The new series adaptation of the 1989 cult classic film The ‘Burbs has officially arrived on Peacock, and audiences are responding in a big way. The Keke Palmer-led show has quickly become a massive hit for the streaming platform, shattering several viewership records just days after its premiere. With a smart release strategy following the Super Bowl and a binge-release of all eight episodes, the show is now being called one of Peacock’s most successful original series launches to date.
According to data from NBCUniversal and Nielsen, The ‘Burbs has generated nearly 1 billion viewing minutes since its debut on February 8, 2026. The series has not only become the talk of social media but has also secured its place as the top original scripted season in Peacock’s history when it comes to overall reach during the first nine days on the platform .
A Record-Breaking Debut on Peacock
The numbers for The ‘Burbs are turning heads in the streaming industry. The series achieved the highest Day 1 viewership for a Peacock original ever. More impressively, it marked the best launch day for any new streaming original series in all of 2026, based on minutes viewed according to Nielsen data .
During its first full week of availability, from February 9 through 16, the suburban horror comedy ranked as the No. 2 streaming original across all platforms . This performance is even more remarkable considering the competitive landscape of streaming content.
The show’s momentum was significantly boosted by its release timing. All eight episodes dropped on Peacock immediately following Super Bowl LX on February 8. That same day, Peacock experienced its best day ever in terms of both reach and total hours streamed. The platform was already seeing high traffic due to the Super Bowl and the ongoing Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which kicked off on February 6 . This “Legendary February” strategy by NBCUniversal, which also included the NBA All-Star Game, successfully funneled a massive audience directly to the new series .
Social Media Buzz and International Reach
The excitement for The ‘Burbs is not just limited to the screen. The series has generated significant buzz online, with content related to the show racking up 32 million video views across all of Peacock’s official social media accounts . This high level of engagement shows that viewers are not only watching but are also actively talking about and sharing the show.
The appeal of the series is also going global. Peacock has already sold the series to more than 100 territories around the world, indicating strong international demand for the Keke Palmer-led comedy .
What Is ‘The ‘Burbs’ About?
For those unfamiliar with the series, The ‘Burbs is inspired by the 1989 horror-comedy film of the same name, which starred Tom Hanks. The new version reimagines the story for a modern audience.
Set in present-day suburbia, the series follows a young couple, Samira (Keke Palmer) and her husband, who have reluctantly moved back to his childhood home. Their plan for a quiet life in the neighborhood is completely upended when a mysterious new neighbor moves in across the street. As Samira starts noticing strange behavior in the cul-de-sac, long-buried secrets come to light, and the illusion of their peaceful suburban life is shattered by new and deadly threats .
The series blends mystery, comedy, and horror, keeping viewers guessing until the very end. In fact, the first season ends with a cliffhanger, hinting at a larger conspiracy and leaving one main character’s fate uncertain .
Meet the Cast and Creative Team
Keke Palmer leads the ensemble cast as Samira, and she also serves as an executive producer on the project. She is joined by a talented group of actors, including Jack Whitehall as her husband. The cast also features veteran performers like Julia Duffy, Paula Pell, and Mark Proksch (known for What We Do in the Shadows), alongside Kapil Talwalkar, Kyrie McAlpin, and Justin Kirk .
Behind the camera, the series was created, written, and executive produced by Celeste Hughey. The executive producer lineup is stacked with heavy hitters, including Seth MacFarlane (Fuzzy Door), Brian Grazer (Imagine Entertainment), and Nzingha Stewart, who also directed episodes. Rachel Shukert also serves as a writer and executive producer .
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How to Watch and Critical Reception
All eight episodes of The ‘Burbs are available to stream right now, exclusively on Peacock . Viewers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and India can access the series by subscribing to the streaming service, provided they have a subscription that includes access to Peacock content. (Local availability may vary, so checking the Peacock app or website for specific regional access is always a good idea.)
Critics have welcomed the series with open arms. It currently holds an impressive 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes, a significant jump from the original film’s 56% . The New York Times called it “funny and ultimately heartwarming,” while Variety praised it as “brilliantly written” and “an entertaining blend of genres that keeps viewers guessing until the very end” .
As the show continues to near the 1 billion viewing minutes mark, it stands as a major win for Peacock. While a second season has not yet been officially ordered, the massive viewership and strong critical response certainly make a strong case for more episodes .
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