Full Breakdown
Hulu Orders Comedy Pilot Inspired by ‘The Cable Guy’ Starring Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr.
6/6/2026, 4:35:58 AM
Pilot Order for a Hulu Comedy Inspired by ‘The Cable Guy’
In June 2026, Hulu ordered an untitled comedy pilot adapting Ben Stiller’s 1996 film *The Cable Guy*. The order, timed with the film’s 30th anniversary, is produced by Sony Pictures Television with Original Film. Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. will star and executive-produce.
Background: The Original Film’s Legacy
*The Cable Guy* opened in June 1996, starring Jim Carrey as Chip Douglas and Matthew Broderick as Steven Stephens. It earned about $103 million worldwide, fell short of Carrey’s earlier hits, and later achieved cult status for its satire of media consumption.
Creative Team and Cast
Johnson will portray a modern Chip Douglas; Wayans Jr. will be Steven Stephens. Both previously co-starred on *New Girl* and in *Let’s Be Cops*. Executive producers include Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty. Writers Rob Rosell, Joe Piarulli and Luan Thomas serve as co-showrunners; Kate Gill (SVP, Comedy Development, Sony) supervised.
Production Details and Studio Involvement
Sony Pictures Television, which released the original film, returns to Hulu after series like *Shut Eye*, *Future Man* and *Woke*. Original Film, known for *The Boys*, co-produces. The order follows Hulu’s recent pilot pickups, including drama *Chicks* and comedies *Lex* and *Durango*.
Data & Statistics
The 1996 film generated $103 million globally and has since been labeled a cult hit. Hulu’s pilot strategy expanded in 2026, with multiple orders reflecting an industry trend toward testing concepts before full-series commitments.
Why It Matters: Streaming Landscape and Pilot Model Resurgence
Adapting a cult-film for streaming shows how platforms reuse known IP while updating themes for today’s viewers. The pilot presents a darkly absurd view of modern male friendship, matching demand for character-driven comedy and low-risk experimentation.
Official Statements & Responses
ABC Audio said the series will not be a remake but will draw inspiration from the original film, emphasizing the creators’ intent to honor the source. Deadline reported the pilot pickup, noting it joins other Hulu commissions. Sony’s Kate Gill cited the project as part of the studio’s renewed comedy focus for streaming.
What’s Next
If green-lit, the series would debut in Hulu’s 2026-27 mid-season slate. Johnson, also starring in NBC’s *Sunset P.I.*, is expected to juggle both roles. The pilot’s fate will be decided alongside Hulu’s other 2026 orders, potentially adding a new comedy to the platform.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Project Logline
- “In a world of endless streaming, binging, and algorithms, old-school cable technician Chip Douglas languishes alone — until Steven Stephens 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.” — Project Logline
- “ABC Audio understands that the series won’t be a remake of the original film and instead will be inspired by it.” — ABC Audio statement
- “The pilot was written by Rob Rosell (It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia) and Joe Piarulli & Luan Thomas (Cobra Kai), big fans of the movie who are honoring it, not remaking it, in the vein of what the Fargo TV series did with the Coen brothers feature.” — Production Note
