AceShowbiz - Jake Johnson is set to make his highly anticipated return to network television as the lead in NBC’s new crime comedy series, Sunset P.I. This marks a significant comeback for Johnson, who first rose to fame fifteen years ago portraying Nick Miller on the beloved sitcom New Girl. The show, which follows a pilot order, has now been officially greenlit for series and is slated to premiere this fall on NBC.

Sunset P.I. is described as a half-hour single-camera sitcom that pays homage to the classic tradition of Los Angeles private detectives, invoking icons like Philip Marlowe while presenting a fresh, comedic spin on the genre. Johnson stars as Mickey, a weary but dedicated private investigator working at an LA detective agency. The series blends humor with the detective genre, offering a unique workplace comedy experience set against the backdrop of private investigation.

The cast also features notable actors including Keith David as Julius Royal, the tough, old-school manager of the detective agency; Langston Kerman as Justin Royal, Julius' amiable detective son; Jane Levy as Faye, an astute investigative journalist; and newcomer Mary Shalaby playing Raya, the agency’s notably indifferent receptionist. Together, the ensemble brings a dynamic energy to the series that balances classic noir elements with modern comedic sensibilities.

In a conversation with Collider’s Perri Nemiroff last year, Johnson described Sunset P.I. as “a workplace comedy set in the world of P.I.s,” emphasizing the show’s fresh approach to the private investigator genre. He also teased that the series would feature a variety of engaging guest stars, promising an exciting and varied lineup throughout the season.

Since the finale of New Girl in 2018, where Johnson starred for seven seasons and 146 episodes, he has remained active in both television and film. He took on the lead role in ABC’s detective drama Stumptown alongside Cobie Smulders. Although the show was renewed for a second season, production was unfortunately halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following Stumptown, Johnson appeared in the 1970s-set comedy series Minx and lent his voice to the animated Netflix comedy Hoops. Despite their brief runs, these projects demonstrated his versatility across genres. On the big screen, he is well-known for voicing Peter B. Parker in the critically acclaimed animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and he reprised this role in the sequel Across the Spider-Verse. He is also expected to return for the upcoming third installment, Beyond the Spider-Verse, slated for release next year.

In addition to acting, Johnson has explored filmmaking behind the camera. He wrote and starred in the comedy Ride the Eagle and made his directorial debut with the comedy thriller Self Reliance. His upcoming projects include starring in the pickleball comedy The Dink and voicing a character in the stop-motion animated film Wildwood.

Sunset P.I. is created by Dan Goor, known for his work on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Luke Del Tredici, who worked on Killing It. Both creators serve as executive producers, with Akiva Schaffer, director of The Naked Gun reboot, having directed the pilot episode. This team brings a strong comedic pedigree to the project, raising expectations for the series’ success.

Although NBC has officially ordered Sunset P.I. to series, the network has yet to announce an exact premiere date. Fans of Johnson and crime comedies alike are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as the fall season approaches. With its blend of sharp wit, clever mystery elements, and a talented cast, Sunset P.I. aims to carve out a fresh niche in the crowded landscape of TV crime shows.

As the network television landscape evolves, Johnson’s return represents a promising new chapter. From his breakout role on New Girl to his diverse body of work in recent years, Johnson continues to demonstrate his range and appeal as a leading comedic actor. Sunset P.I. offers audiences a new way to experience the private investigator genre, blending humor, heart, and intrigue in a vibrant Los Angeles setting.