewership ratio and completion rates over critical reception and cultural impact.
A part of an overall trend
The Boroughs is one of a number of science fiction and drama series that have been left unfinished on the platform, including ‘Altered Carbon’ and ‘1899’, which was produced by ‘Dark’ producer/creators Wakefield Smith and Bryan King.
