Peacock’s The ’Burbs is a contemporary series loosely inspired by—not a scene-for-scene remake of—Tom Hanks’s 1989 film. Released as an eight-episode season on February 8, 2026, it drew strong early viewing, according to figures reported by NBCUniversal and Peacock, including rankings attributed to Nielsen.
What is the 2026 series?
The new The ’Burbs is a mystery-comedy starring Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall. Peacock’s series description follows newly married parents Samira and Rob as they move into Rob’s childhood home in Hinkley Hills. A new neighbor and long-hidden secrets unsettle the couple’s apparently quiet cul-de-sac. Peacock released all eight episodes exclusively on its service on February 8, 2026. Peacock’s series guide
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Is it a remake of the Tom Hanks movie?
“Remake” is an understandable shorthand, but Peacock describes the show as “loosely inspired by” the original. The connection is the title and the premise of suburban neighbors confronting strange goings-on; the series shifts the format, characters, and point of view rather than simply retelling the film’s story.
| Series | 1989 film |
|---|---|
| Eight-episode 2026 series released on Peacock | 102-minute 1989 comedy/mystery directed by Joe Dante |
| Centers on Samira and Rob, a newly married couple and new parents | Follows Ray Peterson, whose quiet vacation at home is disrupted by a creepy new family next door |
| Peacock calls it loosely inspired by the film; its mystery-comedy premise also makes room for contemporary social commentary | Ray and his neighbors investigate odd events at the next-door residence |
The film stars Tom Hanks, with Carrie Fisher, Bruce Dern, Corey Feldman, Rick Ducommun, Wendy Schaal, Henry Gibson, and Gale Gordon among the cast. Universal Pictures At Home lists it as a PG film and offers DVD and Blu-ray editions. It can serve as an optional companion for viewers curious about the story that inspired the new series. Universal Pictures At Home: The ’Burbs
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Why did it become a streaming sensation?
The early figures point to substantial viewing, but they refer to different windows and measures. NBCUniversal and Peacock reported the numbers; they are company-reported figures, not independently audited totals in the cited announcements.
- Day 1: NBCUniversal said that, by minutes viewed according to Nielsen, the February 8 launch was the best Day 1 for a new streaming original series in 2026. The company did not provide a comparable total in the announcement. NBCUniversal, February 20, 2026
- First nine days: NBCUniversal said the series generated nearly 1 billion viewing minutes on Peacock and reached No. 1 among Peacock original series for overall reach in that period. Minutes viewed and overall reach are distinct measures. NBCUniversal, February 20, 2026
- First full week, February 9–16: NBCUniversal reported that the season ranked No. 2 among original scripted seasons across platforms by minutes viewed, according to Nielsen. NBCUniversal, February 20, 2026
- Just over two months: Peacock reported 1.7 billion viewing minutes. It also said the season appeared among Nielsen’s top 10 streaming original seasons for four consecutive weeks. Peacock, April 14, 2026
- First 50 days: Peacock called it the platform’s No. 1 scripted series of all time in overall reach over that period. This is Peacock’s reach claim, not a minutes-viewed ranking. Peacock, April 14, 2026
These announcements establish the size and persistence of the reported early audience, not who watched or why. They do not demonstrate that one particular element of the show caused its performance.
What changes in the series’ perspective?
Creator, writer, and executive producer Celeste Hughey described the show as mixing comedy, drama, mystery, horror, thrills, and suspense. She also said she wanted to center Samira’s experience as a Black woman and new mother in a white suburb, navigating a new marriage and an unfamiliar environment. That perspective is one reason the series is better understood as a contemporary reimagining than as a direct plot remake. Peacock interview with Celeste Hughey
Keke Palmer has similarly framed the update around what suburban archetypes mean in 2026, rather than simply repeating the appeal of the 1989 film. The comments describe the creative intent; they are not evidence that a particular theme drove the viewing figures. Peacock, April 14, 2026
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Will there be a second season?
Yes. Peacock announced a season-two renewal on April 14, 2026, alongside its report of the show’s performance. The announcement did not give a premiere date. Peacock also said it had sold the series to more than 100 territories worldwide, without listing those territories. Peacock, April 14, 2026
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you watch it?
The series was released exclusively on Peacock. Because streaming catalogs and rights can change, check Peacock’s current listing for availability in your location. The original film is listed by Universal Pictures At Home on DVD and Blu-ray; its current retail availability may vary.
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