*Martin Lawrence is heading back to the world of “Martin” as Paramount+ prepares to debut “The Varnell Hill Show,” a new comedy built around Tommy Davidson‘s unforgettable Varnell Hill character. Entertainment Weekly reported the release of the series’ first-look images, giving fans their first glimpse of the long-awaited spinoff.
A Fan Favorite Gets His Own Series
Davidson, an original cast member of “In Living Color,” introduced Varnell Hill during a memorable two-episode arc on “Martin” in 1993. The flashy television personality was presented as Martin Payne’s Hollywood rival after finding success in Los Angeles, prompting Martin to briefly pursue his own television dreams.
Now, nearly 30 years after the original sitcom ended, Varnell is taking center stage.
Produced by Lawrence, “The Varnell Hill Show” is set behind the scenes of Varnell’s long-running late-night talk show as he fights to stay relevant in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape. Along the way, he navigates demanding network executives, a chaotic writers’ room, celebrity guests and his own oversized ego.
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Martin Returns Without Reviving the Original
Although Davidson leads the series, Lawrence reprises his role in a guest appearance while also serving as an executive producer.
Lawrence has previously explained why a full-fledged “Martin” revival isn’t something he wants to pursue.
“No, I think we’ve done everything we had to do,” Lawrence previously told Entertainment Weekly. “We had a loss with [costar] Tommy Ford. And it wouldn’t be the same, so that would never happen.”
Looking back on the sitcom’s success, Lawrence also reflected on the show’s connection with audiences.
“You felt the energy, realness, and fun,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “The audience didn’t just laugh, but it’s how they laughed. They weren’t only laughing, they were stomping and roaring. Just to feel all of that energy we were getting was beautiful.”
A Star-Studded Supporting Cast
The series also stars Kym Whitley, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson and Chris Williams.
Variety reported that guest stars include Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans, Mike Epps, Omarion and Lawrence himself.
Bentley Kyle Evans serves as writer, director, showrunner and executive producer. The series is produced in association with BET Studios.
Premiering Sept. 1 on Paramount+
The first season of “The Varnell Hill Show” will consist of eight episodes.
As Variety reported, Paramount+ will premiere the comedy with two episodes on Sept. 1 before releasing one new episode every Tuesday through Oct. 13.
Rather than attempting to recreate one of television’s most beloved sitcoms, “The Varnell Hill Show” expands the “Martin” universe by giving one of its most memorable supporting characters a chance to headline his own series while bringing Lawrence back for a reunion longtime fans have been waiting to see.
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