Netflix Reveals First Look at ‘The Boroughs’ From Stranger Things Creators

Netflix has shared the first images from its upcoming mystery series “The Boroughs,” a new supernatural drama from the creators of Stranger Things.

The eight-episode series is executive produced by The Duffer Brothers and will premiere on May 21.

A Retirement Community With a Dark Secret

“The Boroughs” follows a group of retirees living in a quiet community who uncover a chilling secret after a grieving newcomer arrives.

Alfred Molina stars as Sam Cooper, a widower struggling with an existential crisis after the death of his wife. When strange events begin unfolding, Sam and his fellow residents are pulled into a mystery that mixes heart, humor and horror.

The ensemble cast includes:

• Geena Davis

• Alfre Woodard

• Denis O'Hare

• Clarke Peters

• Bill Pullman

According to the creators, the combined experience of the cast brings “something like 350 years of craft” to the show.

A ‘Cocoon’-Style Story With a Supernatural Twist

The series was created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, who previously worked on The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.

The Duffer Brothers said they were inspired by Cocoon, the 1985 film directed by Ron Howard. They noted that few projects since have centered older characters in a meaningful, adventurous way.

Unlike many stories that treat aging as a joke, “The Boroughs” focuses on older characters as complex individuals facing real-life struggles — along with some very real supernatural threats.

While the characters may be older than the kids in Stranger Things, the Duffers say the spirit is similar. Instead of bikes, these heroes ride golf carts — but the themes of friendship, belonging and growing up remain at the heart of the story.

Creative Team Behind the Series

The show is produced by Upside Down Pictures, with the Duffer Brothers and Hilary Leavitt serving as executive producers.

Ben Taylor directs multiple episodes and also serves as an executive producer. Additional episodes are directed by Augustine Frizzell and Kyle Patrick Alvarez.

The creators describe the tone as a mix of scary, mysterious, exciting and emotional — blending adventure and heart with genuine scares.

When Does ‘The Boroughs’ Premiere?

All eight episodes of “The Boroughs” will debut on Netflix on May 21.

With an acclaimed cast and the creative team behind one of Netflix’s biggest hits, the series is shaping up to be a fresh take on supernatural storytelling — this time with retirees at the center of the adventure.