A new supernatural drama, The Boroughs, executive produced by The Duffer Brothers with writing by Professor of Professional Practice James Schamus—also a consulting producer on the project—is set to premiere on Netflix this spring on May 21, 2026.
The Duffer Brothers—creators of the acclaimed series Stranger Things—return to genre-storytelling in small town America. While their earlier hit unfolded in 1980s Hawkins, Indiana, The Boroughs shifts to the stark terrain of the New Mexico desert.
Set in a seemingly idyllic retirement community, The Boroughs centers on a grieving newcomer who joins a crew of misfit residents to uncover a dark secret and confront an otherworldly force threatening their lives.
Schamus, an award-winning screenwriter (The Ice Storm), producer (Brokeback Mountain), and former CEO of Focus Features, wrote the sixth episode of this eight-episode series. The show is created and showrun by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance).
“From the beginning, we knew we wanted The Boroughs to feel equal parts scary, mysterious, exciting and emotional,” Addiss and Matthews told Tudum. “The challenge was to create a world that could hold all of these different tones at once. Which is why it was so fun to work with the Duffer Brothers—the masters of balancing heart and horror.”
The Duffer Brothers added, “While the heroes in The Boroughs have a few more years on them than the kids from Stranger Things, they are a similarly lovable bunch of misfits, and we can’t wait for you to join them on an adventure that is at turns scary, funny, and deeply touching.”
Schamus, the veteran producer, writer and executive also created the 2021 Netflix series Somos, which filmed in Mexico and marked his first foray into television. In addition to his film work, Schamus has played a significant role in shaping independent cinema as the former CEO of Focus Features, where he oversaw projects including Lost in Translation and The Pianist.
All eight episodes of The Boroughs will be available to stream on May 21.
