Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr., who previously collaborated on the television series New Girl and the 2014 film Let’s Be Cops, are developing a new project together for Hulu. The untitled pilot takes inspiration from The Cable Guy, a 1996 dark comedy that starred Jim Carrey and was directed by Ben Stiller.
The show centers on two characters: Chip Douglas, a cable technician portrayed by Johnson, and Steven Stephens, played by Wayans Jr. According to the project’s logline, Douglas lives in isolation until Stephens calls to have his cable service restored, leading to a reconnection between childhood friends. The story explores what happens when Chip’s initial enthusiasm evolves into obsession, examining the darker and more absurd elements of modern male friendship dynamics.
The announcement regarding the project was made in June, with both Johnson and Wayans Jr. serving as executive producers alongside the creative team. Rather than creating a direct remake, the collaborators brought on Rob Rosell, a writer from New Girl who serves as an executive producer, to adapt and reshape the source material. Hulu greenlit the pilot, which has already been filmed.
The project originated from a chance conversation between Johnson and Wayans Jr. at a gathering celebrating Max Greenfield’s wife and her book. Johnson explained that he suggested they work together on a television series, with Wayans Jr. agreeing on the spot. Shortly after, Wayans Jr. informed Johnson that his current project had been cancelled, prompting both to instruct their agents to develop a partnership.
The New Girl cast members convened at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball over the weekend, where Greenfield expressed interest in potentially appearing on the series if it moves forward to a full order, joking about pitching character ideas to his former co-stars.
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