- Primary Subject: Tom Hanks in The Burbs TV series
- Key Update: Fans are speculating whether Tom Hanks has a cameo in the TV series version, as well as the easter eggs and other homages to the original film.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: February 9, 2026
- Quick Answer: Tom Hanks does not have a cameo, but his likeness appears as town founder H. Horace Hinkley. Original star Wendy Schaal cameos as a librarian.
With the release of the TV series adaptation of the '80s classic The Burbs, fans have been wondering whether original star Tom Hanks made a cameo appearance.
The new dark comedy series was recently released on Peacock with all eight episodes of the first season available to binge-watch. It's a modern take on the 1989 film, starring Hanks, that explores a group of neighbors' obsession over a mysterious new resident in their cul-de-sac. The original has become a cult classic throughout the years.
SPOILER WARNING: This article includes minor spoilers for the first season of The Burbs, so proceed with caution.
Did Tom Hanks Make a Cameo Appearance in The Burbs TV Series?
Hanks did NOT make a cameo appearance in the first season of The Burbs. However, in the first episode, his likeness was used for the image of a character named H. Horace Hinkley, the founder of Hinkley Hills.
This is the only involvement that the original star has in the TV series adaptation. He gave permission to the producers to use his image in depicting Hinkley.
However, Wendy Schaal, who played Bonnie Rumsfield in the original film, did make a guest appearance in the new series as a character named Judy, a librarian who is seemingly keeping a secret about the town.
"Yes. We were hoping to get him in some way, shape, or form. And we found this opportunity to have him play the founder of Hinkley Hills, H. Horace Hinkley, just an image, and he was really happy to sign on for that and give his permission," creator Celeste Hughey told Screen Rant in an interview.
"We also have Wendy Schaal, who played Bonnie Rumsfield in the first movie. She plays the librarian in the first episode. We wanted to continue to have those nods to the movie throughout, and having Tom say yes to having his image was a day we all squealed."
The new series also paid homage to the late Carrie Fisher, who also starred in the original film, through the last name of the main characters.
"Rob and Samira’s last name is Fisher. So that was our little wink to her. It’s the Fisher family after Carrie Fisher," she said.
What is The Burbs TV Series About?
Inspired by the 1989 film of the same name and set in present-day suburbia, The Burbs follows a young couple who have reluctantly relocated to the husband's childhood home. Their world is upended when a new neighbor moves in across the street, bringing old secrets of the cul-de-sac to light, and new deadly threats shatter the illusion of their quiet little neighborhood.
The main cast includes Keke Palmer, Jack Whitehall, Julia Duffy, Paula Pell, Mark Proksch, and Kapil Talwalkar. Seth MacFarlane is involved as one of the executive producers.
All eight episodes of the first season are currently available to stream on Peacock. There is no official decision made yet for the second season renewal.
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