Netflix’s New Sci-Fi Series ‘The Boroughs’ Lands 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Netflix’s new sci-fi series The Boroughs has debuted to strong early reactions from critics, with an overwhelmingly positive response. Premiering on May 21, the show 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 gaining attention for its blend of mystery, sci-fi horror, and emotional storytelling set within a retirement community.
According to the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, as reported by Netflix and various entertainment media outlets covering early critic screenings, The Boroughs currently boasts a 100% approval rating based on 6 reviews, with an average score of 8 out of 10. Metacritic also reflects a favorable response, showing a score of 72 out of 100 based on 13 critics, indicating generally positive reviews overall.
Critics are particularly praising the show for its emotional depth and unique setting. Gavia Baker-Whitelaw from TV Guide describes it as a series with strong emotional grounding and characters that feel authentic. 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 intertwines genre storytelling with deeper themes such as 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 narrative, reflecting 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, describing it as a “consistently surprising new-by-way-of-old-school genre affair.” Meanwhile, Karina Adelgaard from Heaven of Horror praises its tone and inspiration, calling it a blend of classic sci-fi influences and emotional storytelling.
Overall, critics seem to agree that The Boroughs stands out by using a familiar sci-fi mystery setup while centering on older characters grappling with real emotional struggles. Rather than focusing solely on action or horror, the show delves into themes of memory, aging, and connection.
With impressive early scores and predominantly positive reviews, The Boroughs is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most talked-about sci-fi releases of 2026.
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