‘The 'Burbs’ (2026) Series Review - Nosy, Nuisance Neighbors

There’s something about the suburbs that makes for a fun and dark ride. We’ve seen it the subject of many dramas, comedies, or mysteries, and now The ‘Burbs brings all that together in a fun twist inspired by the 1989 black comedy of the same name. Aside from some nods and a cameo of Tom Hanks photo as the founder, the new iteration stands completely on its own and brings new meaning to reinvented. 

Forced to live in the quiet cul-de-sac with their new infant son, Samira (Keke Palmer) and Rob (Jack Whitehall) are adjusting to the quiet turn their lives have taken from the busy life they held in the city. Civil litigation attorney Samira isn’t meshing well with the slow pace of the suburbs and befriends the Wine Club,  consisting of homemaker widow Lynn (Julia Duffy), military vet Dana (Paula Pell), who never leaves the neighbourhood, and super observant Todd (Mark Proksch), who might just be a spy too. They bond over the mysterious rotting Victorian house that has been vacant for decades, and a surge of life shoots through them when it's sold in the middle of the night to a new neighbour and security-conscious doctor, Gary (Justin Kirk). 

Boredom, paranoia, and an instant dislike of each other bring Samira and Gary into each other's crosshairs, with both thinking the worst of each other. Samira instantly distrusts Gary as she watches him move in at the dead of night, and Gary distrusts Samira, who, in his mind, trespasses on his property twice with an excuse to snoop. It comes to a head in the first episode after Gary calls the police, and from that moment on, Samira believes he is not to be trusted and harbours a dark secret that she wants to uncover. 

The ‘Burbs keeps people guessing, not letting the twists be obvious, but at the same time not crossing the line into absurdity. It’s campy with a dark edge and a sense of humour that keeps you watching and wondering what twist will happen and if there is any truth in the paranoia all characters face. 

There are a lot of side plots circling the neighbourhood that create depth to the characters and bring more comedic elements. Notably from Max Carver’s Officer Danny and HOA President Agnes (Danielle Kennedy), who walks a great line of mean and bullying to funny and almost daft in its execution, which only heightens the comedy. Working against The ‘Burbs is the short episode run and being dropped all at once. If it had more episodes and a weekly release, the suspense would have been perfect, but even with all episodes dropping at once to be binge-watched in one sitting, it's an interesting show that nurtures the mystery well. 

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Leigh Doyle
Publisher at Midgard Times
Premiere Date: February 8, 2026, on Peacock with all eight episodes.