NBC Bets Big on New Detective Comedy from Brooklyn Nine-Nine Creators with Jake Johnson in the Lead

Jake Johnson Headlines the Next Era of Detective Comedies on NBC

The creative energy behind Brooklyn Nine-Nine is striking again, channeling the spirit of classic Los Angeles detective stories into a fresh new project. NBC’s latest pilot, an untitled detective comedy from Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici, immediately drew attention by securing Jake Johnson—beloved by fans as Nick Miller from New Girl—for its leading role. This move aligns with the network’s strategy to recenter prime-time television around established stars and innovative comedic storytelling.

The Character: Mickey, a Detective with Depth

Johnson’s character, Mickey, is painted as sharp, sarcastic, and quietly devastated—a former LAPD detective whose life derailed three years ago and who has been navigating the fallout ever since. This approach promises a character study that balances emotional authenticity with the comedic sensibility fans expect from the creative team that brought Terry’s yogurt obsessions and Captain Holt’s deadpan brilliance to life on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

A Comedy in the Long Shadow of Philip Marlowe

Leaning into the proud lineage of Los Angeles private eyes, this new show openly nods to the world of Philip Marlowe—Raymond Chandler’s genre-defining detective. While honoring those iconic traditions, the series promises a twist: it suggests this era of hardboiled gumshoes might whimsically find its conclusion in the hands of Mickey, blending homage with parody and renewal.

Talent Behind the Camera: Comedy Royalty Assembles

Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici, whose fingerprints are all over some ofBrooklyn Nine-Nine‘s sharpest episodes, return both to write and produce. Adding another layer of comedic clout, Akiva Schaffer—acclaimed for directing innovative comedies like The Naked Gun reboot and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, as well as select Brooklyn Nine-Nine episodes—steps in as director and executive producer. With Schaffer’s track record on SNL and I Think You Should Leave, the promise of genuinely inventive humor runs high.

Jake Johnson: A Powerhouse Return to Network TV

For Jake Johnson, this marks a significant return to network television after his turn in the detective-centric drama Stumptown, which faced an abrupt ending due to pandemic disruptions. In between, Johnson lit up the small screen in the two-season hit Minx and continues a packed filmography that includes an anticipated role in Apple TV’s dark comedy series Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed opposite Tatiana Maslany, as well as upcoming films like The Sun Never Set and The Dink.

NBC Revitalizes the Pilot Season with Star Power

This project is part of NBC’s aggressive push to restore the allure and competitive spirit of the pilot season. By returning to the format of character-driven, star-fueled pilots, the network is betting on a model that once delivered classics—prioritizing originality and talent over franchise spinoffs. The anticipation revolves around whether this new detective comedy can echo the enduring success and cultural impact of Brooklyn Nine-Nine or forge its own distinct identity in a crowded landscape of crime comedies.

What to Watch for Next

With its seasoned cast, proven writers, and clear affection for California noir, this upcoming NBC comedy is perfectly poised to capture fans of crime, comedy, and everything in between. As the pilot gears up for production, television enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados alike will be watching closely, eager to see if Mickey’s journey can redefine what it means to be a detective on network TV.