Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. from New Girl are teaming up for a new comedy show.
What do we know about the Hulu TV show with Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans?
Hulu has ordered a pilot for the untitled show (via Deadline). It’s said to be inspired by Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick’s 1996 film The Cable Guy. Both Johnson and Wayans will also executive produce the show, alongside Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty from Original Film. It’s worth noting that Hulu has only ordered the pilot and has not committed to a full series. The show is being produced by Sony Pictures Television.
The new show’s logline reads, “In a world of endless streaming, binging, and algorithms, old-school cable technician Chip Douglas (Johnson) languishes alone — until Steven Stephens (Wayans Jr.) 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 is written by Rob Rosell, Joe Piarulli, and Luan Thoma, who will also serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. The show is being compared to the Fargo TV series, which didn’t retell the events of the 1996 film. However, Johnson and Wayans will be playing new versions of the characters originally portrayed by Carrey and Broderick.
The announcement comes on the 30th anniversary of The Cable Guy. Directed by Ben Stiller, the film was made on a $47 million budget and grossed over $102 million worldwide. While it received mixed reviews at the time, it has since developed a cult following. The film is considered by some to be Carrey’s best work.
