Netflix cancels – Netflix canceled sci-fi drama ‘The Boroughs’ after one season, even as it continued performing strongly on the streamer’s Top 10 charts—leaving cast members and viewers wondering how a hit slipped away.
The moment the cancellation news landed, Geena Davis said the cast still hadn’t been braced for it.
Netflix has canceled the sci-fi series “The Boroughs” after just one season, despite the show continuing to appear on the streamer’s top-watched charts. The series, which was executive produced by “Stranger Things” creators Matt and Ross Duffer, premiered May 21 and quickly drew attention.
Netflix’s own Top 10 data shows how fast that momentum built. “The Boroughs” debuted at No. 2 on the English-language TV chart with 5.6 million views in its first four days, then climbed to No. 1 the following week with 9.5 million views.
So what happened? Cost.
One report says the show’s budget was a major factor behind the decision. The Hollywood Reporter reported that the cost was about $10 million per episode based on one source, while another said the real figure was “materially higher.”
The price tag wasn’t the only potential pressure point mentioned. The same report said there may have been tension behind the scenes after the Duffer Brothers signed a four-year deal with Paramount—one source claiming the move “embarrassed” Netflix and that the relationship had been “tough” since then. Another source close to Netflix denied that rumor, saying the cancellation was simply a business decision.
There’s also a key deadline that helps explain why the show didn’t survive long enough for a last-minute rescue. June 15 was the deadline for Netflix to extend the cast options, and Netflix chose not to. With Netflix both the studio and the platform behind “The Boroughs” and owning the series outright. a revival elsewhere is considered unlikely. according to the reporting.
That left the cast reacting to a decision that didn’t match the show’s chart performance. Davis spoke out about the cancellation and said the actors were not expecting it.
“Honestly, I don’t know what happened,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “I think it’s probably rare for a show to not get picked up and to have it announced that it’s not being picked up while it’s still in the top 10.”
She added that the creators—Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews—were able to tell the cast before the news became public. saying. “Fortunately. the creators [Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews]. who became our dear. dear friends. were able to tell us before the news came out. and we’re all terribly disappointed.”.
For now, “The Boroughs” remains a one-season story—despite a start that put it near the top of Netflix’s own viewing rankings.
Netflix The Boroughs Geena Davis Matt Duffer Ross Duffer Stranger Things creators Jeffrey Addiss Will Matthews sci-fi series cancellation Netflix Top 10
Netflix canceling stuff that hits the charts is wild, like what more do they want??
It’s probably not “cost” it’s just Netflix being petty. Like if Stranger Things creators are involved then why would it fail? Sounds like internal drama or maybe they can’t keep up with the Top 10 numbers in time.
Wait I’m confused—so it was number 1 on Top 10 but still cancelled?? That deadline thing (June 15) makes it sound like they gave up before the show even finished being good. Also Geena Davis says they weren’t braced… so who decided? Netflix or the Duffer thing with Paramount??
I kinda believe the “materially higher” budget part because $10 million an episode sounds cheap for sci-fi with effects. But then they talk about a Paramount deal embarrassing Netflix and I’m like… so was it actually about money or about ego? Also if Netflix owns it outright why not just renew and ride the charts? Makes no sense to me.