NBC Pilot From Brooklyn Nine-Nine Creators Adds Jane Levy and Keith David: Trend Summary
NBC has officially expanded the cast for its upcoming private investigator comedy pilot from Brooklyn Nine-Nine creators Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici. Jane Levy and Keith David have joined lead actor Jake Johnson in the project, which is currently in development for the network. The series marks a high-profile reunion for the creative team behind several of NBC’s most successful sitcoms.
TL;DR
- Jane Levy and Keith David have joined the cast of a new NBC comedy pilot.
- The series is created by Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici (Brooklyn Nine-Nine).
- Jake Johnson stars as a self-proclaimed private investigator.
- Akiva Schaffer (The Lonely Island) is set to direct the pilot episode.
What Happened
NBC greenlit a pilot for an untitled comedy series centered on a man who decides to become a private eye. The project is led by Jake Johnson, who plays a character that stumbles into the world of private investigation despite a lack of formal training. In March 2026, the production added Emmy winner Jane Levy, known for Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, to play the female lead. Following her casting, veteran actor Keith David was also confirmed for a series regular role.
The production has also secured Akiva Schaffer to direct the pilot. Schaffer, a member of The Lonely Island and a frequent collaborator with the Brooklyn Nine-Nine team, brings a distinct comedic style to the project. The pilot is produced by Universal Television, the same studio behind Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Good Place.
Key Developments
Character details for the new additions have begun to emerge. Jane Levy will portray a character who becomes entangled in the lead's investigation, while Keith David is set to play a seasoned figure within the world the protagonist is trying to enter. This marks Jake Johnson's first major return to a network sitcom lead role since New Girl, and his first collaboration with Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici.
The project is specifically described as a half-hour single-camera comedy. Development has been fast-tracked at NBC, with the pilot serving as a potential anchor for the network’s upcoming comedy slate. Producers include Johnson, Goor, and Del Tredici, alongside executive producers from 3 Arts Entertainment.
Why This Matters
This series is significant because it reunites the creative forces behind Brooklyn Nine-Nine, a show that ran for 8 seasons and 153 episodes. The involvement of Jake Johnson brings a massive built-in fanbase from New Girl. For NBC, this pilot represents an effort to revitalize its comedy lineup with proven hitmakers. The combination of Dan Goor’s procedural-comedy expertise and Akiva Schaffer’s directing suggests a tone similar to the critically acclaimed humor of the late 2010s NBC era.
What Happens Next
The pilot episode is scheduled to begin filming in the coming weeks. Once production is complete, NBC executives will review the footage to decide if the show will receive a full series order. If picked up, the show could appear on the 2026-2027 television schedule. Fans can monitor official casting updates and production news via the Variety announcement page for future developments.
Key Terms & Concepts
- Pilot
- A standalone episode of a television series that is used to sell the show to a television network.
- Single-camera Comedy
- A filming method used in sitcoms that looks more like a movie, without a live audience or laugh track.
- Series Regular
- An actor who is under contract to appear in most or all episodes of a television season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new show from the Brooklyn Nine-Nine creators?
It is an untitled private investigator comedy pilot at NBC starring Jake Johnson. The show is created by Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici.
Who is in the cast of the new NBC pilot?
The cast currently includes Jake Johnson, Jane Levy, and Keith David. Jane Levy joined the project in March 2026 as the female lead.
Is Jake Johnson's new show a sequel to New Girl?
No, it is an original comedy series where Jake Johnson plays a self-proclaimed private investigator. It is not connected to his previous role as Nick Miller.
When will the Brooklyn Nine-Nine creators' new show air?
The show is currently in the pilot stage as of March 2026. A release date has not been set, pending a series order from NBC.
Who is directing the new Dan Goor pilot?
Akiva Schaffer, known for his work with The Lonely Island and Saturday Night Live, is directing the pilot episode.
Resources
Sources and references cited in this article.