Celeste Hughey Talks About Redefining ‘The Burbs,’ Creating a Sense of Belonging, and Practicing Self-Care
Celeste Hughey Brings Complexity of Suburbia to Life in New Series Adaptation of The ’Burbs
Celeste Hughey, an Emmy-nominated creator and executive producer, is set to explore the intricate dynamics of suburban life in her latest project, a series adaptation of the cult classic film The ’Burbs. Premiering in February during a coveted post-Super Bowl time slot, the show represents a significant milestone for Hughey, whose previous credits include Dead to Me, Palm Royale, High Fidelity, and No Good Deed.
Reflecting on her first encounter with the original film, Hughey shared, “When I first saw the movie, I was much younger, and it was more of a terrifying movie to me. As an adult revisiting it, it’s just such a genius movie. It’s a brilliant, humorous commentary.”
The series project originated with Brian Grazer of Imagine Entertainment, who produced the original film, along with Seth MacFarlane of Fuzzy Door, both of whom were longtime fans of the movie. Initially conceived as a film during the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea evolved into a series format, ultimately landing in Hughey’s capable hands.
“I wish I could take initial credit,” she said, chuckling. “But once it was brought to me, I immediately had a vision for it.”
That vision centers on adopting an outsider’s perspective, specifically through the character of Samira, a Black woman navigating life in a predominantly white suburb. “I immediately knew I wanted to take the fish-out-of-water angle,” Hughey explained. “I developed it around the idea of a new mom, a new wife on maternity leave—just trying to find her way and uncover the secrets of the town.”
Samira, played by Keke Palmer, embodies this vision. Hughey noted, “I knew I wanted Keke from the get-go. She can do comedy, she can do drama. And she’s Keke Palmer! She’s the best. I’ve always been a huge fan.”
In the narrative, Samira and her husband Rob, portrayed by Jack Whitehall, return to Rob’s childhood home after a troubling incident prompts them to reassess their understanding of safety as new parents. This setting serves as a bridge to the original film.
“Yes, it’s his childhood home,” Hughey confirmed. “Rob’s family had also moved from the UK to the suburbs, experiencing their own ‘what is this place?’ moment. They’re moving back after something happens in the city that forces them to reconsider where they want to be—and where safety is for them.”
Although The ’Burbs contains nods for fans of the original, Hughey clarified that it unfolds a new story with fresh characters, while retaining the eerie undercurrents of the original film. “I grew up in Boston,” she noted. “I’m mixed—I’m Black and white—and I grew up in a predominantly white suburb. I just never really felt like I fully belonged. It was that feeling that I infused into Samira. At the same time, it’s universal. We all have nosy neighbors. We are nosy neighbors.”
The series aims to balance humor with escalating emotional stakes, supported by an ensemble cast that includes Paula Pell, Mark Proksch, and Julia Duffy. It achieves a lighthearted yet thrilling narrative that opens avenues for conversations around race, class, and motherhood.
Upon learning that The ’Burbs would premiere immediately following Super Bowl coverage, Hughey felt a wave of gratitude. “I was so overwhelmed and grateful,” she said. “It just meant the world that Peacock and the studio had confidence in it to put it on the biggest air date pretty much in the country.”
Amid her busy schedule of writing, producing, and press engagements, Hughey makes a concerted effort to prioritize self-care as she approaches a personal milestone. “As a TV writer, I have to watch TV to be inspired,” she remarked, adding that skincare is equally important to her routine. “Everyone always raves about my skin, and it’s actually because I spend so much time trying to take care of it.”
With winter weather impacting her skin, she mentioned the need for hydration during her New York press trip, noting the significance of maintaining her skincare routine. “I do my skincare routine religiously every night. It’s layered for moisture, and I use really great products with clean ingredients.”
As she looks forward to turning 40, Hughey reinforces the importance of self-care, remarking, “I have a big month!”
