Netflix Just Released its Stranger Things Replacement (& It Already Has a Near-Perfect Score)

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While Stranger Things might not be remembered as perfectly as it once seemed, it still set the standard for ambitious science fiction shows, and it will likely remain that benchmark until something truly groundbreaking comes along. Surprisingly, few shows have directly copied its style, but it definitely helped bring more attention back to the sci-fi genre as a whole – which is great news for fans like us.

Netflix is hoping to recapture the magic of Stranger Things with its new series, The Boroughs, created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews. Instead of focusing on kids solving a mystery, this 8-episode show centers on a group of seniors in their 60s and 70s who become entangled in a strange and unsettling secret within their seemingly idyllic retirement community. The series features deaths, monsters, and a complex conspiracy, clearly drawing inspiration from the same Steven Spielberg and Stephen King influences that made Stranger Things a hit – the Duffer Brothers are even involved as executive producers. It’s a strong show – I gave it 4 stars in my review – and critics agree, with a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Boroughs is Your Next Sci-Fi Binge Watch

The eight-episode series, The Boroughs, quickly throws you into a mysterious story. It begins with a suspenseful prologue featuring Dee Wallace (known from ET), reminiscent of the opening scene in Scream. We then meet Sam, played by Alfred Molina, a retired engineer who moved to the seemingly perfect community of The Boroughs after his wife signed them up, but she sadly passed away before the move. Stuck with the agreement, Sam joins the community and is welcomed by its residents: Jack (Bill Pullman), Wally (Denis O’Hare), Art (Clarke Peters), Judy (Alfre Woodard), and Renee (Geena Davis). When a death occurs and Sam sees something monstrous, the group bands together to solve the mystery and uncover a dark secret hidden beneath the community’s peaceful facade.

This sci-fi series is a lot like Stranger Things – it has a similar feel but is a bit more lighthearted, though it still has some intense and graphic moments. It’s witty, has a captivating story that pays homage to 1990s sci-fi, and is highly recommended. With only eight episodes, it’s perfect for a weekend binge. Like Stranger Things, it focuses on character development and relationships, but this show uses a team of retired superheroes to explore important themes like elder abuse and how society often overlooks older people. What’s really impressive is that it balances these serious issues with exciting, mystery-filled action reminiscent of classic Amblin films.

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2026-05-21 19:19