First-time screenwriter Lou Holtz Jr. had the idea for "The Cable Guy" while working as a prosecutor in Los Angeles, declaring that he once saw a cable company employee in the hallway of his mother's apartment building and started thinking, "What's he doing here so late?" The screenplay became the subject of a bidding war, won by Columbia Pictures at a price of $750,000. The role of the Cable Guy was originally written for Chris Farley, who turned it down due to scheduling difficulties. Adam Sandler was also considered for the role of the Cable Guy.