With Peacock’s upcoming comedy-thriller The ’Burbs! already generating buzz thanks to its teaser’s slick mix of paranoia, dark humor, and suburban suspense, Kyrie McAlpin is stepping into the spotlight as one of the show’s breakout young stars. As ‘Rory,’ the sharp-witted and endlessly curious neighbor who finds herself tangled in the neighborhood’s growing mystery, Kyrie delivers the kind of performance that feels both fresh and fearless.
Starring alongside powerhouse talents like Keke Palmer, Jack Whitehall, Julia Duffy, and Paula Pell, Kyrie brings youthful intelligence and magnetic presence to a cast stacked with comedic heavyweights. If the teaser is any indication, Rory isn’t just a neighbor, she’s the catalyst. And Kyrie is clearly one of the exciting faces to watch as this twisted suburban world unfolds.
Rory is described as spirited, sharp-witted, and deeply curious. What was your first reaction when you read the script and realized she would be at the center of the mystery?
My first reaction was honestly a huge gasp. I had to reread everything twice because I could not believe it. I was completely flabbergasted in the best way. Realizing that I had a real part in uncovering this mystery made it feel even more special. Rory is not just someone in the background. She actually contributes to how things unfold, and that excited me so much. I immediately felt grateful and ready to dive in.
The ’Burbs! blends dark humor with suspense—how did you approach balancing those tones in your performance without tipping too far into comedy or drama?
I really wanted Rory to feel authentic and have her own spark. I did not want to force anything or make her feel one note. I tried to let her personality develop naturally based on how she would honestly respond in different situations. I also had amazing guidance from Celeste Hughey, Jeff Byrd, Thembi Banks, and the rest of our creative team. We collaborated to make sure Rory felt layered and real, and I think that balance between their vision and my instincts helped shape her.
The teaser hints at paranoia bubbling beneath the surface of a “perfect” suburban neighborhood. What makes this story feel timely or relatable right now?
I feel like this series reflects how things can look perfect on the surface while something deeper is going on underneath. It mirrors real life in that way. On social media, people often show their happiest and most curated selves, but behind the scenes they could be dealing with something heavy or complicated. The Burbs really explores that contrast. It reminds viewers not to assume everything is exactly what it seems.
Working alongside actors like Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall must be a masterclass in timing. What did you learn from watching them on set?
Working alongside incredible actors like Keke Palmer and Jack Whitehall taught me so much. One of the biggest lessons I learned is how powerful facial expressions and body language are. Sometimes you do not even need dialogue to tell a story. A look or a small movement can completely shift the energy of a scene. Watching them work made me more aware of the small details in my own performances.
Rory’s curiosity places her in the middle of the action. Do you see her as brave, reckless, or something in between?
In action, I think Rory shows bravery and emotional intelligence. She is not reckless. She thinks things through and stays grounded, especially when things get intense. As a babysitter, she feels a strong sense of responsibility, especially when it comes to protecting baby Miles. She has a plan and stays focused, which makes her strong in a quiet but powerful way.
Comedy-thrillers require precision. Were there any scenes that were particularly challenging to shoot because of the tonal shifts?
I love to laugh, so one scene that definitely tested me was my first one selling cookies to Dana. Being in a scene with Paula Pell and Mark Proksch is no joke because they are naturally hilarious. It took everything in me not to break character. Even when I was trying to stay serious, they would say something or make a face that made it so hard not to smile. It was such a fun challenge though.
As one of the younger faces in the cast, how did you find your voice and confidence within such an established ensemble?
I have to give so much credit to our cast, crew, and my set teacher. They created such a supportive environment where I felt comfortable and confident. My voice was always heard, and I never felt pressured to do anything I was not okay with. That kind of atmosphere allows you to do your best work because you feel safe enough to take risks and share your ideas.
What surprised you most about bringing Rory to life—was there something about her that evolved once you were on set?
Once I got on set, something that really evolved for Rory was the comfort and family feeling she has with Samira, Rob, and Miles. At first, she is focused on doing her job well, but as time goes on, you can see that she genuinely cares about them. That emotional connection added another layer to her character and made her feel more grounded.
Without giving too much away, how would you describe Rory’s role in the larger mystery as the season unfolds?
I would describe Rory’s role in the mystery as a stepping stone and a tip off in the world of The Burbs. She helps open the door to questions that need to be asked. Even if she is not solving everything herself, she sparks something important. Her presence shifts the direction of the story in subtle but meaningful ways.
When audiences finish watching the first season of The ’Burbs!, what do you hope they’ll say about Rory—and about you as an actor?
I hope that when audiences finish The Burbs!, they see Rory as someone important to the story and someone worth bringing back. I hope they connect with her strength and heart. As an actress, I hope people feel like I truly embodied her and did justice to the character. If my performance encourages young viewers to be confident, observant, and brave in their own lives, that would mean everything to me.
Instagram: Kyrie McAlpin
Photography: Carla Rhea