Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr., known for their collaboration in "New Girl," are coming together once more for a new Hulu comedy pilot. This upcoming series is inspired by the acclaimed 1996 film "The Cable Guy." The narrative centers on Chip Douglas (Johnson), an old-school cable technician whose solitary life takes an unexpected turn when Steven Stephens (Wayans) requests his cable service to be reconnected. This reconnection revives a dormant friendship, offering both men something they've been missing, until Chip's initial enthusiasm transforms into an intense obsession. This project promises a fresh perspective on modern male relationships, infused with dark humor and absurdity.

The pilot's screenplay was penned by a trio of accomplished writers: Rob Rosell, known for his work on "New Girl" and "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia"; and Joe Piarulli and Luan Thomas, both recognized for their contributions to "Cobra Kai" and "F Is for Family." These three will also serve as co-showrunners and executive producers, guiding the creative direction of the series. Johnson and Wayans Jr. are also taking on executive producer roles, alongside Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty from Original Film. Sony Pictures Television, the studio behind the original "The Cable Guy" movie, is producing the pilot, ensuring a connection to its cinematic roots.

The original 1996 film "The Cable Guy" featured Jim Carrey as the memorable Chip Douglas and Matthew Broderick as Steven. The cast also included notable talents such as Leslie Mann and Jack Black, with Ben Stiller directing and making an on-screen appearance. Judd Apatow served as a producer, marking one of his earlier ventures in film production. The movie was a significant departure from Carrey's typical lighthearted comedic roles at the time, grossing over $100 million at the box office and subsequently achieving cult status.

Johnson and Wayans' professional history together dates back to the pilot of "New Girl" on Fox. Wayans initially departed the show after the first episode when "Happy Endings" was renewed, but he later rejoined for Seasons 3 and 4, and made guest appearances in Seasons 5 through 7. Johnson, on the other hand, was a consistent presence throughout the entire seven-season run of "New Girl." Their collaborative efforts also extend to the 2014 comedy film "Let’s Be Cops," which was co-written and directed by Luke Greenfield, and earned over $138 million against a reported budget of $17 million.

Looking ahead, Johnson is also set to star in the upcoming NBC comedy series "Sunset P.I.," which is slated to premiere during the 2026-2027 broadcast season. If the "Cable Guy" pilot receives a series order, Johnson plans to work on both shows concurrently. Both Johnson and Wayans are represented by prominent talent agencies, along with the writing and producing team, highlighting the strong industry backing for this project. The news of the pilot pickup was first reported by Deadline, generating anticipation for this reunion of comedic talent.

This new comedy pilot brings together familiar faces in a fresh take on a cult classic, offering a blend of nostalgic inspiration and contemporary storytelling. With a seasoned creative team and a compelling premise, the series aims to explore the intricacies of modern male friendships through a unique, darkly comedic lens, promising both humor and an intriguing character study.