Geena Davis has expressed her profound disappointment following the abrupt cancellation of her latest Netflix series, The Boroughs, after just one season. In a recent interview, the celebrated actress remarked on the unexpected nature of the show’s axing, which has left both fans and cast members in shock, particularly since the series had only premiered in late May and quickly climbed into Netflix’s Top 10 rankings.
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The Boroughs, which targeted a unique demographic with its narrative centred on a retirement community inhabited by fantastical creatures, marked Davis’s return to television after an absence of nearly a decade. Her role as Renee, a retired tour manager characterised as a “badass,” was specifically crafted for her, something Davis highlighted with enthusiasm. “When I first read the script, I thought to myself, ‘This is crazy how perfect this is for me,’” she recounted. In a meeting with the show’s creators, she discovered they had indeed penned the character with her in mind.
The news of the cancellation, announced by Deadline, was met with disbelief. Davis, along with her co-stars Alfre Woodard, Alfred Molina, Denis O’Hare, Clarke Peters, and Bill Pullman, had developed strong bonds during the filming process. Reflecting on this camaraderie, she conveyed that the cast was eager to continue their collaboration. “We fell in love with each other; we just wanted to keep working together,” she said. This sense of connection prompted her to suggest to the creators that they consider forming a new anthology series featuring the same cast, where they could explore different stories.
Reportedly, the creators, Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, had indicated that they did not intend for the first season to end on a cliffhanger, aiming instead for a complete storyline ready for expansion into future seasons. Davis underscored this point, remarking, “If we had made it as a limited series, then it would’ve been a big hit, and everybody would be happy.” This suggests that there was an expectation of longevity for the series, which now appears dashed.
Despite the disappointment, Davis revealed that the show’s team had managed to inform the cast about the cancellation prior to the public announcement. “Fortunately, the creators were able to tell us before the news came out, and we’re all terribly disappointed,” she explained. Although Netflix remains silent on the reasons behind the show’s cancellation, sources indicate that there had been discussions regarding hiring writers for a second season and even plans for a third season.
As fans and colleagues grapple with the news, Davis has shown willingness to return to the role if an opportunity arises, suggesting even the concept of a spinoff to delve deeper into her character’s personal relationships. She expressed her openness to the idea, particularly exploring Renee’s dynamic with Paz, played by Carlos Miranda.
The cancellation of The Boroughs has sparked curiosity and concern among its viewers, especially considering its strong initial reception. With no further comments from Netflix regarding the decision, the fate of this ambitious project remains uncertain, leaving cast members and viewers alike hoping for some resolution or potential revival in the future.
As the industry continues to navigate the challenges of series renewals and cancellations, Davis’s lament serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of television production. In the meantime, the first season of The Boroughs is still available for streaming on Netflix, offering fans a chance to enjoy the storytelling and performances that initially captured their attention.