The ‘Burbs TV Remake Review: Keke Palmer Stars in Light-hearted Reimagining

er than the just-because. One of the latest additions to this trend is a new take on the 1989 horror comedy, The ‘Burbs. Directed by Joe Dante, the original film starred Tom Hanks and slowly gained cult classic status over the years. Now, Peacock has released a TV remake of The ‘Burbs, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved story.

In this new version, Keke Palmer steps into the lead role, taking over from Tom Hanks. Palmer plays Samira, a mother who moves with her husband (played by Jack Whitehall) to a quiet suburban neighborhood. However, Samira quickly becomes suspicious of her new surroundings, especially a mysterious run-down house and the unresolved disappearance of a local teen years ago.

The show takes a page from the successful mystery series, Only Murders in the Building, focusing on a group of curious outcasts who come together to unravel the secrets of their neighborhood. Palmer brings her charm to the role, blending zippy humor with a touch of Scooby-Doo silliness. She leads the ensemble cast, which includes Paula Pell, Julia Duffy, and Mark Proksch, through wine-fueled strategy meetings and neighborly investigations.

While The ‘Burbs remake is entertaining and engaging, it does struggle to maintain its momentum over the course of eight episodes. The plot, while intriguing, feels stretched at times, and the finale comes off as a forced cliffhanger. Despite some shortcomings in the script, the show offers a fun escape into the world of suburban mysteries.

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries and light-hearted comedy, The ‘Burbs is worth checking out. The show is now available on Peacock in the US and Binge in Australia, with a UK release date to be announced. So grab a glass of wine and join Samira and her quirky neighbors as they uncover the secrets of the suburbs.