Fans of the beloved sitcom New Girl have reason to celebrate: Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. are reuniting on screen for a new Hulu pilot that reimagines the 1996 dark comedy The Cable Guy. The project, which has been in development, will see the duo bring a fresh, twisted take on the Jim Carrey cult classic to the streaming world.
Johnson is set to play Chip Douglas, an old-school cable TV installer who feels increasingly obsolete in the age of streaming and algorithms. When he's hired by his long-lost childhood friend Steven Stephens (Wayans), the two reconnect—but Chip's enthusiasm quickly spirals into obsession. It's a far cry from the easygoing loftmates they played on New Girl, but the chemistry between the two actors is sure to be electric.
This marks the third time Johnson and Wayans have shared the screen. They previously starred together in the 2014 comedy Let's Be Cops, directed by Luke Greenfield. Johnson is also set to lead NBC's new detective comedy Sunset P.I., but he intends to star in both series if The Cable Guy is picked up to series.
A Cult Classic Gets a Second Life
The original The Cable Guy, directed by Ben Stiller and starring Jim Carrey, was a box office success but initially considered a disappointment compared to Carrey's earlier mega-hits like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Mask. Critics were put off by its dark tone, but over the years it has developed a devoted cult following. The film's satirical take on TV culture and male friendship has been re-evaluated and praised.
The new pilot is written by New Girl's Rob Rosell and Cobra Kai veterans Joe Piarulli and Luan Thomas. All three will serve as showrunners and executive producers. Johnson and Wayans Jr. also executive produce alongside Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film.
While some might argue that certain classics should never be remade, this reimagining seems poised to honor the original's dark humor while updating it for a new generation. The original film starred Matthew Broderick as Steven Kovacs, with Jack Black in a small role as his friend Rick, and Leslie Mann as his girlfriend Robin. Carrey's performance as the unhinged Chip Douglas remains iconic, and Johnson will have big shoes to fill.
What to Expect from the Hulu Pilot
Details about the plot are still under wraps, but the pilot will likely explore themes of loneliness, obsession, and the changing landscape of entertainment. With Johnson's knack for playing lovable oddballs and Wayans' comedic timing, the series could become a standout on Hulu's roster. The streaming service has been investing heavily in original content, and this project fits their trend of reviving cult properties.
For fans of New Girl, the reunion of Johnson and Wayans is a major draw. Their on-screen friendship was a highlight of the series, and seeing them tackle a darker, more complex dynamic will be fascinating. Whether the pilot gets picked up to series remains to be seen, but the buzz is already building.
As the entertainment industry continues to mine the past for new ideas, The Cable Guy remake joins a growing list of reboots and reimaginings. While some have been criticized for lacking originality, this project has the talent and creative team to potentially avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other remakes. For now, fans can only wait and hope that Hulu gives the green light to this intriguing new series.
