Oh, what a great time to be a sci-fi fan. Netflix’s new series “The Boroughs” is now streaming, and after hearing about it a couple of months back, I knew it was one I needed to watch. Having seen the entire first season already, I can confidently say I need more of this world on Netflix, because it turned out to be a gripping sci-fi adventure wrapped in a nostalgic sense of wonder you don’t see enough of on TV nowadays.
Tom’s Guide Verdict: ‘The Boroughs’
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Verdict: “The Boroughs” is a genre-blending sci-fi throwback that feels like a mash-up of classic blockbuster influences, and while that familiarity could feel simple, it’s its greatest strength. Anchored by a warm ensemble, rich character work, and a nostalgic Spielbergian sense of wonder, it delivers a bingeable, emotionally resonant, and visually cinematic mystery.
- Where to watch: “The Boroughs” is streaming on Netflix
Not only does “The Boroughs” come from executive producers the Duffer Brothers, the minds behind “Stranger Things,” but it also leans more into a Steven Spielberg-like feel. Instead of a retro period piece, it plays out as a fast-paced, modern-day adventure that embodies the witty energy of 1980s classics like “The Goonies.” The series also features a legendary lineup of veteran Hollywood actors playing the core group, including lead Alfred Molina.
If you’re looking for just one series to binge-watch this weekend, I urge you to add “The Boroughs” to your Netflix watchlist. Here’s everything to know about this new sci-fi mystery and why it’s a real cosmic treat.
What is ‘The Boroughs’ about?
“The Boroughs” is set in a quiet retirement community in the New Mexico desert and follows Sam Cooper (Alfred Molina), a grieving newcomer who arrives expecting a peaceful, fresh start. Instead, he quickly discovers strange occurrences hidden beneath the neighborhood’s calm surface.
After a terrifying encounter with an otherworldly creature, Sam teams up with a group of residents, including Judy (Alfre Woodard), Renee (Geena Davis), Art (Clarke Peters) and Wally (Denis O’Hare), who begin uncovering secrets tied to the community itself.
As more disappearances and unexplained phenomena start piling up in The Boroughs, the group realizes something dangerous is lurking nearby, and it’s stealing precious time.
‘The Boroughs’ is not just about the aliens
The biggest compliment I can give “The Boroughs” is that it feels like a mash-up of sci-fi classics you’ve seen before, and while some may see that as basic, it’s actually the show’s biggest strength. Even though the characters, story, and community are all compelling in their own right, it’s the energy of the series that left me with a warm feeling after every episode and a deep hole once I finished the final one. To put it simply, “The Boroughs” is pure genre-bending escapism ripped straight from the golden age of blockbuster sci-fi.
Of course, as with a lot of nostalgic sci-fi, we first meet a withdrawn protagonist in the form of Sam Cooper, who moves into the retirement community of The Boroughs after the loss of his wife. Though it’s against his will (since they had invested all their money into the move together), he has no choice but to settle in and try to adjust. That includes bonding with his charming neighbor Jack (Bill Pullman), and as Sam begins to warm up to the place and its residents, he soon realizes an alien threat is lurking within the community. Honestly, anything with aliens and I’m on board.
But while the aliens are the driving force of the mystery, acting as a shadowy threat that we only learn small fragments about each episode, it’s everything else surrounding this supernatural presence that makes “The Boroughs” feel so distinct. Much of that comes down to the characters, with the showrunners doing a great job of never treating aging as a punchline. Instead, Sam and his new group of friends are all dealing with grief in different forms, whether that’s the loss of a loved one or the quiet regret of not having enough time to do the things they want. Molina, Woodard, O’Hare and the rest of the cast beautifully explore the idea of finding purpose later in life.
“The Boroughs” does have plenty of mystery, with some surprising twists arriving later in the series, so I don’t want to reveal too much. But there’s also a lot of heart in this community, along with plenty of comedy found in even the small, mundane moments of daily life. The Duffer Brothers clearly influence its cinematic, nostalgic sci-fi look, and as the characters learn more about the alien threat, some moments become visually stunning. The original score, composed by John Paesano, is just the cherry on top. His orchestral soundtrack was enough to give me chills.
Verdict: ‘The Boroughs’ is a seriously fun sci-fi series with a gripping mystery
Overall, “The Boroughs” should absolutely be on your watchlist. It’s not only seriously charming, but also a nostalgic treat for sci-fi fans. That said, for anyone going in expecting constant alien action, the series doesn’t make the threat its entire focus. Some episodes don’t feature it at all, as the show prioritizes its characters and their emotional journeys, especially as they uncover everything alongside the viewers.
It’s been a while since a show has charmed me like this, so “The Boroughs” was a nice surprise, and definitely Netflix’s best original series of 2026 so far. This is the type of content we need on the world’s biggest streaming service, and I’m hoping its inevitable rise to the No. 1 spot could lead to a second season (or even an anthology format), because I’ve completely fallen in love with this world.
Stream “The Boroughs” on Netflix now
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