Keke Palmer Takes Center Stage in Peacock's 'The 'Burbs' Series
Peacock has launched a fresh take on suburbia with its new series 'The 'Burbs, starring Keke Palmer in a horror-comedy that reimagines the 1989 cult film. The show, which premiered on Friday, 6th February 2026, delivers a mix of suspense and laughter, exploring the eerie underbelly of manicured lawns and white picket fences.
A Fish-Out-of-Water Tale with a Twist
Inspired by the original Tom Hanks-led movie, 'The 'Burbs follows Samira, played by Keke Palmer, a newlywed and new mother who moves into her husband's family home in the fictional Hinkley Hills. Creator Celeste Hughey describes the series as having 'the comedy, the drama, the mystery, the horror, the thrills, the suspense—all of it.' Palmer's character quickly finds herself in a world where 'suburbia is a spectator sport,' as she investigates a decades-old disappearance linked to an abandoned house across the street.
Hughey aimed to center Samira's experience as a Black woman in a predominantly white suburb, highlighting her 'fish-out-of-water feeling' as she navigates new roles as a wife and mother. The series tackles serious themes like microaggressions, racial profiling, and childhood trauma, but does so with a kooky, off-beat approach that uses comedy to make these issues accessible.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Humor
The ensemble cast includes Jack Whitehall as Samira's husband, alongside Julia Duffy, Mark Proksch, and Paula Pell as her wine-swilling neighbors who form an unlikely investigative team. Hughey, who wrote the scripts with Palmer's voice in mind, infused the show with witty humor, including improvised jokes and references to pop culture icons like Marie Kondo and 'Baby Reindeer.' One memorable line describes chocolate brownies as 'the Beyoncé of desserts,' while another pokes fun at suburban stereotypes.
Palmer, who grew up admiring Norman Lear's ability to blend entertainment with social commentary, found a similar opportunity in 'The 'Burbs.' She notes that the series uses satire and horror as allegories for real-life issues, allowing the team to 'expose cliches and lean into things' in a compelling way. Whitehall adds that the show balances genres effectively, making the social commentary feel natural without being heavy-handed.
Honoring the Original Film
The series pays homage to the 1989 movie with multiple nods, such as naming a character Fisher after the late Carrie Fisher, who appeared in the original, and including a dog named Darla after the pup from the film. A blink-and-you'll-miss-it image features Tom Hanks himself, and scenes like menacing leaves swirling around Samira's feet echo classic moments. Original actor Wendy Schaal even returns to play the town librarian, a move Hughey made to honor longtime fans and show respect for the source material.
Music plays a key role in the creative process, with a soundtrack ranging from Bill Withers' 'Lovely Day' to Steve Lacy's 'Dark Red' and Doechii's 'Anxiety.' Hughey emphasizes that music is integral to the show's identity, helping to set the tone for its blend of horror and comedy. All eight episodes are now available for streaming on Peacock, offering viewers a fresh take on a beloved cult classic.
