Inside Netflix’s The Boroughs: Meet the residents hiding big secrets

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Set within a seemingly picture‑perfect retirement community, The Boroughs begins with the arrival of a grieving newcomer, Sam (Alfred Molina), whose shocking, monstrous encounter shatters the calm façade of suburban life. What follows is an unexpected alliance with a misfit crew of fellow residents. These unlikely heroes soon uncover the dark secret lurking beneath the neatly trimmed lawns and friendly smiles.

The Boroughs is already being hailed as Stranger Things for grown‑ups, and with the Duffer Brothers as producers, it is easy to see why. While the special effects may not rival the blockbuster scale of their hit Netflix series, this drama more than holds its own thanks to its exceptional cast.

Blending seasoned Hollywood heavyweights with exciting up‑and‑coming talent, the ensemble is the true heart of the show. Here, we meet the stars bringing this extraordinary neighbourhood and its dark secrets vividly to life.

Who is in the cast of The Boroughs?

Alfred Molina as Sam

Sam Cooper is the latest arrival in The Boroughs, a retired engineer mourning the loss of his wife, Lilly, played by Jane Kaczmarek. Initially reluctant about his new surroundings and neighbours, Sam experiences a terrifying, otherworldly encounter which causes him to band together with his eccentric fellow residents to expose a sinister secret and protect a community he never even planned to join.

Alfred Molina says he was drawn to the project because of the script’s natural tone. “The writing felt completely authentic,” he explains. “It didn’t seem like dialogue on a page. It sounded like real conversations, like how people genuinely speak.”

Co-showrunner Matthews remembers that the cast and crew were especially keen to impress Molina during filming. “Nobody wants to disappoint Alfred,” he says. “From the moment we met him at casting, it was clear. We thought, ‘That’s him. He’s our Sam.’ He spoke so openly about love, loss and the bittersweet moments in between. There was never any doubt he was perfect for the role.”

What else has Alfred Molina been in?

Alfred Molina is a highly respected British actor celebrated for his wide‑ranging work in film, television and theatre. He made an unforgettable early impression as Satipo in Raiders of the Lost Ark, and later gained worldwide acclaim for his portrayal of the formidable Dr Otto Octavius, also known as Doc Ock, in Spider‑Man 2 and Spider‑Man: No Way Home.

Over the years, his varied career has included standout roles as Diego Rivera in Frida, as well as appearances in An Education, Boogie Nights, The Da Vinci Code and Chocolat. More recently, he has starred in The Instigators (2024) and When We Get There, further cementing his reputation as one of the industry’s most versatile performers.

Geena Davis as Renee

Renee is a sharp‑tongued former rock ’n’ roll music manager who has no intention of fading quietly into the background. Determined not to be defined by her age, she finds both an unexpected romance and a renewed sense of purpose when she joins forces with her neighbours to confront the threat hiding behind their perfectly kept lawns.

“I love that Renee has such a vivid, adventurous history,” Davis says. “She’s led a really fascinating life.”

“She’s still thriving and living the good life. … She likes to say she doesn’t really belong in this retirement community because she knows she’s all that.”

The actress was immediately drawn to the idea of a supernatural drama centred on residents of a retirement community. “I thought it would be such fun for us to take the lead in a story like this,” she explains. “The supernatural elements were especially exciting. I’ve played the girlfriend of a fly and the girlfriend of an alien, so I’m no stranger to slightly other‑worldly worlds.”

What else has Geena Davis been in?

Geena Davis is an Academy Award‑winning actress whose career spans some of the most memorable films of the past four decades. She earned an Oscar for The Accidental Tourist in 1988 and went on to cement her status as a Hollywood leading lady with standout roles in Thelma & Louise (1991) and A League of Their Own (1992).

Her impressive filmography also includes cult favourite Beetlejuice (1988), sci‑fi classic The Fly (1986), action thriller The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996), family hit Stuart Little (1999) and the much‑loved comedy Tootsie (1982).

Alfre Woodward as Judy

Judy Daniels is a quick‑thinking former journalist with a habit of noticing more than most. With her sharp instincts and watchful eye, she begins to suspect that their sun‑soaked retirement haven is concealing something far more troubling beneath its glossy surface.

“There’s a real, insatiable curiosity in Judy,” Woodard says. “Some might label her nosy, but it’s really about wanting to understand what’s happening around her. She observes everything, and she doesn’t just see it, she wants to connect the dots.”

Co‑creator Addiss hints that Judy’s journey will take viewers in an unexpected direction. “At first, you get the sense that she’s the one who has everything worked out,” he explains. “But then events completely unsettle her, and we see how that affects her behind closed doors.”

What else has Alfre Woodward been in?

Alfre Woodard is an acclaimed American actress celebrated for bringing strength, depth and quiet authority to her roles on both stage and screen. Over the course of her she has earned numerous awards and nominations, reflecting her reputation as one of the industry’s most respected performers.

Her wide‑ranging credits include The Family That Preys (2008) and Holiday Heart (2000), as well as television favourites such as Desperate Housewives (2004–2012), True Blood (2008–2014) and Marvel’s Luke Cage (2016–2018). She has also appeared in the horror film Annabelle (2014), showcasing her versatility across genres.

Denis O’Hare as Wally

Wally Baker is a gifted retired physician who feels his choices narrowing. Quick with a joke, he hides behind humour, using it to ease awkward moments and disarm those around him. Yet when circumstances demand it, he proves far more capable and formidable than anyone expects.

Denis O’Hare says the character’s evolution was what drew him in. “What appealed to me most was Wally’s arc,” he explains. “At first, he’s lovable and funny, almost the comic relief. But then the tone shifts, and he takes on a much darker, almost tragic weight.”

The show’s creators were also struck by O’Hare’s command of the complex medical language woven into the script. “Wally needs to deliver technical dialogue in a way that feels completely natural,” says Matthews. “Denis has such an incredible ear for language that he makes even the most complicated lines sound effortless.”

What else has Denis O'Hare been in?

enis O’Hare is an acclaimed American actor known for his award‑winning stage work, including standout performances in Take Me Out and Sweet Charity. On television, he is widely recognised for his memorable portrayal of vampire king Russell Edgington in the HBO fantasy drama True Blood.

His extensive screen credits also include Dallas Buyers Club (2013), The Pyramid (2014), Swallow (2019), Infinite Storm (2022) and American Horror Stories (2021–2024).

Clarke Peters as Art

Art Daniels is a thoughtful spiritual explorer whose calm resilience and open‑hearted outlook ground the group. As events unfold, he embarks on a deeply personal journey that reveals his greatest challenges and strengths may still lie ahead.

“What attracted me to Art is that he’s searching for meaning,” Peters explains. “He’s trying to make sense of something supernatural, something earthly, something that exists beyond ordinary awareness.”

Art’s path often separates him from the others, requiring the character to stand alone in key moments. “There are many scenes where Clarke has to carry the camera by himself,” Addiss says. “You need an actor who can command the screen while witnessing these extraordinary, frightening and beautiful experiences and Clarke absolutely could.”

What else has Clarke Peters been in?

Peter Clarke, professionally known as Clarke Peters, is an American actor, writer and director who has lived and worked extensively in the United Kingdom throughout his career. He is widely recognised for his portrayal of Detective Lester Freamon in The Wire and for playing Albert Lambreaux in the acclaimed series Treme.

Bill Pullman as Jack

Jack Willard is the warm, outgoing neighbour who keeps the block buzzing, always ready with a grin, a drink and an open invitation. With his easy charm and generous spirit, he helps transform the cul-de-sac into a true found family.

Executive producer Hilary Leavitt first proposed Bill Pullman for the role, and after meeting with him, co-producers Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews quickly agreed he was the perfect fit.

“What Bill brings to Jack is a genuine emotional honesty,” Addiss explains. “He becomes a confidant for Sam, his first real friend in this world, and supports him on his journey in a way that feels completely authentic. There’s nothing forced about it. It feels natural, effortless and deeply heartfelt.”

What else has Bill Pullman been in?

Bill Pullman is a versatile actor celebrated for his leading roles in 1990s blockbusters and acclaimed television projects. He is widely recognised for portraying President Thomas J. Whitmore in Independence Day, starring as the romantic lead in While You Were Sleeping, and playing the unforgettable Lone Starr in Spaceballs.

Ed Begley Jr. as Edward

Edward is a retiree living with a neurological condition that has led him to reside at a nearby full-service care facility known as The Manor. As his mental state appears to decline at an alarming rate, questions arise about whether his condition is progressing naturally or if something more complex lies beneath the surface.

What else has Ed Begley. Jr been in?

Edward James Begley Jr. is an American actor and environmentalist with a career spanning hundreds of films, television series and stage productions. Known for his distinctive presence and versatility, he has appeared in a wide range of acclaimed projects. You may recognise him from Young Sheldon (2017–2024), Better Call Saul (2015–2022) and the comedy Best in Show (2000).

When and where can I watch The Boroughs?

You can now stream all eight episodes of The Boroughs on Netflix now.

Claire Tapley is a digital editor for Yours.co.uk. She is a journalist with over 18 years' experience writing for women over 50. Before moving to Yours.co.uk, she was deputy editor of Yours magazine for nine years. Claire is extremely passionate about all things TV related, with her favourite shows including Traitors, Strictly and The Great British Bake Off.