Netflix’s sci-fi series “The Boroughs” climbed to No. 1 on Nielsen’s streaming charts with 1.74 billion minutes in the week of May 25—three weeks before it was canceled. The show’s early performance impressed enough to pull in more younger viewers, but Netflix
Three weeks before “The Boroughs” was canceled on Netflix, it was already making its case on Nielsen’s streaming charts.
In its first full week of availability, the sci-fi series reached the top position, climbing to No. 1 in the week of May 25 with 1.74 billion minutes. That total was up 45% from the previous week, when the show landed at No. 2 behind Netflix’s “Nemesis.”
The show’s viewership pattern showed an uneven pull. After its debut week, it picked up some younger audiences—rising from 11% among adults 18-34 to 15%. Still, Nielsen data showed the audience remained concentrated in the 50+ range, with 31% among the 50-64 bracket.
Netflix had reason to celebrate the headline numbers. and the series did arrive with strong debut ratings for a typical Netflix release. But the streamer decided not to pursue a Season 2, citing low audience retention and high production costs. That decision landed with a jolt for fans—and it sparked public backlash from series stars Geena Davis and Denis O’Hare.
“The Boroughs” was created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews and produced by the Duffer Brothers. It was led by an ensemble cast including Alfred Molina. Geena Davis. Denis O’Hare. Alfre Woodard. Clarke Peters. and Jena Malone. among others. The story centers on a friend group at a retirement community working together to uncover a dark conspiracy in their midst.
The Nielsen charts also showed what else was competing for attention that week. Prime Video and MGM+ series “Spider-Noir,” from Sony Pictures Television, premiered on May 25 and took the No. 4 spot overall, behind perennial hits “Bluey” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” with 851 million minutes. Paramount’s “Dutton Ranch” landed at No. 6 overall and No. 3 in the streaming originals chart with a series high of 782 million minutes.
Apple TV’s “Your Friends and Neighbors” reached its highest ranking to date at No. 8 on the originals chart with Season 2’s penultimate episode, reaching 387 million minutes. Hulu’s “The Testaments. ” a sequel series of “The Handmaid’s Tale. ” debuted on the chart with 377 million minutes as the Season 1 finale dropped—by that point. the series had already been renewed for Season 2.
For “The Boroughs,” the figures came early. The weekly chart surge and the spike in adult 18-34 viewership did not translate into a second season—leaving the same tension fans have been voicing since the cancellation: how can a show that tops Nielsen’s minutes not survive the next decision?
The Boroughs Netflix cancellation Nielsen streaming charts 1.74 billion minutes Jeffrey Addiss Will Matthews Duffer Brothers Geena Davis Denis O’Hare Alfred Molina Alfre Woodard Clarke Peters Jena Malone Spider-Noir Bluey Grey’s Anatomy Dutton Ranch Your Friends and Neighbors The Testaments