Hinkley Hills, a community previously lauded as "America's safest town," unveils its mysterious side in the brand-new series, "The 'Burbs." Beyond its well-kept gardens and friendly neighborhood gatherings, a collection of enigmatic secrets lies concealed. The quiet street of Ashfield Pl., known for its peaceful HOA meetings and competitive trivia nights, harbors a variety of residents each with their own hidden stories.
Newcomer Samira Fisher, portrayed by Keke Palmer, quickly discerns a pervasive sense of unease. This discomfort extends beyond her experience as a Black woman in a predominantly white suburban setting, as she humorously notes, "It's giving 'Get Out.'" Samira and her husband, Rob, a book editor played by British actor Jack Whitehall, have chosen to relocate to Rob's childhood home in this commuter town, seeking a quieter environment to raise their newborn son, Miles, away from city life.
Soon after settling in, the couple realizes that the tranquility of their new home is merely a facade. This revelation marks the true beginning of the eight-episode series, a 2026 adaptation by Peacock of the 80s cult classic starring Tom Hanks. This renewed version is a collaborative effort between Imagine Entertainment and Seth MacFarlane's Fuzzy Door Productions. The creators, including first-time showrunner Celeste Hughey, along with the writing team and an impressive cast featuring Paula Pell and Julia Duffy, have deconstructed the original film to craft a compelling and contemporary narrative with broad appeal.
Palmer was immediately captivated by the pilot script, expressing her eagerness for more as she devoured each page. The show's success stems from its rare ability to seamlessly interweave light horror, suspense, comedy, and drama. The series delivers genuine scares, uproarious humor, and deeply earned emotional depth. Palmer, who also serves as a producer, was drawn to this genre fluidity, finding the show to be both entertaining and authentically grounded.
The concept for updating "The 'Burbs" emerged during a significant period for community living. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Seth MacFarlane proposed remaking the film to Erica Huggins, president of Fuzzy Door Productions, recognizing its potential for modern relevance. The idea of filming on a studio cul-de-sac also offered a controlled environment for social distancing. Initially a film concept, it soon evolved into a television series to better explore the contemporary social tensions and communal spirit observed during the pandemic. Simultaneously, Brian Grazer of Imagine Entertainment sought new series ideas and an opportunity to collaborate with Keke Palmer, having heard glowing recommendations from various sources, including Snoop Dogg.
Grazer envisioned the series as a commentary on suburban paranoia, drawing parallels to personal experiences of neighborhood mystery. Huggins noted that "The 'Burbs" was a frequent reference during her 14-year tenure at Imagine. Although the original film received mixed reviews upon its 1989 release, it has since gained a significant following through repeated television airings and cross-generational appeal. Celeste Hughey, who joined the project in 2022, rediscovered the film's brilliance and humor, noting its continued relevance in an era where neighborhood gossip intensified during the pandemic. To modernize the narrative, Hughey centered the adaptation on Samira, a new mother grappling with the intrigue of her new surroundings, particularly an eerie Victorian house across the street. Hughey specifically envisioned Palmer in the role, recognizing her unique talent and versatility, even texting a friend about her desire to cast the actress in August 2022. Palmer readily collaborated in character development, ensuring an authentic portrayal that addressed racial nuances with both sensitivity and humor.
Co-star Paula Pell, who plays Samira's neighbor Dana, praised Palmer's acting abilities and magnetic personality, describing her as a "pure light." Hughey lauded Palmer as a modern-day Tom Hanks, citing her comedic and dramatic range, charisma, and ability to both honor the original film and make the role her own. Palmer's extensive career, spanning from inspirational dramas to sitcoms, sci-fi horror, and musicals, showcases her remarkable versatility. She views her career as a multifaceted brand encompassing acting, community leadership, hosting, and lifestyle. This holistic approach resonates with her audience, particularly through her podcast and her Emmy-winning role as host of "Password." Julia Duffy, who worked with Palmer as a teenager, also lauded her as charming, poised, and capable of excelling in any artistic endeavor. The cast, including Jack Whitehall, Paula Pell, Mark Proksch, and Kapil Talwalkar, formed a tight-knit and humorous ensemble. Whitehall's character, Rob, brings a grounded perspective to the suburban mystery, evolving the film's premise into a richer, more contemporary story. Pell expressed her joy in exploring dramatic elements within the comedy, finding beauty in how the characters navigate both the horrors and wonders of life. This strong camaraderie translated into a dynamic and engaging on-screen chemistry, with much laughter and mutual support among the cast. Hughey aspires for this sense of community to be palpable in the series, reflecting the often-unforeseen connections formed with neighbors who become like family.
Erica Huggins hopes the series will highlight Palmer's impressive range to a wider audience, demonstrating her growth as an actress. The show also serves as a timely reminder that suburban life is far from mundane, as Palmer aptly observes, "The suburbs actually is tea. You think s--- is going on in the city, but wait till you see the arcs of the lineage of a suburb that's been going on for 20-plus years." The series encourages viewers to look beyond superficial appearances and appreciate the complex, interwoven narratives that exist in every neighborhood, fostering a sense of curiosity and deeper understanding of the human experience.
