A spinoff of the classic 90s sitcom Martin, which starred Martin Lawrence, is coming to a tube near you. That’s right, it’s been nearly 30 years since the hit show aired on Fox from 1992 to 1997, and now we get the first spin-off. It doesn’t star any of the main characters like Pam, Cole, Gina or Stan. Nor any of the characters Martin portrayed, like Sheneneh, Otis, or Jerome.
One of Martin’s most popular episodes featured Billboard chart-topping R&B group Jodeci. and comedian Tommy Davidson playing late-night TV fictional talk show host Varnell Hill. Now Tommy Davidson is reprising the role with the ‘Varnell Hill” show.
The official announcement of Varnell Hill was made on April 15th. The show is set to air weekly, with an eight-episode first season in the works. It will follow the everyday life of talk show hosts Varnell Hill and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the show’s production process that viewers never see. Celebrity guests and familiar faces will be featured. Will Martin Payne make an appearance? Who knows!
The show will be executive produced by Martin Lawrence along with Bently Kyle Evans.
Tommy Davidson expressed excitement about his new journey as Varnell Hill.
“Did you miss me? Well, now you don’t have to! I’m excited and honored to be a part of such a creative project with the brilliant mind of Martin Lawrence, over 30 years in the making,” Davidson said.
Tommy Davidson and Martin Lawrence actually have a long history together. They both come
from Washington, DC. Both appeared on Star Search early on in their careers, and even lived in the same
apartment complex once in California.
Tommy and Martin played the voices of the rap duo Kid n Play in their animated self- titled series, Kid n Play on NBC Television.
In later years, Tommy Davidson made a guest appearance on Martin Lawrence’s YouTube cooking show in 2019 and also appeared on the Martin anniversary special back in 2022 on BET+.
Varnell Hill will air on BET+. The official release date has not been announced.
