The creative streak of Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer has taken a notable turn with the release of The Boroughs. After facing criticism for recent projects, the duo’s latest sci-fi show has helped reverse a downward trend in audience reception.
The Boroughs debuted with an 85 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This marks a significant improvement following a series of lower-rated releases tied to the Duffers. While they served as executive producers rather than showrunners, their association still shaped audience expectations.
The improvement comes after Stranger Things Season 5 received a 52 percent audience score, its lowest ever. That backlash extended into other projects like Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen and Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, which also struggled to connect with viewers. For a creative team once known for consistent hits, the shift was noticeable. With The Boroughs, that pattern has finally changed. The new series has been received as a return to form, at least in terms of audience engagement.
Critical Praise and Audience Reaction Align More Closely
One of the biggest differences with The Boroughs is the stronger alignment between critics and audiences. The series holds a 95 percent critics score alongside its 85 percent audience rating, making it one of the most positively received Duffer-associated projects in recent years. This gap had previously been a concern, with critics often rating their projects higher than general viewers. The new show appears to have bridged that divide. Its reception suggests that both storytelling and execution are resonating more effectively.
The series has also drawn attention for its tone and character-driven storytelling. Early reactions highlight its balance between mystery and emotional depth, with many viewers praising the chemistry among its unlikely group of protagonists. One review described the show as having a
“lovable charm that keeps the mystery’s entertainment value high while wanting more time with its unlikely heroes.”
This kind of response reflects a stronger connection with audiences compared to the Duffer Brothers’ recent projects. It also signals a shift toward more grounded, character-focused storytelling.
A Fresh Take on Sci-Fi With Older Characters
Unlike Stranger Things, which focused on younger protagonists, The Boroughs shifts its attention to an older group of characters. The story is set in a retirement community where residents uncover a supernatural threat tied to a larger conspiracy. This unusual premise has been a major talking point among viewers. It allows the show to explore themes rarely seen in mainstream sci-fi. By focusing on older characters, the series brings a fresh perspective to the genre.
The cast includes Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, and Bill Pullman, all of whom have been praised for their performances. Their characters form an unlikely team tasked with confronting the mysterious threat. The dynamic between them has been described as both humorous and heartfelt. This combination of tone helps differentiate the series from other sci-fi offerings. It also broadens its appeal beyond traditional genre audiences.
Familiar Influences With a New Twist
Despite its fresh setting, The Boroughs still carries familiar elements associated with the Duffers’ style. Themes of friendship, teamwork, and confronting the unknown remain central to the story.
In an interview with ScreenRant, Geena Davis acknowledged the similarities, saying the show is
“kind of like it, but instead of bicycles, it’s golf carts.”
This comparison captures how the series mirrors Stranger Things while adapting its formula. The shift in tone and setting gives it a distinct identity.
The influence of classic filmmakers like Steven Spielberg is also evident, particularly in the show’s blend of adventure and emotional storytelling. Audience reviews frequently highlight this nostalgic quality. At the same time, the show introduces new ideas that prevent it from feeling derivative. This balance between familiarity and innovation has been key to its success. It demonstrates that the Duffers can evolve their approach while maintaining core strengths.
