Netflix’s New Sci-Fi Series From ‘Stranger Things’ Creators, ‘The Boroughs,’ Lands Rotten Tomatoes Score — Early Reviews Are In
Netflix’s new sci-fi series The Boroughs has arrived with strong early reactions from critics, and the overall response is very positive. The show premiered on May 21, and it is created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, with production support from The Duffer Brothers, known for their work on Stranger Things. The series is already getting attention for its mix of mystery, sci-fi horror, and emotional storytelling set inside a retirement community.
According to the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, as reported by Netflix and entertainment media outlets covering early critic screenings, The Boroughs currently holds a 100% approval rating based on 6 reviews, with an average score of 8 out of 10. Metacritic also shows a favorable response with a score of 72 out of 100 based on 13 critics, which indicates generally positive reviews overall.
Critics are mainly praising the show for its emotional depth and its unusual setting. Gavia Baker-Whitelaw from TV Guide describes it as a series with strong emotional grounding and characters that feel believable.
She notes, “The Boroughs has more than enough wit and emotional depth to carry us through some more predictable plot points.” Simon Gallagher from ComicBook.com also highlights its nostalgic sci-fi feel, calling it “a witty, charming ode to great 1990s sci-fi stories, with a big slice of Stephen King thrown in.”
Other reviewers are focusing on how the series mixes genre storytelling with deeper themes like aging, loneliness, and time. Archi Sengupta from LeisureByte.com writes that the show “transforms a familiar monster mystery into an emotional story about ageing, grief, and invisibility.” Jonathon Wilson from Ready Steady Cut also points out that the characters feel central to the story, saying they reflect real fears about life and its later stages.
Nick Schager from The Daily Beast adds that the series feels like a surprise hit in the making, calling it a “consistently surprising new-by-way-of-old-school genre affair.” Meanwhile, Karina Adelgaard from Heaven of Horror praises its tone and inspiration, describing it as a blend of classic sci-fi influences and emotional storytelling.
Overall, critics seem to agree that The Boroughs stands out because it uses a familiar sci-fi mystery setup but builds it around older characters dealing with real emotional struggles. Instead of focusing only on action or horror, the show explores themes of memory, aging, and connection.
With strong early scores and mostly positive reviews, The Boroughs is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s more talked-about sci-fi releases of 2026.
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