Jake Johnson, best known for his role as Nick Miller on New Girl, is set to star in NBC’s upcoming half‑hour series Sunset P.I.. The detective‑comedy, scheduled for a February 2027 debut, pairs Johnson with Keith David and is being shepherded by Brooklyn Nine‑Nine co‑creator Dan Goor. The move follows a year in which Johnson appeared in blockbuster franchises, indie projects, and his directorial debut.

Sunset P.I. to Launch in February 2027 Amid NBC’s New‑Season Lineup

According to the source, NBC has placed Sunset P.I. in its 2026‑27 schedule, targeting a February launch alongside a Rockford Files reboot starring David Boreanaz, the drama Line of Fire with Peter Krause, and the sitcom Newlyweds featuring Téa Leoni and Tim Daly.. The series will be a single‑camera, half‑hour comedy‑procedural that blends classic Los Angeles private‑eye tropes with modern workplace humor.

Jake Johnson’s Busy 2024‑25 Slate Preceded the NBC Deal

Before signing on for Sunset P.I., Johnson voiced a character in the multiverse‑spanning Spider‑Verse, appeared in the dinosaur‑laden Jurassic World sequel, and starred opposite Tom Cruise in the reboot of The Mummy. He also directed the comedy Self‑Reliance, starred in indie collaborations like The Sun Never Sets with Joe Swanberg, and returned to TV as Karl in the satirical series Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed. The source notes his upcoming projects include Apple TV+’s The Dink with Mary Steenburgen and a voice role in Laika’s stop‑motion film set in Wildwood.

Veteran Actor Keith David Joins as Veteran Gumshoe Julius Royal

Keith David will portray Julius Royal, a seasoned private investigator who mentors Johnson’s character Mickey, a former LAPD detective whose career went off‑track. The pairing brings together David’s gravitas and Johnson’s comedic timing, a combination industry insiders believe could draw both nostalgic fans of classic detective shows and viewers seeking fresh comedy. The pilot is directed by Akiva Schaffer, known for his work on The Naked Gun films.

Open Questions: Guest Star Rotation and Audience Reception

The source highlights that the series plans to feature an “ever‑rotating roster of guest stars,” but it remains unclear which high‑profile names will appear and how that strategy will affect viewership. additionally, while NBC hopes Johnson’s rising star power will translate into ratings , the network has not disclosed any early audience testing results.

Industry View: Sunset P.I. as NBC’s Flagship Comedy Bet

Industry insiders view Sunset P.I. as one of NBC’s most promising bets for the upcoming season, praising its blend of nostalgic detective tropes and contemporary comedic sensibility. As the source reports , the network is banking on the combined appeal of Johnson’s recent blockbuster exposure, David’s seasoned presence, and Goor’s proven track record to attract a broad audience.