“New Girl” alums Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. are reuniting for a Hulu comedy pilot that is directly inspired by the cult classic Jim Carrey movie “The Cable Guy,” Variety has confirmed with sources.
The logline for the untitled project states, “In a world of endless streaming, binging, and algorithms, old-school cable technician Chip Douglas (Johnson) languishes alone — until Steven Stephens (Wayans) calls to have his cable turned back on, reconnecting Chip with a childhood friend he never forgot. The relationship gives each man something he’s been missing… until Chip’s enthusiasm turns into obsession. Inspired by the movie, the show explores the darkly absurd side of modern-day male friendship.”
The pilot was written by Rob Rosell, Joe Piarulli, and Luan Thomas. All three serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. Johnson and Wayans Jr. also executive produce, as do Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film. Sony Pictures Television is the studio.
Variety has reached out to Hulu and Sony for comment and will update should they respond.
“The Cable Guy” starred Carrey as Chip Douglas along with Matthew Broderick as Stephen. The cast also included Leslie Mann and Jack Black. Ben Stiller directed and appeared onscreen as Sam and Stan Sweet, with Judd Apatow producing in one of his early film credits. The film marked a major departure from the lighthearted comedy Carrey was known for at the time. It ultimately grossed over $100 million at the box office in 1996 and has since become a cult favorite.
Johnson and Wayans originally starred in the “New Girl” pilot at Fox, though Wayans left the show after the first episode due to “Happy Endings” being renewed at ABC. He then returned to the show in Seasons 3 and 4, left again, and appeared in guest roles from Seasons 5-7. Johnson starred in the show throughout its seven-season run.
The two also previously collaborated on the 2014 comedy film “Let’s Be Cops,” which was co-written and directed by Luke Greenfield. That film grossed over $138 million on a reported budget of $17 million.
More to come…
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