Keke Palmer to lead TV adaptation of ‘The ‘Burbs’ on Peacock
A fresh take on a cult classic
Keke Palmer is set to star in a TV adaptation of the dark comedy film The ‘Burbs, which has been ordered straight-to-series at Peacock. This new series promises to bring a modern twist to the 1989 cult classic, blending suspense and humor in a suburban setting.
Creative minds behind the adaptation
Celeste Hughey, known for her work on “Palm Royale,” “Dead to Me,” and “High Fidelity,” will adapt the film for television. The series will be executive produced by Seth MacFarlane and Brian Grazer of Imagine Entertainment, with Dana Olsen, the original film’s writer, co-executive producing. The series will be filmed on the Universal Studios backlot, maintaining a connection to its cinematic roots.
Revisiting the original
Released in 1989, The ‘Burbs starred Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Bruce Dern, Rick Ducommun, and Corey Feldman. The film follows the residents of a suburban neighborhood who suspect their new neighbors are ritualistic murderers. Despite a modest box office performance, grossing just over $49 million against an $18 million budget, the film has since achieved cult status.
Plot and setting
The official logline for the series states: “Set in present-day suburbia, The ‘Burbs follows a young couple returning to the husband’s childhood home. Their world is upended when new neighbors move in next door, bringing old secrets of the cul-de-sac to light, and new deadly threats shatter the illusion of their quiet little neighborhood.”
Stellar cast and crew
Hughey will not only write but also executive produce the series. Palmer, in addition to starring, will also serve as an executive producer. MacFarlane will produce under his Fuzzy Door banner, alongside Erica Huggins and Aimee Carlson. Grazer will produce via Imagine Entertainment, with Kristen Zolner and Natalie Berkus. UCP is the studio behind the series, with Fuzzy Door currently under an overall deal at UCP.
Keke Palmer’s impressive career
Palmer has won two Emmy Awards: one for best actress in a shortform comedy or drama series for “Turnt Up with the Taylors” and another for hosting the reboot of the game show “Password.” She is known for her roles in films and series like Nope, Hustlers, Akeelah and the Bee, True Jackson, VP, Scream Queens, and Berlin Station. Palmer is also an accomplished singer with multiple albums to her name.
Fuzzy Door and Imagine Entertainment’s recent projects
Fuzzy Door currently produces the “Ted” prequel series at Peacock, which is gearing up for its second season. The company also produced the science series “The End Is Nye” with Bill Nye. Imagine Entertainment’s recent TV credits include “Under the Banner of Heaven” at FX, “Swagger” at Apple TV+, “The Ms. Pat Show” at BET+, and “The Lost Symbol” at Peacock.
Representation and industry connections
Palmer is represented by 3 Arts Entertainment, Luna PR, and Hertz Lichtenstein. Hughey is represented by UTA, Kaplan Perrone Entertainment, and Hansen Jacobson. Fuzzy Door is represented by WME and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Olsen is represented by attorney Daniel Riviera.
Peacock’s strategy of reboots and adaptations
The ‘Burbs is the latest example of Peacock adapting or rebooting a Universal property for streaming. The platform also airs shows like “Ted” and “Bel-Air” (a dramatic reboot of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”), and has previously aired new iterations of “Saved by the Bell,” “Punky Brewster,” and “Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin.”
For fans of the original film and newcomers alike, this adaptation of The ‘Burbs promises to deliver a thrilling and humorous exploration of suburban life, with a stellar cast and creative team bringing fresh energy to the beloved story.