‘The Burbs’ Creator Talks Show’s Link to 1989 Film & Teases Season 2 Mysteries!

Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall have recently joined the cast of The ‘Burbs, and the show’s creator, Celeste Hughey, is eager to explore more of Hinkley Hills in the future.

In a conversation with Deadline about the revival of the 1989 horror comedy on Peacock, the Emmy-nominated creator hinted at the unfolding mysteries in a potential second season.

Hughey expressed her desire for a second season, mentioning, “We’ve definitely structured the narrative with a continuation in mind. The season ends on a gripping note that I believe will make viewers grow fond of the characters and eager to return.”

Now streaming, The ‘Burbs follows new parents Samira (Palmer) and Rob (Whitehall) as they move into his parental home in the suburbs. Here, the stay-at-home mom connects with her neighbors through the intriguing mystery of a young girl who previously lived in the eerie Victorian house across the street.

Although the series acts more as a spiritual successor to Joe Dante’s original movie—which starred icons like Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Bruce Dern, and Corey Feldman—it doesn’t directly connect to the film.

Hughey shared her initial thoughts on adapting the film, “At one point, I contemplated whether it would be feasible for the children of Carrie Fisher and Tom Hanks’ characters to be contemporaries today. Eventually, I decided it was best to build a completely new setting with fresh characters, maintaining only a subtle link to the original Hinkley Hills.”

With a cameo by Wendy Schaal, who portrayed housewife Bonnie Rumsfield in the original film, Hughey explained, “It was important for us to pay tribute to the legacy of the movie.”

“Having Wendy’s cameo was incredible,” she added. “We also included a nod to Tom Hanks as Hinkley Hills’ founder, H. Horace Hinckley, in the first episode, and there’s another special cameo in the season finale that I won’t spoil here.”

Discover how Celeste Hughey has reimagined suburban terror in The ‘Burbs for 2026, now streaming on Peacock.

DEADLINE: I grew up watching the original film with my father. What’s your connection to the original, and what inspired you to update it for today’s audience?

CELESTE HUGHEY: I hope you caught the Easter eggs because I adore when movie buffs recognize these small tributes. I was quite young when the original came out, and it was honestly terrifying for me at that age. But revisiting it now, I see so much potential for social commentary, which remains incredibly relevant. Initially, Brian Grazer and Seth MacFarlane, along with Fuzzy Door, considered turning it into a film during COVID, but it later evolved into a series concept, and I was brought onboard to adapt it. My vision for the series was clear from the start: while the original film focused on the community alienating the newcomers, I wanted to flip the perspective to that of the outsiders integrating into the neighborhood. This new angle allowed us to craft a completely fresh narrative and cast, though we’ve maintained the essence that fans of the original will appreciate. Keke was immediately on my mind for the lead role; she has that magnetic charm reminiscent of Tom Hanks, which is perfect for this series.

DEADLINE: The concept of suburbia has evolved significantly. Could you shed some light on how you’ve updated this setting in the series?

HUGHEY: Previously, the suburbs represented an idyllic dream: spacious yards, white picket fences, and a safe environment for raising a family. However, the reality for many today, including myself and several of my friends who’ve recently had children, is quite different. The urban settings of our youth, once full of life and connection, now lack the space necessary for family life. Many have moved back to their parental homes for practical reasons—whether for additional support or because they simply can’t afford to buy a home on their own today. This shift from aspiration to necessity reflects a broader change in how we view suburban living in modern times.

DEADLINE: Considering Keke was a top choice for the lead, what was the casting process like for her and Jack Whitehall?

HUGHEY: Keke’s casting was somewhat serendipitous. I had envisioned her in the role long before she was officially on board. When we finally approached her with the script, her immediate understanding and enthusiasm for the character were palpable. She was excited to delve into the role of a new mother, mirroring her real-life experience. As for Jack, his chemistry with Keke during the auditions was undeniable. They naturally clicked, bringing a dynamic energy that was essential for their on-screen relationship. This synergy not only confirmed Jack’s casting but also inspired us to tweak the script to better reflect their vibrant, yet slightly unfamiliar, rapport.

DEADLINE: Wendy Schaal’s cameo seems like a lovely homage to the original film. Could you talk more about integrating elements from the original into the new series?

HUGHEY: Absolutely, maintaining connections to the original was crucial for us. Wendy’s participation was not only a tribute but also a bridge linking the past with the present. The inclusion of a fictional founder named after Tom Hanks’ character and another surprise cameo in the finale are ways we’ve threaded elements of the original narrative into this refreshed version, though the settings and characters are entirely new. This approach allowed us to honor the original while giving the series its own identity.

DEADLINE: Regarding the mystery that threads through the series, it seems like Rob and another character might be holding back information about the strange occurrences across the street. Can you elaborate on that dynamic?

HUGHEY: Crafting a mystery involves planting seeds of doubt about nearly every character, which we’ve done deliberately to keep viewers guessing. While it might seem typical to suspect the husband, our story takes unexpected turns, and the unfolding revelations will likely surprise the audience as they delve deeper into the series.

DEADLINE: Justin Kirk’s portrayal as the eerie neighbor adds a gripping layer to the show. Could you share more about casting him and developing his character?

HUGHEY: Justin was always in my mind for the role of the unsettling neighbor, mirroring the peculiar yet charming antagonist from the original. His capability to blend charisma with a hint of menace was perfect for this character. Justin’s enthusiasm for the script confirmed his commitment, and his performance has been a standout, adding depth and intrigue to the series.

DEADLINE: Lastly, with the series now launched, is there potential for a second season?

HUGHEY: We’re hopeful for a second season. The narrative is designed to expand, with a cliffhanger that should leave the audience craving more. The characters have much more to reveal, and the mysteries of The ‘Burbs are far from over. There are countless stories left to tell, inspired by the everyday eccentricities of suburban life. I’m excited about the possibility of returning to Hinkley Hills to unravel more secrets and deepen the connections that viewers have started to forge with the characters.