Keke Palmers <i>The Burbs</i> Is a Horror-Comedy Remake With a Surprisingly Sweet Twist

Published: Friday, February 6, 2026 at 4:30 pm

"The Burbs" Reboot Offers a Fresh Take on Suburban Secrets

A new Peacock series, "The Burbs," reimagines the 1989 horror-comedy classic, offering a contemporary take on suburban anxieties. The series, streaming in full on February 8th, centers on Samira, a Black lawyer on maternity leave, and her British-born husband, Rob, who move to the suburbs. The couple's arrival in Hinkley Hills, a predominantly white community, immediately evokes comparisons to modern social thrillers like "Get Out."

The series, expanded to eight episodes, initially appears to be a fusion of its namesake and the recent wave of racially-charged thrillers. However, "The Burbs" quickly establishes its own unique voice. The show explores the secrets hidden beneath the surface of suburban life, with a gentler sense of humor and a more nuanced perspective than its predecessors.

The plot thickens when Samira becomes suspicious of a dilapidated Victorian house across the street, where a girl went missing years ago. The arrival of a new, crotchety neighbor further fuels her unease. While the initial storyline hints at a potentially heavy-handed exploration of racial tensions, the series shifts its focus. Instead of portraying Samira as a victim of overt racism, the show emphasizes dark character comedy and explores the complexities of the suburban community. Samira finds herself surrounded by flawed but well-meaning neighbors, including a motherly widow, a gruff lesbian ex-Marine, and an eccentric oddball.

BNN's Perspective: "The Burbs" appears to offer a refreshing take on the horror-comedy genre, blending social commentary with humor. While the initial setup might raise concerns about predictable tropes, the series' shift towards character-driven comedy and nuanced exploration of suburban dynamics is promising. It will be interesting to see how the show balances its comedic elements with its exploration of deeper themes.

Keywords: The Burbs, Keke Palmer, Peacock, horror-comedy, suburban secrets, Get Out, race, social thriller, comedy, streaming, television series, remake

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