Netflix’s Head of UCAN Scripted Series, Jinny Howe, has addressed the streamer’s decision to scrap The Boroughs after one season.
Netflix chief Jinny Howe says “a lot of different factors” went into cancelling The Boroughs.
The streaming giant scrapped Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer’s sci-fi series – which the superstar siblings executive produced – after just one season, having debuted with a big budget to strong reviews but soft ratings.
Jinny Howe, Netflix’s Head of UCAN Scripted Series, told Deadline: “There’s so many factors that go into when we ultimately decide that we’re not going to be able to bring a show back; it’s something we’re really thoughtful and considerate about.
“I know you know that there were a lot of different factors that weighed into that decision in particular.”
Howe added that Netflix remains “really proud of that show”, even if it didn’t earn a second season.
She said: “We’re really, really proud of that show, we think they delivered a very entertaining cinematic experience for many, many people who loved it.”
According to a report from Deadline last month, the streamer decided not to continue with a second season of The Boroughs despite talks about renewing the show.
A writers room had opened for a potential season two, while sources also claimed that at one point, there was a suggestion of filming season two and three back-to-back.
The Boroughs, which was created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, had positive reviews, but modest ratings against a sizeable budget thanks to special effects and an all-star cast featuring the likes of Alfred Molina, Geena Davis and Alfre Woodard.
The logline for the show read: “In a seemingly perfect retirement community, a grieving newcomer’s monstrous encounter inspires him to join a misfit crew of unlikely heroes who uncover a dark secret that proves their ‘golden years’ are more dangerous, and they are more formidable, than anyone expect.”
Around the same time as the cancellation was reported, Paramount confirmed the Duffers’ mysterious next project will be released on November 3, 2028.
It will mark their first since leaving Netflix after a decade to launch a new four-year exclusive deal with Paramount, which will span movie, TV and streaming projects.
The duo will write and direct what the studio is describing as an event film, while plot details are being kept closely under wraps.
Netflix insist The Boroughs cancellation came down to ‘so many factors’
