The Boroughs: Netflix Unveils Duffer Brothers’ Next Supernatural Adventure with First Images and Release Date

The Boroughs: First Glimpse at Netflix’s Bold New Supernatural Series

With Stranger Things wrapping up its journey, the Duffer Brothers are not slowing down. Their newest project, The Boroughs, is set to premiere globally on Netflix on May 21, thrusting viewers into a world where the supernatural invades an otherwise quiet retirement community.

An Unlikely Band of Heroes Takes Center Stage

What sets The Boroughs apart is its refreshing cast of protagonists: retirees facing extraordinary circumstances. Rather than centering the action on teenagers, as in their earlier work, the Duffers collaborate with Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews—the creative team behind The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. This collaboration brings together a show packed with emotional depth, comedic moments, and of course, eerie suspense.

Alfred Molina leads the cast as Sam Cooper, a recently widowed retiree grappling with his place in the world. He is joined by acclaimed actors Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Denis O’Hare, Clarke Peters, and Bill Pullman, each portraying members of a retirement community drawn together when a cosmic threat emerges. The first look at the series, with images released by Netflix, paints a picture of camaraderie and tension—Molina, Davis, O’Hare, Peters, and Pullman’s characters unravel mysteries and muster strength few would expect from their age group.

Behind The Scenes: A Blend of Horror, Heart, and Humor

Addiss and Matthews describe The Boroughs as the ideal crossroads of their childhood fascinations: monsters and the mysteries of old age. ‘From the beginning, we knew we wanted The Boroughs to feel equal parts scary, mysterious, exciting and emotional,’ they share. A show about retirees fighting monsters might sound tongue-in-cheek, but both showrunners—and the Duffers—are adamant: the narrative treats aging with authenticity and respect, never as the butt of a joke.

‘It’s a story about belonging and growing up—no matter your age,’ emphasize the Duffers, drawing parallels to the core spirit of Stranger Things: it’s not just about what lurks in the shadows but the resilience and heart of those who confront them.

What truly stands out is the multigenerational appeal. The creators specifically hope to bridge generations, crafting a story for teens, parents, and grandparents to enjoy together. ‘Everyone talks about wanting to make a show that teenagers can watch with their parents. We wanted to make one that teenagers could watch with their parents and their grandparents that everyone could enjoy.’

An All-Star Ensemble Ready to Deliver Nuance and Surprise

Collectively, the principal cast boasts what the showrunners estimate is over 350 years of acting mastery. This experience translates on screen with emotional nuance, wit, and gravitas. Early hints suggest Sam Cooper’s grief and search for purpose will provide a deeply human lens for the series’ supernatural happenings—planting emotional stakes as high as those seen in Netflix’s most beloved genre titles.

The Duffers Expand Their Netflix Legacy

The Boroughs isn’t the only project to look forward to from the Duffers. The duo is also executive producing the horror miniseries Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen (debuting March 26), as well as Stranger Things: Tales’ from 85 (arriving April 23). Alongside The Boroughs’ May launch, fans of suspense, horror, and heartfelt storytelling have something new to anticipate each month.

With The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance earning high praise—boasting a Tomatometer score of 89% and a Popcornmeter audience score of 94%—expectations are high for Addiss and Matthews’s next chapter. Yet, unlike Age of Resistance, The Boroughs isn’t tethered to an existing franchise. These new heroes, stories, and monsters carve their own path, demonstrating how original tales can still seize the cultural imagination in the streaming age.

Keep an eye on Netflix for more details and exclusive looks as The Boroughs approaches its much-anticipated release date. With legends like Molina and Davis alongside Showrunner-Producer powerhouses, the series is primed to charm, thrill, and surprise audiences of all ages.