The Duffer Brothers, renowned for their creation of the Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things, have unveiled their upcoming series, The Boroughs, which promises to blend horror and supernatural elements with humor and heart. This announcement came during Netflix's Next on Netflix 2025 presentation on February 1, 2025.
Dubbed by some as "Stranger Things at a retirement home," The Boroughs distinguishes itself as it takes place within the confines of a seemingly idyllic retirement community set against the backdrop of the New Mexico desert. Describing The Boroughs, Matt Duffer noted, "Of the two projects, The Boroughs probably shares the most DNA with Stranger Things because it’s about a group of misfits who fight an otherworldly evil. Only unlike Stranger Things, it’s set in a retirement community, so that's something different. This time our misfits are a little on the older side. They ride golf carts, not bikes."
Viewers can look forward to seeing a cast of iconic actors, including Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, and Bill Pullman. Matt Duffer expressed enthusiasm for the project saying, "It stars Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Bill Pullman, and a host of other screen icons who we’re obsessed with. We’ve seen the first three episodes, and we’re really pumped about it. It’s fun, scary, and touching too, and we can’t wait for you to see it." The rich ensemble extends to include Denis O’Hare, Clarke Peters, Jena Malone, Carlos Miranda, Rafael Casal, Ed Begley Jr., and Jane Kaczmarek.
The official logline of the show reveals the stakes for these older heroes: they must band together to confront and thwart forces aiming to steal something they cannot reclaim—time itself. Such potent themes resonate deeply, particularly as they explore age and the wisdom of older adults, all within the framework of battling otherworldly threats.
Alongside The Boroughs, the Duffer Brothers also introduced another intriguing project titled Something Very Bad is Going to Happen. This series will engage viewers with its portrayal of the tumultuous week leading up to the wedding of its protagonists, offering relatable angst faced during what is often heralded as one of life’s significant commitments. Ross Duffer has teased, saying, "We don’t want to say too much more about the story yet—but the title is accurate. Bad things do happen." This sentiment seems to tap directly back to the universal fears and pressure surrounding marriage, making it relatable for a broad audience.
Both The Boroughs and Something Very Bad is Going to Happen are slated for release in 2026, after the culmination of Stranger Things, which is set to premiere its fifth and final season later this year. The Duffer Brothers have expressed their excitement for the fans’ reactions to these new projects, highlighting their continued fascination with storytelling focused on friendship, resilience, and the supernatural.
Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the experience and dynamics of older characters provide fresh storytelling opportunities, echoing nostalgic ties to younger protagonists from Stranger Things, whom many have grown to love over the years. With the thrill of encountering 'otherworldly evils' wrapped within the everyday lives of retirees, The Boroughs appears set to offer something unique and engaging.