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Keke Palmer brings some much-needed energy to this suburban mystery that’s basically 'Only Murders' but with more cul-de-sacs and worse pacing.
77%
77%View →The 'Burbs isn't going to win any Emmys, and it definitely struggles to justify its runtime. The IMDb score of 5.7 is a fair warning—it’s a bit of a mid-tier binge.
That said, it’s refreshing to have a show that isn't trying to be 'Euphoria.' It’s a clean-ish mystery with a great lead. If you need something to watch with a middle-schooler that won't make you want to crawl into a hole from awkwardness, this is a decent, if slightly boring, option.
This is a solid pick for 12 to 14-year-olds who want something more 'adult' than Disney+ but aren't ready for the heavy stuff. Adults might find it a bit thin, but it's a safe co-watch.
Viewers describe it as 'sweet' and lacking the 'vulgarity' common in modern streaming. It focuses on a young couple's relationship and neighborhood dynamics rather than edgy shock value.
It’s a reimagining of a cult classic that tries to blend humor with a modern mystery. While it follows the 'Only Murders in the Building' blueprint, the suburban paranoia angle is a fun, if familiar, sandbox.
Maintains a 14+ rating without leaning into extreme gore or nudity. The 'deadly threats' mentioned in the synopsis are tempered by a comedic tone that keeps things from getting too dark for older kids.
It offers some light commentary on community and the secrets people hide, but it's primarily designed for entertainment. The storytelling is criticized for being drawn out, which limits the punch of its themes.
If you’ve ever spent more than five minutes on a neighborhood Facebook group or Nextdoor, you’ll recognize the DNA of this show immediately. It captures that specific suburban paranoia where every moving van is a threat and every neighbor who doesn't mow their lawn is a potential serial killer. While the original 1989 film was a cult classic of 80s slapstick, this version feels much more like a satire of our current "true crime" obsessed culture.
It’s trying to be Only Murders in the Building for the cul-de-sac crowd. It doesn't always hit that high bar—the pacing is definitely the biggest hurdle—but the vibe is consistent. It’s less about the "scary" and more about the absurdity of living in a place where everyone is watching everyone else.
Let’s be honest: without Keke Palmer, this show would likely be a total skip. She plays Samira, a lawyer who moves back into her husband’s childhood home and immediately starts poking her nose where it doesn't belong. Palmer brings a level of charisma that makes even the slower, more lumpy episodes watchable.
The chemistry between the lead couple is what keeps the show grounded when the plot starts to feel like it’s spinning its wheels. If your kids are fans of her from other projects, they’ll probably be willing to sit through the more frustrated storytelling beats just to see what her character does next.
The rating on this one is a bit of a head-scratcher for some. It’s labeled TV-MA, which usually sends up red flags for parents, but the actual content feels closer to a "hard" PG-13 or a standard 14-plus rating. The "deadly threats" mentioned in the synopsis are real, and there is a fair amount of profanity, but it lacks the graphic nature of something like The Boys.
If you’re trying to decide if the "mature" label is actually earned or just a byproduct of a few F-bombs, our parent’s guide to the 2026 series breaks down the specific thriller themes. It’s a dark comedy, so the violence is often played for laughs or tension rather than pure shock value.
You should know going in that the audience reception (a 58 on Rotten Tomatoes) is largely a reaction to how the season ends. There is a lot of "drawn out" mystery that builds up over the episodes, only to be resolved in a way that feels rushed.
If your family likes a tight, perfectly executed mystery, this might annoy you. But if you’re looking for a "vibe" show—something to have on while you're scrolling or to chat about during the commercial breaks—it serves its purpose. It’s a decent bridge for teens who want to graduate from Disney+ mysteries to something that feels a bit more prestige, even if it doesn't quite stick the landing.
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