In a surprising turn of events, Netflix has canceled The Boroughs. The sci-fi series premiered last month and, despite reportedly strong viewership, Netflix has decided to move on.
Developed and produced by Matt and Ross Duffer through their Upside Down Pictures production studio, The Boroughs marked the duo's first major series following the end of Stranger Things. Given the comparisons — many described The Boroughs as Stranger Things with adults — and the talent involved, from the cast to series creators and showrunners Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews of Off Franklin Productions, its rapid cancellation after premiering just last month comes as a bit of a surprise, especially given its reception.
The Boroughs got off to a strong start, debuting at No. 2 on Netflix's English-language TV chart before climbing to No. 1 in its first full week with 9.5 million views. Viewership gradually declined over the following weeks, and the series was canceled on June 17, the day after Netflix released its fourth-week stats. Nielsen's streaming charts also had it at No. 2 in its debut week, behind Netflix's Nemesis.
The Boroughs was also lauded by critics and fans alike. Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive 97%, critics wrote that it "exudes excellence through its wonderfully plotted sci-fi trappings, star-studded cast, heartfelt narrative, and genuine ingenuity; a new classic through-and-through."
Audiences were slightly less impressed, giving it a 79% on the Popcornmeter, though it was still described as a "slightly addictive sci-fi, creature mystery." And while the series may have been geared toward an older demographic, it still boasted "a rewarding, star-studded binge steeped in atmosphere and corny charm, with broad appeal."
Given all of this positive momentum, what caused Netflix to cancel The Boroughs?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, multiple factors were in play, one being cost. Sci-fi is notoriously expensive to produce, and according to one source, The Boroughs cost about $10 million per episode. However, another source said the real number is "materially higher."
"Netflix weighs viewership directly against cost when making pickup and cancellation decisions, and though The Boroughs did well, it wasn't quite Wednesday," THR writes.
Beyond cost, another major factor was the Duffer Brothers' decision to leave Netflix for a four-year deal at Paramount, which reportedly "rubbed high-ranking Netflix executives the wrong way." Netflix denied that the relationship had been strained, calling it a straightforward business decision. A source close to the Duffers says the brothers still have a good relationship with Netflix and have multiple projects in development there.
As for the timing, the cancellation had nothing to do with Paramount's secret event movie with the Duffers. June 15 was simply the deadline for Netflix to extend the cast's options, which it declined to do, effectively ending the series.
According to multiple sources, Netflix has no desire to sell the series to a competitor.