Denis O’Hare pushes for Emmy votes as “sweet revenge” after Netflix cancels The Boroughs despite strong audience response
The sudden cancellation of The Boroughs after just one season has sparked a passionate response from its cast, with Denis O’Hare taking the lead in rallying support. Instead of simply reacting with disappointment, the actor is urging fans to turn their frustration into action by backing the show during Emmy voting.
In a video shared on his Instagram, O’Hare opened up about how the decision has affected him. He admitted he was “really bummed” about the cancellation, especially given the positive reception the series had received from viewers across different age groups.
“So, it’s Saturday and I’m just thinking about the fact that Netflix canceled ‘The Boroughs’ and how really bummed I am because it was such a great show… and people really seem to love it,”
O’Hare said. He went on to explain that fans from their 30s and 40s, including families, had connected with the show, showing its wide appeal.
Emmy Votes as a Response to Cancellation
Rather than letting the show fade quietly, O’Hare proposed a bold idea—using the Emmy Awards as a way to respond to the cancellation. He encouraged fans and voters to support the series and its cast, framing it as a message to Netflix.
“Everyone seemed to find something to relate to,”
he said.
O’Hare also highlighted the ensemble cast, urging recognition for actors like Bill Pullman, Alfre Woodard, Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Clarke Peters, Seth Numrich, and Alice Kremelberg. His comments reflect a broader attempt to keep the series relevant even after its cancellation.
The Boroughs had a promising launch, drawing around 5.6 million viewers in its opening weekend. The number later climbed to 9.6 million, indicating growing interest, before eventually dropping to 3.7 million. While fluctuations in streaming numbers are common, the early success made the cancellation surprising to many.
The series was produced by the Duffer Brothers, marking their second project of the year following Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. Their involvement had initially boosted expectations, making the show’s short run even more unexpected.
Industry Reaction Adds Momentum
The response hasn’t been limited to fans alone. Antony Starr, known for his role as Homelander in The Boys, also reacted in the comments section of O’Hare’s post.
“Such a shame – great show I was invested,”
he wrote, echoing the sentiment shared by many viewers.
This kind of industry backing adds weight to O’Hare’s call for Emmy support, suggesting that the show’s impact extended beyond just its audience. It also highlights a recurring issue in streaming, where shows with strong engagement still face early cancellations.