(Image: Netflix)
Just days after "Stranger Things" creators, the Duffer Brothers, announced a mysterious new film with Paramount and Skydance set for a Thanksgiving release in two years, Netflix followed up with its own announcement: "The Boroughs," a new series executive produced by the duo, has been canceled and will not be renewed.
The cancellation news has left many confused, as "The Boroughs" earned strong critical acclaim, boasting a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and performed well with viewers, remaining in the Top 10 for English-language series for four consecutive weeks after its debut. Cast member Geena Davis expressed her frustration: "Fortunately, the producers of the show — who became very close friends — told us before it was announced, and we were all very disappointed. I honestly don't know what that's all about. I think it's very unusual for a show to be not renewed when it's still in the Top 10. We didn't see that coming."
(Image: Netflix)
According to sources cited by The Hollywood Reporter, the cancellation of "The Boroughs" was an act of retaliation. Netflix was reportedly unhappy with the Duffer Brothers for signing a deal with competitor Paramount Skydance, feeling the move made them "look bad" and straining the relationship. However, other sources refute this, insisting the decision was purely a business calculation and that Netflix's relationship with the Duffers remains amicable, with multiple projects still in collaboration.
Other insiders point to the show's high cost as the reason for its cancellation. With an average production budget of around $10 million per episode, Netflix was hoping "The Boroughs" would generate a viewership phenomenon on the level of "Wednesday." Ultimately, the streamer reportedly concluded that the show's ratings did not justify the significant financial investment.
(Image: Netflix)
Furthermore, some sources clarified that the timing of the cancellation announcement wasn't intentionally malicious. The news allegedly dropped shortly after the Duffer Brothers' film announcement simply because it coincided with the deadline to renew the cast's contracts, a decision Netflix debated until the last minute. These sources also mentioned that a revival for "The Boroughs" is highly unlikely, as Netflix owns the rights entirely. Unless the streamer decides to sell the series to another platform, it cannot be renewed elsewhere.