Welcome to The Boroughs, where residents are promised the time of their lives, provided they survive the night. Executive produced by the Duffer Brothers, this new mystery adventure series centers on a picturesque New Mexico retirement community that hides a terrifying reality.
When a nocturnal encounter reveals a monstrous entity stalking the manicured cul de sacs, a grieving newcomer teams up with a misfit crew of unlikely heroes. Together, they uncover a dark secret, proving their golden years are incredibly dangerous and that they are far more formidable than anyone anticipates.
Powerhouse Cast and Creators
Created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, the supernatural thriller boasts a phenomenal ensemble cast. Screen legends including Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Denis O’Hare, Clarke Peters, and Bill Pullman bring these vibrant, complex characters to life as they band together to battle an otherworldly threat.
Bringing New Mexico to Life
Given the setting of the series, filming in New Mexico was a natural choice. Creator Jeffrey Addiss noted that the production fought to shoot in the state to capture the beauty and openness of the iconic big skies.
The production team did not just pass through town; they settled in, building eight complete houses on the backlot of Albuquerque Studios. The fictional town required massive fabrication, from working coffee machines in custom built shops to entirely new neighborhood streets.
Director of photography Matthew Jensen described the transformation of the nearby defunct Traditions Mall into a vibrant town square as breathing life into a dead space. Ultimately, it felt like a truly beautiful and real location.
The 100 day shoot utilized clean technology like batteries and solar power across more than 20 local shooting spots. Key filming locations included:
- Albuquerque Convention Center
- First Plaza Galleria
- Expo New Mexico Fine Arts Gallery
- Old Ramada Inn
- Twin Warriors Golf Club
- Montessa Park
Boosting the Local Economy and Talent
The production hired more than 350 cast and crew members and partnered with over 300 local vendors. Mark Steinig of Maleko Grip and Rigging, a native New Mexican vendor who has worked on several local productions including American Primeval, The Harder They Fall, Ransom Canyon, and Rez Ball, credited the studio with keeping his business afloat and preserving the local film industry dream.
The series also invested in the next generation of talent by hiring six participants across three distinct training initiatives:
- Next Up IATSE Training Program: Provided on set operations training for departments like set dressing, sound, and special effects.
- Next Up Post PA Program: Educated participants on the post production process through classes and on the job training.
- Production Accounting Clerk Program: Offered studio accounting training, resume preparation, and direct mentorship from a Netflix finance executive.
Program participant Diane Archuletta called the experience an honor and a privilege, praising the biweekly mentorship she received. Fellow participant Kiera Richard echoed this sentiment, stating she had the time of her life watching the visual effects, sound, and edits come together, adding that she would do it all over again without hesitation.
A Massive Streaming Success
Fans are already flocking to the thriller. Following its May 21 debut, the show landed at number two on the Global Top 10 English TV List, securing 5.6 million views in its first four days.
Now that The Boroughs has moved in, it is time to take a peek inside. Season one is streaming now, exclusively on Netflix.