Keke Palmer To Star and Produce Peacock’s Comedic Mystery Series “The ‘Burbs”
Peacock has greenlit a straight-to-series order for a contemporary adaptation of the 1989 cult classic film “The ‘Burbs.” Keke Palmer, the multitalented actress, singer, and Emmy winner, is attached to star in this highly anticipated comedic mystery series. Joining her as executive producers are entertainment heavyweights Brian Grazer and Seth MacFarlane, promising an exciting collaboration.
The series, set in present-day suburbia, follows a young married couple who return to the husband’s childhood home. However, their idyllic suburban life is upended when new neighbors move in next door, unleashing a series of mysterious events that unravel the secrets of the cul-de-sac and shatter the illusion of their quiet neighborhood.
The Original Film’s Legacy
Directed by Joe Dante and written by Dana Olsen, the original “The ‘Burbs” film starred Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Bruce Dern, and Corey Feldman. Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release in 1989, the movie opened at the top of the box office and has since garnered a devoted cult following.
A Stellar Creative Team
The Peacock series boasts an impressive creative team, with Celeste Hughley (“Palm Royale,” “Dead to Me”) serving as the writer and executive producer. Hughley’s expertise in crafting compelling narratives promises to breathe new life into the beloved story.
Joining Hughley are the powerhouse production companies Imagine Entertainment and Fuzzy Door Productions. Imagine Entertainment, the company behind the original film, is helmed by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, while Fuzzy Door Productions is MacFarlane’s production banner, known for hits like “Ted.”
Seasoned Collaborators
The collaboration between Imagine Entertainment and Fuzzy Door Productions extends beyond “The ‘Burbs.” MacFarlane’s “Ted” prequel series, which has been renewed for a second season, is also produced by Fuzzy Door for Peacock. This synergy between the two production houses bodes well for the quality and success of “The ‘Burbs.”
Dana Olsen, the writer of the original film, will serve as a co-executive producer on the series, ensuring a seamless transition from the big screen to the small screen while preserving the essence of the original story.
Filming Location and Authenticity
In a nod to the original film, “The ‘Burbs” series will be filmed on the same backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood, where the 1989 movie was shot. This decision not only pays homage to the source material but also promises to capture the authentic suburban atmosphere that was central to the film’s charm.
A Timely Exploration of Suburban Mysteries
The series arrives at a time when mystery comedies are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Hits like Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” and Peacock’s own “Poker Face” and “Based on a True Story” have captivated audiences with their unique blends of suspense, humor, and intrigue.
“The ‘Burbs” promises to tap into this trend, offering viewers a fresh take on suburban mysteries while injecting a healthy dose of comedic relief. With its talented cast and creative team, the series is poised to become a standout addition to Peacock’s growing lineup of original content.
Keke Palmer’s Rising Star
Keke Palmer’s involvement as both the lead actor and an executive producer on “The ‘Burbs” is a testament to her versatility and growing influence in the entertainment industry. Fresh off her critically acclaimed performance in Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” Palmer continues to solidify her position as a multifaceted talent.
A Diverse Résumé
Palmer’s résumé boasts an impressive range of roles, from her breakout performance in “Akeelah and the Bee” to her work in films like “Hustlers” and series like “Scream Queens” and “Berlin Station.” Her Emmy wins for “Turnt Up with the Taylors” and her hosting duties on the “Password” reboot further showcase her versatility.
As an accomplished singer with multiple albums under her belt, Palmer’s multidimensional talents are sure to bring depth and authenticity to her portrayal of the young wife at the center of “The ‘Burbs” narrative.
Peacock’s Commitment to Adapting Universal Properties
“The ‘Burbs” is the latest example of Peacock’s strategic approach to adapting and rebooting iconic Universal properties for its streaming platform. The streamer has already found success with series like “Ted,” a prequel to MacFarlane’s popular film franchise, and “Bel-Air,” a dramatic reboot of the classic sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Additionally, Peacock has revived beloved shows like “Saved by the Bell” and “Punky Brewster,” while also producing original content like “Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin,” a spin-off from the popular film franchise.
By tapping into the nostalgia and built-in fanbase of these iconic properties, Peacock aims to attract viewers and establish itself as a formidable player in the highly competitive streaming landscape.
A Promising Future for ‘The ‘Burbs’
With its talented cast and creative team, “The ‘Burbs” has all the ingredients to become a standout series for Peacock. The combination of a beloved source material, a fresh comedic take on suburban mysteries, and the involvement of industry heavyweights like Grazer and MacFarlane promises a viewing experience that will captivate audiences.
As Peacock continues to expand its original content offerings, “The ‘Burbs” represents a strategic move to leverage the streamer’s access to Universal’s vast library of intellectual properties. By reimagining beloved stories for a modern audience, Peacock aims to attract both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike.
With the series set to debut on Peacock, audiences can look forward to an intriguing blend of mystery, comedy, and suburban intrigue, brought to life by a talented ensemble led by the multi-talented Keke Palmer. “The ‘Burbs” promises to be a must-watch addition to the streaming service’s lineup, offering a fresh and entertaining take on a cult classic.
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