Netflix’s New 8-Part Series That’s ‘Stranger Things For Adults’ Is The Perfect Weekend Binge

Netflix’s catalog of sci-fi shows continues to expand, and among its latest additions is an eight-part show that feels like the mature version of Stranger Things. Netflix has produced TV shows from different genres, with some of them now ranking among the best TV shows of all time. Some of Netflix’s best TV shows have been sci-fi ones, such as Dark, Love, Death & Robots, and Stranger Things, the latter being one of the streamer’s biggest and most popular shows to date.

As good as Stranger Things is, some viewers found it to be not as mature as it tried to sell itself, which prompted a search for shows in a similar style but with a more mature tone. While there are some shows that could meet those requirements, Netflix finally has its adult version of Stranger Things with its latest addition, The Boroughs. Created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, The Boroughs has Stranger Things’ creators the Duffer Brothers among its executive producers.

The initial critical reception of The Boroughs has been positive, with a 94% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes on its day of release. The Boroughs is a perfect weekend binge-watch as it’s only eight episodes long, with an engaging mystery and compelling characters that, despite their age, are quite relatable – and, as mentioned before, it’s a great watch for those looking for a more grown-up version of Stranger Things.

The Boroughs Is An Adult & More Obscure Version Of Stranger Things

The Boroughs takes viewers into the title retirement town, where residents have everything they need: from a community center, theaters, restaurants, and a golf course to a hospital and a mental institution they call The Manor. Sam Cooper (Alfred Molina) is a retired engineer who recently lost his wife, Lilly, with whom he was going to move to the Boroughs, but he ends up moving there by himself.

After trying to cancel his contract, Sam decides to stay in the Boroughs after meeting his neighbors and bonding with them. However, one night, he witnesses a monster feeding on one of them, who is later declared dead. With the help of his new friends, Sam is determined to find out what the monster is, why it’s targeting the town’s residents, and what’s behind the monster’s presence. The Boroughs, then, is focused on adult characters.

Now, as successful and popular as Stranger Things is, one of the biggest criticisms the show faced throughout its entire run is that it felt too “childish” or too aimed at a younger audience despite certain themes (like trauma and abuse). The show that’s often named as the “adult Stranger Things” is Netflix’s Dark, but The Boroughs has arrived to officially take that place.

Like Stranger Things, The Boroughs’ main mystery is centered on the presence of a monster that uses humans to survive, but unlike the show set in Hawkins, the one at the Boroughs centers on a group of retirees. With their different skills, knowledge, and experience, Sam and company end up making the perfect team, and together, they find a new purpose in the current phase of their lives.

Will The Boroughs Return For A Second Season?

Despite being just eight episodes long, The Boroughs manages to tell a complete story. At the end of The Boroughs, there are very few relevant loose ends and unanswered questions, and the one detail in the final sequence that raises some questions can be left open to interpretation. With that said, The Boroughs doesn’t really need a second season, but it can set up one if Netflix decides to continue exploring this unique town.

At the time of writing, it’s unknown if The Boroughs will be renewed for a second season, though the creators have already shared their plans for more seasons. Based solely on its early critical reception, there are big chances for The Boroughs to get a second season, but there are many other factors to consider. Until then, The Boroughs is a perfect and very entertaining weekend binge-watch.

Release Date

May 21, 2026

Network

Netflix

Showrunner

Jeffrey Addiss, Will Matthews