Parents' Guide to The Boroughs

Alternately spooky and heartwarming, this series produced by Stranger Things' Duffer Brothers will remind viewers of vintage human/alien dramas like Cocoon and E.T. A stacked cast is undoubtedly the best thing The Boroughs has going for it, with powerhouse actors viewers are already primed to love, skillfully illuminating the emotional stakes of a hostile alien visitation. Alfred Molina's Sam, devastated by both the recent loss of his wife and his independence as he moves into The Boroughs' retirement community, makes a fine, fierce anchor: He's crusty and enraged on the surface, aching for someone to love him and pained by his lack of agency underneath. Luckily, his new Boroughs neighbors are ready to welcome him into their circle of warm friendship, and watching these relationships bloom is a delight.

Viewers will quickly get to know and appreciate said neighbors, who gel into a fighting force who haven't lost their courage or sense of fun as they've matured into their golden years: Geena Davis is an aging punk rocker, Denis O'Hare a mischievous raconteur, Alfre Woodward an ex-journalist unafraid to speak truth to power. It's no surprise that they'll have to team up and use their individual strengths to combat a threatening, otherworldly force, but it's a keen pleasure to watch characters who others disregard find both camaraderie and strength together. There's no age limit to nerve or brilliance; The Boroughs' key pleasure is giving these great actors a canvas and conflict where they can display both.