Tom Hanks ’80s Fan-Favorite Comedy Getting Turned Into Series

By Em Helena | Updated

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A new series adaptation of the 1989 dark comedy film The Burbs has been officially ordered by Peacock. The upcoming series, produced by Seth MacFarlane and starring Keke Palmer, will reimagine the classic film for a modern audience, setting the story in present-day suburbia.

Coming Back For A New Generation

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The new The Burbs will maintain the core themes of the original film while updating the narrative for a modern audience. According to the official logline, the series will follow a young wife returning with her husband to his childhood home. Their seemingly quiet suburban life is disrupted when new neighbors move in, bringing old secrets to light and introducing new threats that challenge the tranquility of their neighborhood.

This modern update aims to capture the essence of the original’s dark humor and suspense while reflecting current societal concerns and expectations.

The decision to film the new The Burbs series on the Universal Studios backlot is a deliberate attempt to honor the original film’s setting. This choice ensures a visual and thematic connection to the 1989 film, preserving the unique suburban atmosphere that played a significant role in its storytelling. 

An 80s Cult Comedy

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The original The Burbs has achieved cult status over the years despite its modest box-office performance. Directed by Joe Dante, the film stars Tom Hanks as Ray Peterson, a suburban man who becomes increasingly suspicious of his new, reclusive neighbors, the Klopeks. Peterson’s growing paranoia leads him and his fellow residents to believe that the Klopeks might be involved in sinister activities, including potential murder. 

One Of The Best Suburan Satires Ever

The film, which also features Carrie Fisher, Bruce Dern, and Corey Feldman, is noted for its dark, satirical humor and distinctive characters. Although it did not perform spectacularly at the box office, grossing just over $49 million against an $18 million budget, it has maintained a strong following and is celebrated for its unique take on suburban life.

Keke Palmer Is Just Getting Started

Keke Palmer, known for her dynamic roles and recent Emmy wins, will star in and executive produce The Burbs series. Palmer’s involvement is a significant aspect of the project, bringing a fresh and modern perspective to the role. Her background in both acting and producing positions her well to contribute to the series’ success.

Seth MacFarlane, known for his work on shows like Family Guy and The Orville, will also serve as an executive producer. Given his history of producing successful and innovative content, MacFarlane’s involvement adds a layer of credibility to the project.

Helmed By Seth MacFarlane

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Fans hope that the series adaptation of The Burbs will be a thoughtful reimagining of a beloved film. Hopefully, by updating the story for a modern audience while still retaining the core elements that made the original film memorable, the series will appeal to both long-time fans and new viewers. This combination, backed by a strong production team, suggests that the new The Burbs adaptation could successfully modernize a cult classic while honoring its legacy.

Currently, a premiere date for Peacock’s The Burbs series is yet to be released. However, we expect more updates from production within the next couple of months.