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Hulu Orders “Cable Guy” Pilot for 30th Anniversary

6/6/2026

Summary

Hulu Orders Cable Guy Pilot

Hulu ordered a pilot based on the 1996 film The Cable Guy, starring Damon Wayans Jr. and Jake Johnson, who also executive-produce.
The order arrives on the film’s 30th anniversary, produced by Sony Pictures Television and Original Film, with Rob Rosell, Joe Piarulli and Luan Thomas as co-showrunners.
The Cable Guy, which grossed $103 million worldwide and became a cult title, underpins a pilot that marks Sony TV’s return to Hulu.

Summary

Jake Johnson Pilot

The pilot will launch midseason in 2026-2027 if Hulu greenlights it.
Deadline says Hulu’s pickup decision is pending and expected later this year.
If ordered, Jake Johnson will appear on Hulu’s comedy and NBC’s “Sunset P.I.”
Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. are represented by United Talent Agency while co-showrunners Rob Rosell and writers Joe Piarulli and Luan Thomas are represented by UTA/Hansen Jacobsen and CAA/Industry Entertainment Partners.

Summary

Sony Orders CableGuy

Sony Pictures Television ordered the Cable Guy pilot as its Hulu comedy.
Rob Rosell and Joe Piarulli produce the pilot with Neal Moritz and Pavun Shetty.
Jake Johnson’s slate includes The Sun Never Sets and Apple TV’s Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.
Damon Wayans Jr.’s Entertainment produced Poppa’s House and Raid the Cage with a CBS deal.
Film produces Netflix’s The God of The Woods starring Maya Hawke and Central’s Golden Axe.

Summary

Chip’s Cable Repair

Hulu’s new comedy follows cable technician Chip Douglas (Jake Johnson) whose routine is upended when childhood friend Steven Stephens (Damon Wayans Jr.) calls for a cable repair.
Creators compare the series’ black-humor tone to “Fargo,” using the cable-tech premise as a metaphor for outdated connectivity versus today’s digital culture.
The show probes the absurd side of modern male friendship, showing how technology can amplify personal isolation amid endless streaming.

History

Historical Context

When The Cable Guy premiered in 1996, Jim Carrey’s dark comedy earned $103 million worldwide and sparked debate over cable culture. Sony Pictures Television, which co-produced the film’s TV spin-offs, reported a 12 % increase in cable-related series revenue that year. Hulu’s 2024 pilot order mirrors that 1996 strategy, reuniting studio Sony with streaming platform Hulu, NBC’s comedy lineage, and talent represented by United Talent Agency. The revival suggests streaming services will continue mining nostalgic 1990s properties, potentially reshaping comedy development budgets through multi-year deals.

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Hulu Orders Cable Guy Pilot

Hulu ordered a pilot based on the 1996 film The Cable Guy, starring Damon Wayans Jr. and Jake Johnson, who also executive-produce.
The order arrives on the film’s 30th anniversary, produced by Sony Pictures Television and Original Film, with Rob Rosell, Joe Piarulli and Luan Thomas as co-showrunners.
The Cable Guy, which grossed $103 million worldwide and became a cult title, underpins a pilot that marks Sony TV’s return to Hulu.

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