"The Burbs" Revives Suburban Suspense with LeBlanc & Seehorn

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 4:51 GMT by Associated Press
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Beyond the Manicured Lawns: 'The Burbs' Revives Suburban Suspense with LeBlanc & Seehorn

NEW YORK (AP) - The seemingly idyllic world of perfectly manicured lawns and block parties is getting a darkly comedic makeover with the arrival of "The Burbs," the new Lionsgate+ series starring Matt LeBlanc and Rhea Seehorn. Premiering to positive buzz, the show isn't merely a revival of the classic 1989 film, but a clever reimagining of the suburban suspense genre, blending Hitchcockian thrills with the lighthearted spirit of 80s comedies.

LeBlanc, known for his role as Joey Tribbiani in "Friends" and his subsequent work in "Top Gear," portrays Carl, a down-on-his-luck former car salesman seeking a fresh start in the quiet suburbs. Rhea Seehorn, critically acclaimed for her performance as Kim Wexler in "Better Call Saul," embodies Annie, a talented and observant landscape designer with a keen eye for detail - and a growing suspicion that something is amiss.

The catalyst for the unfolding mystery is the arrival of the Binghams, the new family on the block. Their peculiarities aren't limited to questionable fashion choices or loud parties; their behavior is genuinely unsettling, a stark contrast to the carefully cultivated normalcy of the neighborhood. As Carl and Annie begin to observe their neighbors, a chain of increasingly bizarre events leads them to believe something far more sinister is brewing beneath the surface.

"The Burbs" cleverly taps into a potent cultural vein: the inherent anxieties surrounding the American Dream and the secrets hidden behind closed doors. While the 1989 film leaned heavily into slapstick and over-the-top performances, this series adopts a more nuanced approach. It's less about jump scares and more about building a creeping sense of dread, punctuated by moments of genuinely witty humor.

Seehorn explains that the appeal lies in "bringing these tropes to a modern audience," acknowledging the series' roots while forging its own identity. The show doesn't shy away from referencing classic suspense films like Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window," famed for its voyeuristic narrative, and even sprinkles in stylistic nods to the comedic chaos of "National Lampoon's Vacation." This blend allows "The Burbs" to feel both familiar and fresh, appealing to both nostalgia seekers and a new generation of viewers.

LeBlanc emphasizes that the series is "an homage to the great films of the '80s," but clarifies that it's also a completely original story. The creators have wisely avoided simply remaking the original, instead using it as a springboard to explore contemporary themes of community, paranoia, and the erosion of trust.

Beyond the central mystery, "The Burbs" subtly explores the pressures of suburban life. The pursuit of perfection, the keeping up with the Joneses, and the stifling conformity are all subtly woven into the narrative. Carl and Annie's investigation becomes a metaphor for uncovering the cracks in this carefully constructed facade. The seemingly perfect neighborhood reveals itself to be a pressure cooker of secrets, resentments, and hidden desires.

Critics are already praising the chemistry between LeBlanc and Seehorn. Their dynamic - a blend of exasperation, reluctant partnership, and genuine affection - is the heart of the series. LeBlanc's portrayal of Carl is a departure from his usual charming persona, offering a glimpse of vulnerability and world-weariness. Seehorn, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate her range, seamlessly transitioning from dramatic intensity to comedic timing.

"The Burbs" isn't just about uncovering a potential crime; it's a commentary on the human condition, a reminder that even in the most seemingly idyllic settings, darkness can lurk beneath the surface. It's a show that will make you laugh, keep you guessing, and perhaps even make you look at your neighbors a little differently. The series cleverly offers a peek at the secrets that can lurk beneath the surface of suburbia, proving that the grass isn't always greener - and sometimes, it hides something truly unsettling.