Jim Carrey's cult classic The Cable Guy is becoming a series

The Cable Guy is set to make its television debut on the 30th anniversary of its release. Rebecca Rittenhouse has joined the cast of the still-untitled pilot episode developed by Hulu and Sony Pictures Television.

According to Deadline, Rittenhouse will portray the character Robin. At the start of the new story, Robin is separating from Steven, played by Damon Wayans Jr., and trying to rebuild her life. It is noted that the character is inspired by Robin, portrayed by Leslie Mann in the 1996 film.

They won't be remaking Jim Carrey's film

Despite the connection to The Cable Guy, the creative team's goal is not to adapt the film's events into episodic television.

The pilot's writers are approaching the project with a similar mindset to the Fargo series, which draws from the same universe and ideas as the Coen brothers' Fargo film but creates new characters and stories. It is specifically mentioned that the producers want to pay homage to the 1996 film without preparing a direct remake.

For this reason, Chip Douglas, played by Jake Johnson, is not designed as an imitation of Jim Carrey's performance. Damon Wayans Jr. will also portray a new version of Steven, originally played by Matthew Broderick in the film.

As of now, there has been no announcement regarding Jim Carrey's involvement in the new project as an actor or producer.

The cable is dead, and the Cable Guy is left alone

The most notable departure of the new version from the 1996 film is the technological backdrop of the story.

In the series' world, streaming services, constant content consumption, and algorithmic recommendations have completely changed television habits. The old-school cable technician Chip Douglas lives as a man who has become increasingly unnecessary and isolated along with his profession.

When Steven Stephens calls to reconnect his cable years later, Chip reaches out to an old friend from his childhood. Both men find something missing in their lives through their relationship; however, Chip's desire for friendship quickly turns into an obsession.

Thus, while preserving the original film's core idea of “a lonely man's quest for friendship turning into a threatening obsession,” the backdrop of loneliness is now set against the social isolation of the streaming age instead of television.

The New Girl duo reunites

The two leads of the project are Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr., who previously worked together on New Girl.

Johnson will play Chip, while Wayans Jr. will portray Steven. The two actors are also among the executive producers of the series.

Other cast members have started to be announced in recent weeks. Natasha Rothwell, known for The White Lotus, will play Gina, Steven's sister with a dark sense of humor. Crystal Fox will take on the role of Lynette, Steven and Gina's mother.

With the addition of Rebecca Rittenhouse, the main characters related to Steven's family and relationships have begun to take shape.

Writers from It’s Always Sunny and Cobra Kai are on board

The pilot episode is written by Rob Rosell from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, along with Joe Piarulli and Luan Thomas, writers from Cobra Kai. Sony Pictures Television and Original Film are involved in the production side.

This choice of creative team also gives a clue about the tone of the new The Cable Guy. The original film was distinctly darker than Jim Carrey's family-friendly comedies of the time; the new project focuses on the “dark and absurd side of modern male friendship” instead of turning the story into a light sitcom.

First, the pilot needs to convince Hulu

The project should not yet be considered a confirmed Hulu series.

Hulu has ordered a comedy pilot. After the pilot is filmed, the platform is expected to decide whether to order a full season. Therefore, the number of episodes and release date have not yet been announced.

However, the most interesting idea about The Cable Guy's return to television is already clear: Chip Douglas, who grew up with television in 1996, couldn't adapt to the world; 30 years later, the problem has flipped. The world has given up on television, but Chip is still stuck at the end of the cable.