‘Stranger Things’ Creators Drop New Series — Critics Give It a Near Perfect Score

Netflix has released a new sci-fi series called The Boroughs, and early reactions from critics are very positive. The show premiered on May 21 and comes from creators Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, with executive production by The Duffer Brothers, the team behind Stranger Things.

According to early reporting from Netflix updates and entertainment outlets tracking critic screenings, the series is already getting attention for its mix of mystery, science fiction, and emotional storytelling set in a retirement community.

Review data shared by Rotten Tomatoes shows the series holding a 94% approval rating, with an average score of 8 out of 10. Metacritic also reports a score of 72 out of 100 based on 13 reviews, which points to generally favorable reactions from critics overall.

Critics say the show stands out because it takes a familiar sci-fi mystery idea and builds it around older characters instead of the usual teen or young adult focus. The setting and tone are being described as unusual but effective, especially in how it mixes suspense with emotional depth.

Gavia Baker-Whitelaw from TV Guide said the series balances emotion and story well. She wrote, “The Boroughs has more than enough wit and emotional depth to carry us through some more predictable plot points.”

Simon Gallagher from ComicBook.com highlighted the nostalgic feel of the show and its connection to older sci-fi storytelling. He described it as “a witty, charming ode to great 1990s sci-fi stories, with a big slice of Stephen King thrown in.”

Other critics focused on the deeper themes running through the series. Archi Sengupta from LeisureByte.com said the show goes beyond typical monster mystery storytelling and explores human experiences. He wrote that it “transforms a familiar monster mystery into an emotional story about ageing, grief, and invisibility.”

Jonathon Wilson from Ready Steady Cut also pointed out that the characters feel central to the story, especially in how they reflect fears about aging and life changes.

Nick Schager from The Daily Beast described the series as a potential surprise hit, calling it a “consistently surprising new-by-way-of-old-school genre affair.” Karina Adelgaard from Heaven of Horror also praised the tone of the show, noting its mix of classic sci-fi inspiration and emotional storytelling.

Overall, early reviews suggest that The Boroughs works because it blends sci-fi mystery with real human emotion. Instead of focusing only on action or horror, the show takes time to explore aging, memory, loneliness, and connection between people.

With strong scores and positive early feedback, The Boroughs is already being talked about as one of Netflix’s more interesting sci-fi releases of 2026.

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