Denis O’Hare, a prominent figure in television known for his impactful roles in series like True Blood and American Horror Story, has voiced his significant disappointment regarding Netflix’s abrupt cancellation of the acclaimed science fiction drama The Boroughs. The series, a collaborative effort involving the celebrated Duffer Brothers, concluded its freshman season to critical praise and a burgeoning fan base, making its swift demise a source of bewilderment and frustration for its cast and audience alike. In a candid Instagram video posted on Saturday, June 20, O’Hare not only expressed his personal dismay but also playfully, yet pointedly, suggested a method for fans to collectively register their discontent with the streaming giant.
A Shocking Decision for a Beloved Series
The news of The Boroughs‘ cancellation, which emerged last week, sent ripples of shock through the entertainment industry. The series boasted an ensemble cast of considerable renown, including O’Hare himself, alongside Oscar-nominee Alfred Molina, Academy Award winner Geena Davis, Emmy winner Alfre Woodard, esteemed actors Clarke Peters and Bill Pullman, and promising talents such as Seth Numrich and Alice Kremelberg. The collective talent involved underscored the ambitious nature of the project, which explored complex themes within a compelling science fiction narrative.
O’Hare, in his social media address, articulated the sentiment shared by many involved with the production: "So, it’s Saturday, and I’m just thinking about the fact that Netflix canceled The Boroughs and how really bummed I am because it was such a great show. It was such a great show and people really seem to love it." He further elaborated on the widespread appeal of the series, noting the diverse demographic of its admirers. "I’ve been astounded how many people have come up to me and talked about how much they like the show and not just like, you know, old people, but I’m talking about anybody, people who are, you know, in their 30s or 40s with kids. Everyone seemed to find something to relate to." This broad resonance suggests that the series tapped into universal themes and storytelling, making its premature end all the more perplexing.
The Duffer Brothers’ Latest Venture Meets an Unforeseen End
The Boroughs, developed under the banner of the Duffer Brothers, the creative minds behind the global phenomenon Stranger Things, was positioned as a significant new offering from Netflix. While specific plot details of The Boroughs remain somewhat under wraps for those who haven’t watched, the series was reportedly a meticulously crafted sci-fi narrative that aimed to deliver intellectual depth and emotional resonance. The involvement of the Duffers, whose previous work has consistently delivered critically acclaimed and commercially successful content, naturally set high expectations for The Boroughs. The decision to cancel the show after just one season, especially given the reported positive reception and active development for future seasons, raises questions about Netflix’s programming strategy and its commitment to nurturing promising new intellectual properties.
A Call to Arms: Emmy Votes as a Statement
In a move that injects a dose of playful defiance into the disappointment, O’Hare proposed a unique form of protest. He urged fans to leverage the ongoing Emmy voting period to signal their support for The Boroughs and its cast. "I think we still have a couple of days before the end of Emmy voting that everyone should just vote for The Boroughs. You can vote for me if you like," he stated, before extending the sentiment to his esteemed co-stars. "But also like Bill Pullman and Alfre Woodard and Alfie Molina and Geena Davis and Clarke Peters, Seth Numrich, Alice Kremelberg."
He continued, emphasizing the strategic intent behind his suggestion: "And vote for The Boroughs for Best Series and, you know, stick it to Netflix and let them know that they made a mistake, you know, because I think that would be sweet revenge." This call to action, while framed with a touch of humor, highlights the deep affection the cast and crew hold for the series and their belief in its artistic merit. It also serves as a subtle critique of the streamer’s decision-making process, suggesting that a more audience-centric approach might be warranted.
Behind the Scenes: What Led to the Cancellation?
The cancellation of The Boroughs appears to have been a surprise even to those closest to the production. Reports from industry insiders suggest that discussions about a potential renewal were well underway, with a writers’ room for Season 2 having already been established. Furthermore, sources indicated to Deadline that there had been preliminary conversations about potentially filming Seasons 2 and 3 back-to-back, a strategy often employed by streamers to ensure a consistent pipeline of content and to capitalize on established production momentum. This context makes the sudden termination of the series even more baffling.
Geena Davis, in a separate interview with The Hollywood Reporter, echoed the sentiment of bewilderment. "Honestly, I don’t know what happened," she admitted. "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." Davis’s observation that the show remained a strong performer in Netflix’s viewership charts at the time of the cancellation further complicates the narrative, suggesting that the decision may not have been driven by purely data-driven metrics of audience engagement. This raises questions about other potential factors influencing Netflix’s strategic programming choices, such as cost-effectiveness, internal creative priorities, or shifts in long-term content strategy.
Data Points and Industry Context
The cancellation of The Boroughs comes at a time when streaming services are increasingly scrutinized for their renewal and cancellation patterns. While the industry standard has often been a second season to allow a show to find its audience, the current landscape sees a growing trend of swift cancellations, even for shows that appear to be performing reasonably well. This can be attributed to several factors:
- Shifting Business Models: Streaming services are under immense pressure to demonstrate profitability. This can lead to stricter financial thresholds for renewals, even for critically acclaimed shows.
- Algorithm-Driven Decisions: While audience metrics are crucial, the exact weighting and interpretation of these metrics remain opaque to the public. It’s possible that factors beyond raw viewership numbers, such as completion rates, engagement with promotional materials, or perceived potential for future growth, play a significant role.
- Content Pipeline Management: Streamers often manage a vast library of content and must make strategic decisions about where to allocate resources. A cancellation might be part of a broader strategy to make room for new, potentially more lucrative, projects.
- The "Duffer Brothers" Factor: The involvement of the Duffer Brothers typically guarantees a certain level of audience interest. However, the success of Stranger Things has set an exceptionally high bar, and Netflix may be evaluating new projects with a more cautious eye, even from established creators.
The fact that The Boroughs was reportedly in the top 10 viewership lists at the time of its cancellation suggests that it was not a clear-cut case of underperformance. This raises the possibility of other underlying issues, such as production costs, contractual obligations, or strategic pivots within Netflix’s content department, that may have influenced the final decision.
Broader Implications for the Industry
The cancellation of The Boroughs serves as a cautionary tale for both creators and audiences in the streaming era. For creators, it underscores the inherent precarity of television production, where even shows with strong critical backing and a dedicated following can be unceremoniously dropped. This can make it challenging to attract top talent and secure long-term commitments for ambitious projects.
For viewers, it highlights the power imbalance between audiences and streaming platforms. While platforms aim to cater to diverse tastes, the ultimate decision-making power rests with the companies, often based on business considerations that are not fully transparent. O’Hare’s call for Emmy votes, while a symbolic gesture, reflects a desire for audiences to have a more tangible influence on the longevity of their favorite shows. The success of such a protest would depend on the collective action of fans and the Academy’s consideration of such widespread support.
As the dust settles on the cancellation of The Boroughs, the conversation continues within the fan community and among industry observers. The sentiment expressed by Denis O’Hare encapsulates the shared frustration and affection for a show that, despite its short run, has clearly left a significant mark. The Emmy voting campaign he initiated offers a glimmer of hope, a chance for the series and its talented cast to receive recognition, even in the face of an untimely end.
The Boroughs, Season 1, is currently streaming on Netflix.
