Even with Tom Hanks as the main actor, the 1989 film The ‘Burbs received mixed reviews and didn’t perform spectacularly in theaters. However, it later found a dedicated fanbase and became a beloved dark comedy, especially through home video and now streaming. It’s a bit surprising that Peacock is turning it into a TV show, considering the streaming service isn’t as well-known as those that usually warrant a Hollywood revival. Still, with talented people like Seth MacFarlane and Keke Palmer involved, the series has potential. If you give it a chance, you might enjoy this quirky drama about suburban life, which manages to handle its murder mystery surprisingly well, even if some creative choices are questionable.
As a huge fan of the original The ‘Burbs, I was really intrigued by this new show. It takes that same basic idea – a seemingly perfect neighborhood hiding something strange – and updates it. The story centers around Samira, a new mom who moves with her husband, Rob, back to his childhood home in the suburbs. Stuck at home with a baby, she gets seriously bored and starts looking into the history of this creepy, abandoned Victorian house on their street. Apparently, a teenager might have been murdered there years ago! Things get even weirder when a new neighbor, Gary, moves in late one night and immediately starts turning the place into a fortress. Samira’s investigation is pretty funny at first, but it quickly gets intense, especially as the show goes on.
Rating: 3/5
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Enthralling lead performance by Keke Palmer | Disappointing season finale |
| Strong ensemble cast | Uneven pacing |
| Gripping central mystery | Distracting sequel bait |
| Sharp dark humor |
The ‘Burbs Multi-Season Ambition Gets in the Way of a Streamlined Story
The first episode of The ‘Burbs skillfully introduces the show’s central mystery. We see the seemingly perfect suburban life in Hinkley Hills slowly unravel through the eyes of Samira, who begins to suspect something is deeply wrong. The neighbors are secretive, hints of past events are dropped, and strange rumors surrounding an old house suggest a larger conspiracy. The show also highlights how easily boredom and routine in the suburbs can breed gossip. Samira, a former lawyer now a housewife, is particularly eager for something to break the monotony, and the series cleverly leaves us wondering how much of what she perceives is real and how much is simply a product of her imagination. This ambiguity immediately draws the viewer into the story.
As I’ve watched each new episode, I’ve noticed a really clever use of mystery – everything stays wonderfully ambiguous, which I love. The writing in The ‘Burbs is genuinely brilliant; the show only gives you bits and pieces of information, leading you down different paths and constantly presenting new questions. And just when you think you’ve figured something out, there’s a twist – some of them are totally shocking! It keeps you guessing about who the real bad guys are and what happened to young Allison decades ago. Honestly, I wish Peacock hadn’t released the whole season at once. This is the kind of show that would have been amazing to discuss week by week with other fans. The binge-watching format actually hurts it, because it puts too much pressure on the finale, and that’s where the story unfortunately gets a little convoluted.
While the show does resolve the main mysteries, the final episode of The ‘Burbs feels rushed and sets up a potential second season that may not happen. It’s disappointing that the finale focuses more on what could happen next instead of providing a satisfying conclusion to the current story. This makes it the weakest episode of the series and will likely frustrate some viewers. However, despite this less-than-ideal ending – and the fact that releasing the whole season at once encourages binge-watching – the show is still enjoyable overall, and the journey through Hinkley Hills is well worth taking.
The ‘Burbs Characters Make the Show Worth It
Although viewers might initially tune into The ‘Burbs expecting a murder mystery, the show delivers a compelling blend of tragedy and comedy. The quiet, secluded suburban setting amplifies everyday conflicts and allows the series to examine the quirks of being human, particularly when people’s basic needs are met. Importantly, The ‘Burbs doesn’t shy away from important social issues, using its predominantly white suburban backdrop to explore topics like systemic racism, the weight of community pressures, and the unexpected bonds that can form between neighbors. Like Desperate Housewives before it, The ‘Burbs skillfully uses dark humor to poke fun at the often-eccentric suburban characters and how they frequently create their own problems.
Beyond the fantastic performance by Palmer as Samira, the show boasts a charming ensemble cast of characters. Naveen, played by Kapil Talwalkar, is a standout – a childhood friend of Rob going through a divorce, brought to life with both enthusiasm and genuine innocence. While RJ Cyler and Kyrie McAlpin have smaller roles, they make the most of their screen time, consistently delivering memorable moments. The central group – Dana (Paula Pell), a former military woman; Lynn (Julia Duffy), a widow; and Tod (Mark Proksch), a tech enthusiast – adds to the show’s appeal. Samira’s passion for Victorian architecture brings this talented cast together, and their chemistry makes the show even more enjoyable.
Peacock’s new take on The ‘Burbs works better as a show about interesting people than as a tightly plotted mystery. The story tries to stretch itself out, but the great connection between the actors keeps it engaging. If you don’t mind a finale that feels a bit too far-fetched, you’ll likely enjoy spending a weekend getting to know this neighborhood and its residents.
All episodes of The ‘Burbs drop on Peacock on Sunday, February 8th.
Did you enjoy the original The ‘Burbs movie? Are you looking forward to the new TV show based on it? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-02-06 19:45