The 'Burbs adapts Tom Hanks' 1989 cult classic for our dark modern times

When Celeste Hughey began work as showrunner on a TV reimagining of the 1989 Tom Hanks movie The ’Burbs, she noticed a split reaction: people either had never heard of the film or were absolutely obsessed. The original, directed by Joe Dante, became a cult classic after heavy cable play in the ’90s, and Hughey—born the year the film came out—says she has “probably watched it a thousand times” and enjoyed bringing new life to its sharp commentary on suburbia.

The Peacock series keeps the original premise of cul-de-sac residents growing suspicious of creepy new neighbors but updates the point of view. Keke Palmer stars as Samira Fisher, a Black woman who leaves the city with her husband Rob (Jack Whitehall) and their newborn to move into Rob’s childhood home.

Their mostly white neighbors are initially unwelcoming before rallying around a mysterious interloper across the street; Justin Kirk plays a creepy new neighbor named Gary.

the 'burbs, tom hanks, joe dante, celeste hughey, peacock, keke palmer, jack whitehall, justin kirk, suburbia, cult classic