Keke Palmer says her newest role came at the perfect moment in her life—right when she could truly understand what her character was going through.

In Peacock’s upcoming series The ‘Burbs, Palmer stars as Samira, a new mother who moves into the suburbs and becomes part of a group of moms who begin investigating a neighbor they suspect may be involved in a murder. While the show blends mystery and comedy, Palmer says it also explores something much more personal: the emotional reality of becoming a parent and trying to find yourself again afterward.

In an interview with E! News, Palmer explained that playing Samira felt “cathartic,” especially because she is a mom herself. The 32-year-old shares her 2-year-old son, Leodis, with her ex, Darius Jackson. Although her character is dealing with fictional drama, Palmer said the experience helped her reflect on her own postpartum life in a way she didn’t expect.

According to Palmer, one of the most meaningful parts of the role was being able to step outside of her own emotions and see the struggles of early motherhood through a character. She described how difficult it can be for new moms to reconnect with their identity after having a baby, as well as rebuild the connection with their partner. While she believes people acknowledge postpartum challenges, she feels they still aren’t discussed enough in a real and honest way.

Palmer shared that the conversations between Samira and her on-screen husband Rob—played by comedian Jack Whitehall—felt strikingly relatable. She admitted that while filming, she sometimes found herself wishing she could have had certain conversations in her own life sooner. She and Whitehall even had moments where they looked at each other and jokingly wondered if the show was mirroring their real experiences.

Whitehall, like Palmer, became a first-time parent around the same time. He welcomed his daughter, Elsie, with partner Roxy Horner in September 2023, just months after Palmer entered motherhood. Because of that, both actors said they could connect to the uncertainty and emotional chaos that often comes with becoming a parent for the first time.

Palmer said the show captures the internal questions that new parents often struggle with but may not openly admit. She described the nervousness of wondering whether you’re doing things right, what your role is now, and whether your relationship can survive the pressure of such a major life change. She added that even longtime parents will likely relate, because those early feelings of doubt and adjustment stay memorable no matter how much time passes.

While the show has suspenseful elements inspired by the 1989 Tom Hanks film The ‘Burbs, Palmer believes it stands out because it manages to tackle serious themes without losing its humor. She compared its tone to classic Norman Lear-style television, which often blended entertainment with deeper conversations about real life. Palmer said she appreciated that the show addresses difficult issues in a way that still feels fun and accessible for viewers.

Whitehall also joked about one behind-the-scenes detail that made filming easier: the couple’s baby on the show was played by twins. He laughed that parenting would be far less stressful in real life if parents could “swap out” their child whenever one got tired or started crying—just like they could on set.

The ‘Burbs is set to premiere on Peacock on Feb. 8, with all episodes dropping at once for viewers ready to binge the mix of comedy, mystery, and modern parenthood.