Netflix’s The Boroughs is The Best Steven Spielberg Series He Never Made (Review)

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You’ll likely hear a couple of things about Netflix’s new sci-fi show, The Boroughs. First, people will probably mention Steven Spielberg – it strongly evokes the feel of his classic Amblin films, but with a unique spin. Second, comparisons to Stranger Things are inevitable, both because the Duffer Brothers (who made Stranger Things) produced it, and because it shares that same nostalgic, suburban sci-fi vibe: a group of unlikely heroes banding together to fight something supernatural. And most likely, people will also say it’s a good show.

This show centers around a group of friends – Sam (Alfred Molina), the grumpy traditionalist; Jack (Bill Pullman), the athletic one; Wally (Denis O’Hare), the eccentric and cool guy; Art (Clarke Peters), the laid-back type (with his wife Judy, played by Alfre Woodard, acting as the mother figure); and Renee (Geena Davis), the attractive and spirited one. Their lives take a strange turn when Sam moves to the seemingly idyllic retirement community of The Boroughs, and residents start mysteriously dying. A conspiracy begins to unfold, and the result is a clever and endearing story that feels like a throwback to classic 1990s sci-fi, with a touch of Stephen King. If you enjoy this type of genre fiction, you’ll likely love it.

Rating: 4 out of 5

PROS CONS
An exceptional cast from top to bottom The story feels a touch familiar
Knowing – and very loving – sci-fi references that feel like a love letter to Spielberg It does occasionally get a little silly
It’s lots of fun, has comic moments and lots of heart

The Boroughs is King + Spielberg + Stranger Things

It’s easy to spot the influences of films like E.T. and others in The Boroughs, but the show stands on its own. The series begins with a prologue featuring Dee Wallace, known for her role in E.T., immediately establishing a suspenseful, alien-themed tone. We’re then introduced to a group of compelling characters who are all facing the later stages of their lives. The cast is fantastic, bringing a charming and relatable quality to each personality, even those with quirks. While Sam, played by Molina, is understandably reserved after his wife’s death (played by Jane Kaczmarek), the actors’ chemistry is so strong it makes even the more unusual parts of the story work.

The show initially presents a seemingly idyllic, almost too-perfect town – reminiscent of shows like Eerie Indiana and Stepford Wives – but that illusion is quickly shattered by a shocking death. We follow Sam as he moves into a new neighborhood and is quickly brought into the fold by a group of friends who reveal his life isn’t what he thought it was. Soon, they uncover monsters lurking within the community and a larger conspiracy that this makeshift group of friends must solve. Adding to the mix are personal storylines, like Sam being haunted by his late wife. Despite some slower moments focused on character development, the show delivers a compelling and mysterious setup that keeps you hooked.

The Boroughs Inverts a Very Famous Sci-Fi/Fantasy Trope

As a big fan of shows like Stranger Things, I’ve been really drawn to how The Boroughs handles a similar idea. Stranger Things wasn’t just about monsters and the end of the world, it was also about what it’s like to be a kid and feel unseen. The Boroughs takes that feeling and applies it to older people – the idea that they’re just as easily overlooked. The creators intentionally made the main characters elderly because they wanted to highlight how society often dismisses its seniors. It’s a brilliant move, and honestly, it even reminded me of Cocoon! Like the kids in Stranger Things, these heroes are ignored simply because of their age. What I really appreciate is that the show offers a really insightful commentary on ageism without being preachy. It’s subtle and makes the message even more powerful.

The elderly heroes in this story each bring a unique skill from their past careers to help with their current mission: Sam is an engineer, Wally a doctor, Judy a journalist, Jack a former TV star, and Renee, a no-nonsense music manager. Art… has other contributions, let’s say. The entire cast delivers fantastic performances, and it’s hard to single anyone out. However, Denis O’Hare provides some great humor, and Molina is, as always, excellent, portraying a character whose calm exterior hides a simmering anger about feeling forgotten and useless.

The show features a great supporting cast, and describing them without revealing too much is tricky. Bill Pullman is joined by Seth Numrich, who plays Blaine Shaw, the CEO of the retirement community, and Alice Kremelberg as his wife, Anneliese. As you might expect, they aren’t who they appear to be, and their characters offer a commentary on elder abuse, though presented in a very unusual way. Jena Malone plays Sam’s daughter, while Carlos Miranda portrays a security guard who is also Renee’s lover. Eric Edelstein plays another, less friendly security guard, and Ed Begley Jr. makes a brief but important appearance as a resident with Alzheimer’s who holds a key to the mystery.

John Paesano’s music deserves a lot of credit as well. He created a score inspired by the emotional orchestral music of the 1980s, and it’s a wonderfully nostalgic experience – I’d happily listen to it even without the film. “Sam’s Theme” is especially beautiful. The soundtrack itself is also fantastic, featuring songs that perfectly capture the characters’ pasts, and the final song is a particularly moving choice that enhances the emotional impact of Sam’s story.

Final Thoughts on The Boroughs

Despite drawing inspiration from other shows, The Boroughs manages to be genuinely enjoyable. The acting is consistently strong, and while the story is somewhat outlandish, it’s still captivating – reminiscent of The Twilight Zone. It’s also noticeably less grim than the later seasons of Stranger Things. A key strength is its grounding in reality, even with supernatural happenings, which feels more believable than the increasingly fantastical direction of Stranger Things. This is a definite plus for the show.

The main drawback is that the plot is somewhat predictable and relies heavily on familiar tropes. Things also escalate into chaos rather quickly, and some of the monster designs later on feel inconsistent. The ending is a bit confusing, too. While the show can be slow-paced at times, which might not appeal to all viewers, it’s still highly enjoyable. The characters and acting are strong enough to make the unusual choice of casting older actors instead of children completely worthwhile. It’s actually ironic that this creative choice even needs to be explained.

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2026-05-21 15:11