The ‘Burbs is darkly funny at times and with a mystery that keeps on giving, it easily became a show that was worth binging.
Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall star as Samira and Rob in the new black comedy series, The ‘Burbs. The show follows a newly married couple and their baby as they move out of the city into the suburbs, but suburban life isn’t as comfortable as they think. Nosy neighbours, disappearing outsiders and murders aren’t the only things that get woven into porch gossip sessions.
The show is based on a 1980s movie with the same name starring Tom Hanks so I didn’t know what to expect. Fortunately, I knew Keke Palmer always delivers. I was expecting a show that would go full-on horror-thriller or to be a dark take on the genre, but it’s the complete opposite.
It’s darkly funny, yes, but at times it’s really wholesome and there are a few wonderful emotional moments that I can highlight. I won’t since I don’t want to spoil the show. The wholesome come from the relationships in the show. There are friendships and romances that will put a huge smile on your face.
The show is extra special because of the performances. Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall have enough chemistry to carry the show, but the supporting characters kept pulling me back in. The nosy neighbour schtick doesn’t get boring and it actually adds to the surprise twists. The show also stars Julia Duffy as Lynn, Paula Pell as Dana, Mark Proksch as Tod, and Kapil Talwalkar as Naveen.
Now as someone who has watched a fair share of murder mystery shows and movies, I could see some of the twists coming from miles away, but that still didn’t take away from the story. There are other twists that had my jaw dropping, because you think it might connect to the main story, but it sets off other great plots.
I don’t know how most people will react to this show, but my reaction is that I want more. I want more of the ‘burbs, I want more of the characters and I want more TV shows like this. I was invested from the start and that led to me binging the whole 8 episodes in one session, I did have an intermission to get myself something to eat.
I will say this, even though I enjoyed the binge I wish the show was released on a week-to-week basis, as this might’ve added to the mystery and the solving of it. I wished we got to see more of some of the recurring characters. There are also a few plot holes that I don’t want to get into, but other then that I love most of show.
I can definitely recommend this show to everyone and if you share my taste in TV shows or humour, then you will definitely love this. It’s fun, funny and it has a lot of heart that’s all tied together with an captivating story. That’s why it’s easy to give it 4 out of 5 stars.
The ‘Burbs exclusively on Showmax, 9 February.
