The ’Burbs Review: Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall Make Suburban Mystery Hilariously Unmissable
- Je-Ree
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Suburbia has always been the breeding ground for secrets, manicured lawns and neighborly suspicion. While most of us are just trying to figure out which neighbor is letting their dog go on our driveway, Peacock’s new series, The ‘Burbs, takes that classic cul-de-sac paranoia and turns it into a high-stakes, hilarious mystery.
Full disclosure: I have never seen the 1989 cult classic film starring Tom Hanks. Blasphemy? Maybe. But it puts me in a unique position to tell you that this series stands entirely on its own two feet. While die-hard fans of the original will undoubtedly spend their time pointing out the clever ‘Burbs Easter eggs tucked into the background of the Universal Studios backlot, you don’t need nostalgia goggles to realize this is one of the most refreshing comedy-thriller to hit streaming in years.
The story centers on Samira (Keke Palmer) and her husband Rob (Jack Whitehall), who move back into Rob’s childhood home in a seemingly quiet suburban cul-de-sac. Let’s get straight to the point: the heart of this series is the absolute lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry between Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall. On paper, it’s a pairing you might not expect, but by the end of the pilot, you’ll realize it’s the duo you never knew you needed.
What follows is an eight-episode exploration of neighborhood dynamics, quirky personalities and secrets that lie just beneath the surface. The central mystery, a new neighbor whose motives are unclear provides the perfect hook to keep viewers clicking “next episode.” Who’s hiding what? And why? The series doesn’t spell everything out, which keeps the suspense engaging and fun.
Keke Palmer steps into the role of Samira with her signature charm and effortless comedic timing. Sure, there are moments where it feels like Keke is just being Keke, but when "Keke being Keke" involves being the most charismatic person on screen, who are we to complain? Opposite her, Jack Whitehall plays Rob Fisher and let’s just say he might be the frontrunner for "Best TV Husband of the Year."
In a television landscape filled with bickering couples and toxic dynamics, seeing Rob dote on Samira as a new mother is genuinely refreshing. He is the ultimate protector of his family, absolutely smitten with his wife, supportive to a fault and his chemistry with Palmer provides a grounded, romantic anchor to the surrounding chaos. They are the "relationship goals" of the cul-de-sac, even when they’re spiraling into conspiracy theories and you may start thinking Rob has his own secrets.
What makes The ‘Burbs more than just a standard "weird neighbor" story is its sharp writing. Created and written by Celeste Hughey, the show manages to weave in poignant social commentary without ever feeling like it’s hitting you over the head with a mallet. It explores the concepts of safety, privilege and the performative nature of suburban life, all while keeping the jokes flying at a rapid-fire pace.
The supporting cast is an embarrassment of riches. Every resident of this "safest town in America" gets a moment to shine, with Justin Kirk, Paula Pell, Julia Duffy, Kapil Talwalkar and Mark Proksch delivering some of the most bizarrely funny performances of their careers. Whether they are obsessed with HOA rules or lurking behind curtains, the ensemble turns the cul-de-sac into a vibrant, weird and slightly terrifying ecosystem.
The mystery surrounding the new neighbor is another highlight. The show doesn’t reveal everything at once, giving just enough information to make each episode compelling. The tension is balanced by comedic beats, ensuring that suspense never feels heavy-handed. The cul-de-sac itself becomes a character of sorts, with its residents’ quirks adding flavor, laughs, and a few unexpected twists along the way.
The motivations of the neighbors shift like the wind, making it impossible to pin down who is a villain and who is just a weirdo with a hobby. It’s a fun, eccentric ride that masters the "one more episode" cliffhanger. By the time you reach the finale, you’ll be questioning your own neighbors’ weekend activities.
The ’Burbs is a show that rewards patience and attention to detail. While the humor is accessible, subtle Easter eggs for fans of the original film provide an added layer of enjoyment, making it a show that works on multiple levels.
Peacock has a winner on its hands. Amid all the real-world craziness, The ’Burbs offers a much-needed escape. Its perfect mix of mystery, comedy and heart makes it easy to forget the outside world, at least for eight episodes.
When The ‘Burbs drops this February, do yourself a favor: grab some popcorn, lock your doors and settle in for a binge-watch. Just try not to look out your window too much afterward.