Keke Palmer, the queen of Emmys and all things fabulous, is coming to shake up your streaming life once again! The 31-year-old actress, who’s won so many awards her shelf is basically groaning under the weight, has landed a brand-new show, The ‘Burbs, coming straight to Peacock. No middlemen, no dilly-dallying, just BAM—straight to series like it’s hopping the line at the DMV.
Now, if you’re thinking, “Wait, The ‘Burbs? Didn’t my parents watch that movie while wearing neon scrunchies and jamming to cassette tapes?” You’d be absolutely right. It’s an adaptation of the 1989 comedy/horror flick starring none other than Tom “America’s Dad” Hanks. But this time, it’s 2024, and Keke is steering the ship. And, oh boy, is it gonna get weird!
Here’s the scoop: The show takes us to suburbia—because where else do weird things happen other than in neighborhoods where everyone trims their lawn like it’s a competition? A young couple moves back to the husband’s childhood home (because who doesn’t love unpacking childhood trauma in real estate form?). But surprise, surprise! The quiet neighborhood of Stepford vibes is about to be ripped apart faster than a reality TV show marriage when their creepy new neighbors roll in. What happens next? Secrets. Drama. Maybe even a rogue lawnmower or two. You know, the usual suburban stuff… except with deadly threats. Talk about a bad Welcome Wagon.
The icing on the cake? They’re filming at the exact same Universal Studios backlot as the original movie. So basically, nostalgia with a side of modern-day spookiness. Can’t wait to see how they make cul-de-sacs menacing again.
And hold onto your hats because Keke’s not alone! Seth MacFarlane (yes, that Seth MacFarlane of Family Guy fame) is also executive producing. Expect snark, probably a talking dog cameo, and some laughs. Dana Olsen, who wrote the original movie, is jumping on board too, so you know this isn’t just a reboot, it’s a reboot with cred. And just to make sure things stay sharp, Celeste Hughey from Dead to Me (you know, that show you binged while ignoring your to-do list?) is taking over the writing reins.
Keke’s been laying low from live-action TV since she was busy, you know, winning Emmys and reminding the world that she’s still got it. The last time she graced us regularly was on Scream Queens—aka where high fashion met high-pitched screams. Since then, she’s been sprinkling her talent here and there, including on Star, Scream: The TV Series, and Berlin Station. But it’s been a hot minute since she’s headlined something live-action.
Of course, she’s not just coming back, she’s coming back in style. She’s fresh off of not one, but TWO Emmy wins—because one just wasn’t enough. Her first was for Keke Palmer’s Turnt Up with the Taylors (because who else but Keke could pull off playing a whole family?), and the second for being an absolute boss as the host of NBC’s Password.
So, buckle up and get ready for Keke to take us on a wild suburban roller coaster. Because when she’s in charge, you know it’s gonna be anything but ordinary.
