Full Breakdown
Netflix’s “The Boroughs” Turns New Mexico Into a Retirement-Community Battleground
5/25/2026, 12:32:03 PM
Core Production Details
Netflix’s eight-episode sci-fi series *The Boroughs* was filmed across more than 20 locations in New Mexico over roughly six months in 2024-2025. The story follows a group of retirees in a retirement community who must stop monsters from stealing time. Principal sites include the former Ramada Inn on Hotel Circle (re-dressed as “The Manor”), the defunct Traditions outlet mall in Algodones (converted into a self-contained town square), First Plaza Galleria, Sunport Pool, and several desert locales such as Luna Mansion in Los Lunas.
Background & Context
The series is the latest creation of the Duffer brothers—Matt and Ross—who previously filmed *Stranger Things* Season 4 in Albuquerque. Showrunners Will Matthews and Jeffrey Addiss, both new to New Mexico, sought a “desert location” that could feel “its own world,” a concept echoed by the state’s long history of Western-genre productions.
Key Figures & Groups
- Will Matthews & Jeffrey Addiss – Showrunners and creators of the series.
- Shani Orona – Location manager who scouted and negotiated sites, including the old Ramada hotel and Traditions.
- Heritage Cos. – Owner of the Traditions property, originally an outlet mall (1993-1999) later repurposed for filming.
- Maleko Grip & Rigging – Albuquerque-based vendor that supplied camera support and rigging.
- Local cast and crew – Over 350 individuals, including hundreds of retirees aged 70-80 who appeared as extras.
Data & Statistics
- 20+ filming sites across the state.
- 300+ local vendors supplied goods and services.
- 350 cast and crew members worked on the production.
- Eight episodes comprise the first season, released in early May 2024.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The production injected significant spending into the regional economy. Netflix funded repairs at several properties, such as Sunport Pool, and transformed the dilapidated Ramada lobby into a functional front desk that remains in use. Heritage’s former marketplace now houses set pieces that could be reused if a second season is ordered, preserving the investment. Local businesses, including Maleko Grip & Rigging, described the project as a “godsend” amid a multiyear industry slowdown caused by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. The series also highlighted New Mexico’s Indigenous architecture for the first time in Orona’s career, expanding the state’s on-screen representation beyond its typical stand-in roles for other locales.
Official Statements & Responses
Showrunners framed the series as a supernatural mystery centered on retirees confronting monsters, emphasizing the desire for an isolated “bubble” that could be easily “popped.” Orona explained that her role required translating the script’s vision into tangible locations, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with local codes. Heritage’s founder, Jim Long, noted the property’s history of short-term filming and its suitability for creating a self-sustaining community set. Vendor owner Mark Steinig highlighted the production’s scale and its role in sustaining local businesses during a period of reduced activity.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting viewpoints or criticism were reported in the source material.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local retirees expressed enthusiasm for the rare opportunity to work on a major series, noting that acting jobs for their age group are scarce. Extras reported a surge in employment, with some saying the experience matched or exceeded work they had done in the past decade.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s about a group of retirees in a retirement community fighting monsters (and) unlikely heroes that come together to save their community,” — Jeffrey Addiss, Showrunner
- “It was absolutely the right place for the show. It feels like its own world.” — Will Matthews, Showrunner
- “It was such a massive production in terms of its scope and scale. It really helped us stay in business.” — Mark Steinig, Owner, Maleko Grip & Rigging
- “They were like, ‘Oh my gosh, they’re using me every day. I’ve worked (more) than I’ve worked in the last 10 years,’ which is really neat to see,” — Jessica Garrett, Executive Assistant, Heritage
What’s Next
The set at Traditions remains intact, positioning the site for potential reuse if Netflix commissions a second season. Continued filming would sustain the local supply chain and preserve the newly created infrastructure, reinforcing New Mexico’s reputation as a viable location for large-scale productions.
