The creators of Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, have shifted their focus to new projects after signing a new four-year deal with Paramount and leaving Netflix. The Duffer Brothers began working on various film, series, and streaming projects following Skydance's acquisition of their production company, Upside Down Productions. However, some existing projects, such as the animated spin-off series Stranger Things: Tales From '85, are still ongoing. Supported by its producers, The Boroughs is a new sci-fi thriller series set to premiere on Netflix this month.

The Boroughs is an original production overseen by the Duffer Brothers that carries thematic elements similar to Stranger Things and Ron Howard's classic film Cocoon. The story takes place in a community of retirees in the New Mexico desert, instead of Hawkins, Indiana. While this seemingly paradise-like retreat offers clean homes and well-kept gardens as an ideal retirement area, it harbors much darker secrets. Sam Cooper, played by actor Alfred Molina, initially sees this place as no different from a prison, but soon faces a much more horrifying reality.

Netflix has released a new trailer set to David Bowie's "Golden Years," showcasing the creatures that emerge from the community at night. Sam's reluctant arrival in the community, the apparent happiness of the other residents, and his growing suspicions are central to the narrative. Long fingers and inhuman sounds indicate the presence of something lurking in the shadows. Sam joins the other residents to uncover both the miracles and the dark secrets of the community.

The cast of The Boroughs is quite impressive. In addition to Emmy-nominated Alfred Molina, it features experienced names such as Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Denis O'Hare, Clarke Peters, Bill Pullman, Jena Malone, Seth Numrich, and Alice Kremelberg. Among the director and production team are Ed Begley Jr., Dee Wallace, Eric Edelstein, Karan Soni, and Jane Kaczmarek. For Molina, this marks his first live-action television project where he plays the lead character since Prime Video's Three Pines. The series will also be a reunion for Molina with Netflix; he previously lent his voice to the mythology series Blood of Zeus.