If you've been feeling the void left by Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers have a new sci-fi mystery ready to fill it. Their latest Netflix series, The Boroughs, arrives next week, swapping the kids of Hawkins for a group of unlikely senior heroes in a New Mexico retirement community. And leading the charge is two-time Emmy nominee Alfred Molina, trading his Spider-Man villain days for a role as a grumpy widower who just wants to be left alone.
In an exclusive new image from the series, Molina's character Sam Cooper is seen at a welcome party in the idyllic Boroughs—a pristine community with manicured lawns, friendly neighbors, and endless activities. But Sam isn't interested in the balloons or small talk. Instead, he's staring intently at something in the sky, hinting at the otherworldly terror lurking beneath the surface.
A Retirement Community with a Dark Secret
Created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (the duo behind the acclaimed The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance), The Boroughs follows Sam as he moves into what looks like paradise. But soon after settling in, he has a terrifying encounter with an inexplicable creature. Dismissed by staff as just a confused old man, Sam finds allies among his neighbors: a former journalist, a spiritual seeker, a cynical music manager, and an ingenious doctor. Together, they become unlikely heroes, uncovering both wonders and horrors beneath the community's surface.
The series treats its senior characters with respect, refusing to make age the punchline. As Addiss told Tudum, 'It is part of why they are our heroes.' The show explores how time—whether you have decades left or just a few years—shapes our choices. Matthews added, 'No one knows how much time they have left. Everyone of every age is trying to figure out what to do with the time they have left.'
A Stellar Cast of Veterans
Alongside Molina, the cast is a who's who of beloved actors: Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Denis O'Hare, Clarke Peters, Bill Pullman, Carlos Miranda, Jena Malone, Seth Numrich, and Alice Kremelberg. Rounding out the ensemble are Ed Begley Jr., Dee Wallace, Eric Edelstein, Rafael Casal, Mousa Hussein Kraish, Beth Bailey, Karan Soni, and Jane Kaczmarek. It's a lineup that brings gravitas and depth to characters often underestimated in Hollywood.
For fans of the Duffer Brothers' signature blend of sci-fi, mystery, and heart, The Boroughs promises a fresh take on the genre. And if you're looking for more to watch, check out our May 15 binge guide for three Netflix shows to devour this weekend, or explore some forgotten Netflix gems that are perfect from start to finish.
The Boroughs premieres on Netflix on May 21. Stay tuned for more exclusive looks at upcoming titles from our summer preview series.
