NEWS
The Cable Guy Returns Nearly 30 Years Later
06 Jun 2026 By Tommy Pihl (Editor-in-Chief)
Thirty years after "The Cable Guy" first shocked audiences, Jim Carrey's unforgettable character Chip Douglas is getting a new life on streaming. In an exclusive report from Deadline, Hulu has ordered a comedy pilot inspired by the 1996 cult classic The Cable Guy, with New Girl stars Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. attached to star and executive produce. While Johnson is best known for his breakout role as Nick Miller on New Girl, Wayans Jr. brings an interesting connection for Jim Carrey fans. He is the son of Damon Wayans and part of the legendary Wayans family, whose groundbreaking sketch comedy series In Living Color helped launch Jim Carrey into stardom in the early 1990s. That connection makes this new Cable Guy-inspired project especially notable for longtime Carrey fans.
The new series is not a remake of the original film but rather a modern continuation inspired by its premise. In a world dominated by streaming services, binge-watching, and algorithms, old-school cable technician Chip Douglas, played by Jake Johnson, finds himself increasingly isolated and left behind by changing technology. His life takes a turn when Steven Stephens, played by Damon Wayans Jr., calls to have his cable service turned back on.
The two discover they share a connection from childhood, and the reunion gives both men something they have been missing. However, as fans of the original film might expect, Chip's enthusiasm for the friendship slowly grows into an unhealthy obsession. According to the official description, the comedy will explore the darkly absurd side of modern male friendship while drawing inspiration from the themes that made the original movie memorable.
For Jim Carrey fans, the announcement is another reminder of how The Cable Guy has evolved from one of the actor's most controversial films into one of his most beloved cult classics. When the movie was released in June 1996, it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences who were expecting another broad comedy following Carrey's massive successes with Ace Ventura, The Mask, and Dumb and Dumber. However, the film still performed respectably at the box office, earning over $103 million worldwide and turning a profit.
The movie also made Hollywood history. Jim Carrey became the first actor ever to receive a $20 million paycheck for a single film, a groundbreaking deal that changed the industry and set a new standard for superstar salaries. Directed by Ben Stiller and produced by Judd Apatow, The Cable Guy allowed Carrey to showcase a darker and more unsettling side of his comedy talents. His portrayal of the socially awkward and increasingly unstable Chip Douglas was far different from the energetic, lovable characters audiences were used to seeing. Over the years, appreciation for the film steadily grew. What was once considered an unusual career move became recognized as one of Jim's boldest performances, helping The Cable Guy earn genuine cult-classic status among fans.
The character's popularity was proven once again in 2022 when Jim Carrey surprised fans by bringing Chip Douglas back for a Verizon Super Bowl commercial. Many fans may not realize that Jim had rarely appeared in advertising throughout his career. For his first major commercial appearance to involve reviving a beloved character from his film past — and debuting it during the Super Bowl — made the moment especially memorable. The commercial featured Chip Douglas arriving in his iconic blue jumpsuit to install cable service, only to discover that the customer already uses Verizon 5G Internet. Confused by the idea of internet without miles of cable, Chip enters the home to investigate. After questioning the customer about the technology and examining the router himself, he reluctantly accepts that times have changed. In true Chip Douglas fashion, he leaves promising to return the next day before moving on to the next door shouting his famous introduction: "Caaaable Guy!"
While Jim Carrey is not involved with Hulu's new project, the pilot demonstrates the lasting impact of a character and film that continue to resonate nearly three decades later.
For longtime fans, The Cable Guy remains a fascinating chapter in Jim Carrey's career — a risk that challenged expectations, made Hollywood history, and ultimately found a devoted audience that continues to grow with each passing year.
We at JCO will keep you updated as more news come.
Source: Deadline
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