Dear Readers,

If you grew up in the 80s, as I did, you probably remember the movie The ‘Burbs. I absolutely loved it as a kid — that strange mix of comedy, mystery, and just plain weird suburban chaos. Seeing Tom Hanks running around suspicious of his neighbors made it unforgettable for me, and it’s one of those films that stuck in my memory for years.

The original movie came out in 1989 and starred Tom Hanks alongside Bruce Dern, Carrie Fisher, and Corey Feldman. It followed a regular suburban guy who becomes convinced that the odd new family down the street is hiding something dark. The film mixed humor with creepy moments and poked fun at how quickly neighbors can turn paranoid. It didn’t get amazing reviews at first, but over time it became a true cult classic — and honestly, it still feels like a perfect snapshot of 80s entertainment. 

Fast forward to now, and The ‘Burbs has been reimagined as a television series — and I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it at first. Some classics are hard to touch. But surprisingly… I really enjoyed the show.

The new series, released in 2026 on Peacock, stars Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall as a couple moving back into a quiet suburban neighborhood that turns out to be full of secrets. What starts as normal suburban life quickly becomes a mystery filled with suspicious neighbors, dark secrets, and plenty of humor along the way. 

What I liked most is that the show doesn’t try to copy the movie exactly. Instead, it keeps that strange, funny, slightly creepy vibe while adding modern storytelling and deeper themes about community and hidden secrets behind perfect lawns. 

Watching the series brought back that same feeling I had as a kid watching the original — wondering what was really going on behind closed doors and laughing at the chaos that follows. It feels familiar enough for longtime fans but fresh enough to stand on its own.

In the end, the 1989 movie will always hold a special place in my heart. But the new series surprised me in the best way. It reminded me why I loved The ‘Burbs in the first place — the humor, the mystery, and that feeling that even the quietest neighborhoods might be hiding something strange.

If you loved the movie growing up, as I did, I think the series is definitely worth a watch. Not because it replaces the classic… but because it gives a new generation a reason to fall in love with The ‘Burbs all over again.

— Luis