Netflix cancels hit sci-fi series The Boroughs weeks after it topped streaming chart

Netflix has cancelled The Boroughs just weeks after the sci-fi series topped Nielsen’s streaming chart with 1.7 billion viewing minutes.

The series, produced by Stranger Things creators the Duffer Brothers, reached No. 1 on the Nielsen streaming chart in the week of May 25.

According to Nielsen data cited by TheWrap, The Boroughs recorded 1.74 billion minutes watched during its first full week of availability.

The figure represented a 45 per cent jump from the previous week, when the show placed second behind Netflix’s Nemesis.

Despite the strong debut numbers, Netflix decided not to renew the series for a second season.

The streamer reportedly cited low audience retention and high production costs as reasons for the cancellation.

The decision sparked backlash from fans and some members of the cast, including Geena Davis and Denis O’Hare.

The Boroughs was created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews.

Its cast included Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Denis O’Hare, Alfre Woodard, Clarke Peters, Jena Malone and others.

The story followed a group of friends living in a retirement community as they worked together to uncover a dark conspiracy around them.

Nielsen data showed that the show was especially popular among older viewers.

In its debut week, most of its audience came from the 50-plus age group, with 31 per cent of viewers falling between ages 50 and 64.

The show later gained slightly more attention from younger viewers, with its share among adults aged 18 to 34 rising from 11 per cent to 15 per cent.

Other shows also performed strongly on the streaming chart for the same week.

Prime Video and MGM Plus series Spider-Noir premiered on May 25 and landed at No. 4 overall with 851 million minutes watched.

It ranked behind Bluey and Grey’s Anatomy on the overall chart.

Paramount’s Dutton Ranch also made a strong showing, reaching No. 6 overall and No. 3 among streaming originals with a series-high 782 million minutes.

Apple TV’s Your Friends and Neighbors reached its highest ranking so far, placing No. 8 on the originals chart with 387 million minutes.

Hulu’s The Testaments, a sequel series to The Handmaid’s Tale, also entered the chart after its Season 1 finale drew 377 million minutes.

The series had already been renewed for a second season before its chart debut.