The sudden cancellation of The Boroughs has sparked fresh debate about how streaming success is measured, especially after the series managed to land in the platform’s Top 10 rankings. Now, Geena Davis has addressed the decision, sharing her disappointment and confusion over the show’s one-season fate.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Davis reflected on her experience working on the series and the unexpected news that it would not return for a second season. Her reaction was direct and honest:
“We’re all terribly disappointed. Honestly, I don’t know what happened.”
A Top 10 Show That Still Got Canceled
One of the most surprising aspects of The Boroughs cancellation is its performance. Despite reaching Netflix’s Top 10, the show was still axed without a clear explanation.
Davis acknowledged how unusual that situation is, stating,
“I think it’s probably rare for a show to not get picked up and to have it announced that it’s not being picked up while it’s still in the top 10.”
The cast reportedly learned about the decision ahead of the public announcement, thanks to the creators, but were not given specific reasons behind it.
The series, produced by the Duffer Brothers, followed a group of retirees uncovering a dark conspiracy inside their seemingly peaceful community. With a mix of sci-fi and character-driven storytelling, it stood out for centering older characters in an action-heavy narrative.
Unlike many canceled shows, The Boroughs does not leave viewers hanging with a major cliffhanger. According to Davis, that was always part of the plan.
“We didn’t expect that,” she said about the cancellation, before explaining that the creators intentionally designed the first season to stand on its own. “Make it its own thing,” was the advice they followed, ensuring the story felt complete even if it didn’t continue.
Davis added,
“There’s a tiny hint at the end that maybe everything isn’t fixed, but it is a complete story.”
She even suggested that the series might have been better received as a limited project, noting,
“If we had made it as a limited series, then it would’ve been a big hit and everybody would be happy.”
This approach has helped soften the blow for viewers, offering closure while still leaving room for future possibilities.
A Cast That Wanted More
Beyond the story itself, Davis emphasized how much the cast valued working together.
“We so fell in love with each other that we just wanted to keep working together,”
she said, highlighting the strong bond formed during production.
The actor even floated an idea for continuing the collaboration in a different way.
“I suggested that the creators write another series… with the exact same actors and writers and crew,”
she revealed, pointing toward a potential anthology-style revival.
While no official plans have been announced, Davis made it clear she would be open to returning. When asked about a possible comeback, her response was simple: “Oh, hell yeah.”
A Bigger Conversation About Streaming and Representation
The cancellation of The Boroughs also ties into a broader industry discussion about representation and longevity, particularly for stories centered on older characters.
Davis, who has long advocated for inclusion through her work with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, remains cautious about expecting lasting change from individual successes. “I don’t have faith in the momentum thing,” she said, reflecting on past industry moments that were expected to shift trends but ultimately didn’t.
Still, The Boroughs stands as a notable example of how unconventional stories can connect with audiences, even if their lifespan is short-lived.
