Peacock Reimagines Tom Hanks’ 1989 Cult Classic as a Dark Modern Thriller

When showrunner Celeste Hughey first embarked on the challenge of adapting the 1989 Tom Hanks comedy-thriller The ’Burbs for television, she encountered a polarizing reception.

“Whenever the project came up in conversation, people either drew a complete blank or revealed themselves as total superfans,” Hughey explains during an interview with Polygon.

The source material is the quintessential cult classic. Directed by Joe Dante (Gremlins), the PG-rated film offered just enough tension to serve as a gateway for young horror enthusiasts. A staple of 1990s cable television, it built a dedicated following among those who stumbled upon its quirky charm. Hughey, who arrived the same year the film hit theaters, recalls an early—perhaps too early—viewing that left a lasting impression. Today, she recognizes the movie as a biting satire of the American dream.

“I’ve likely revisited it a thousand times,” Hughey admits. “I am intimately familiar with every detail. It’s been a thrill to breathe fresh life into that world.”

Now available on Peacock, the 2026 iteration of ’Burbs maintains the core premise: a group of suburbanites—originally led by Hanks as a restless family man—become obsessed with the eccentricities of their new neighbors. However, the series introduces a contemporary perspective. The narrative follows Samira Fisher (played by Nope star Keke Palmer) as she trades city life for the quiet of the suburbs, moving into her husband Rob’s (Jack Whitehall) childhood home with their infant. Initially met with suburban frostiness, Samira is eventually embraced by the locals when they find common ground in their collective suspicion of a mysterious individual who buys the derelict house across the street. Much like its predecessor, these neighborhood watch antics eventually uncover far more than they bargained for.

Producers Seth MacFarlane and Brian Grazer originally envisioned a cinematic remake, but soon realized the concept’s potential was best served by an episodic format. This expansion allowed Hughey to pivot the perspective.

“I wanted to explore this environment through the lens of an outsider,” she says. That central role was written specifically for Palmer. “Keke was always my first choice. She embodies that rare Tom Hanks quality: an effortless blend of magnetism, comedic timing, and dramatic depth. I knew she was the right person to take the mantle.”

Palmer initially required a briefing on the original film, having never seen it. But after catching up with the movie and reviewing Hughey’s pilot script, she was sold on the project’s vision.

“It’s a classic fish-out-of-water scenario,” Palmer observes. “We’re bringing a modern sensibility to the ‘burbs. It touches on very current themes, allowing us to pay homage to the original while carving out a unique identity.”

While the Peacock series ventures into new territory, it is peppered with Easter eggs for dedicated fans. Each episode title is a direct quote from the 1989 film, and the Fisher family name serves as a tribute to the late Carrie Fisher, who starred in the original. Even a canine character named Darla pays respect to the real-life name of the dog that played Queenie in the movie.

Perhaps the most significant throwback is the reconstruction of the iconic sardine scene, where the suspicious neighbors host a gathering and serve Hanks’ character a questionable platter of sardines and pretzels. In the new series, Palmer steps into that same awkward moment.

“Keke insisted on eating actual sardines throughout the day to ensure the scene felt genuine,” Hughey notes.

The actress, fortunately, was unfazed by the culinary challenge.

“Coming from the Midwest, I actually enjoy sardines,” Palmer laughs. “Canned fish isn’t a strange thing to me. I have memories of fishing with my father and having sardines as a snack. I was perfectly fine with it.”

For Hughey, the series was more than just a tribute; it was an opportunity to reflect on her own upbringing in the suburbs of Boston.

“I wanted Samira’s journey to mirror my own experiences as a Black child in a predominantly white community,” she explains. “Centering the narrative on a Black woman navigating these spaces—questioning who is truly welcoming and who is merely skeptical of her presence—allowed us to weave authentic microaggressions into the plot.”

Palmer echoes this sentiment, viewing the horror-comedy genre as a powerful vehicle for exploring societal complexities. “I appreciate how the genre allows us to tackle weighty themes in a way that feels fresh and engaging.”

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Palmer draws a parallel between The ’Burbs and the legacy of Norman Lear, the legendary writer behind socially conscious sitcoms like All in the Family.

“Lear’s work didn’t flinch when it came to addressing racial friction or class dynamics; it brought those issues into the living room,” says Palmer. “I see a similar spirit in The ’Burbs. We expose those surface tensions only to reveal something even more nuanced underneath.”

The complete first season of The ’Burbs is currently available for streaming on Peacock.

Source: Polygon