Jake Johnson & Damon Wayans Jr. To Headline ‘The Cable Guy’-Inspired Comedy Pilot Ordered By Hulu In ‘New Girl’ Reunion
EXCLUSIVE: Cable may be dying but The Cable Guy lives on — on streaming. Hulu has ordered a comedy pilot inspired by the Jim Carrey movie, with Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. attached to star and …
EXCLUSIVE: Cable may be dying but The Cable Guy lives on — on streaming. Hulu has ordered a comedy pilot inspired by the Jim Carrey movie, with Jake J
Read Full Story at Deadline Hollywood →Why This Matters
This revival underscores the streaming industry’s growing appetite for nostalgic reboots with fresh twists, blending established IP with new creative talent. For Johnson and Wayans Jr., it signals a strategic pivot toward high-profile comedies that can leverage their fanbases while appealing to broader audiences in a crowded market.
Background Context
The original *Cable Guy* (1996) was a cult classic that flopped commercially but later gained a second life through home video and cable reruns, cementing its place in ‘90s antihero comedy lore. Hulu’s move reflects a broader trend of streaming platforms mining mid-tier films for source material, bypassing traditional theatrical nostalgia plays in favor of grittier, character-driven reimaginings.
What Happens Next
If the pilot secures a series order, expect a tonal shift from the original’s dark satire to a more ensemble-driven workplace or suburban comedy, given Johnson and Wayans Jr.’s pedigrees. The project’s success could accelerate similar adaptations of mid-tier ‘90s comedies, while its failure might dampen studios’ willingness to take risks on IP that lacks built-in fanfare.
Bigger Picture
This marks another step in the fragmentation of comedy as a genre, where streaming platforms now dictate viability over traditional network TV. It also highlights how mid-tier films from the pre-streaming era are becoming the new frontier for content recycling, mirroring the fate of older sitcoms but with a more experimental edge.
