‘Martin' Spinoff Series ‘Varnell Hill' Ordered At BET+
BET+ has greenlit the scripted workplace comedy Varnell Hill, which will feature the return of Tommy Davidson as the character of the same name from the Fox comedy Martin. Davison guest-starred in the two-part episode of Martin in 1993, 'Hollywood Swinging,' which followed Martin Lawrence as Martin Payne as he travels to Hollywood to appear on a TV late night talk show hosted by the obnoxious Varnell Hill.
Per the logline, Varnell Hill 'explores Varnell's journey to remain relevant in an ever-evolving industry and the corporate dynamics of network executives, business stakeholders, and creative teams involved in the making of the show.'
'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," said Tommy Davison in a statement. "Fans have requested it and now it's coming to BET+!'
Martin Lawrence, who is the co-creator of Varnell Hill alongside Bentley Evans, will executive produce. Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Andy Horne, Stacy Lyles, Robert Lawrence, and Rae Proctor will also serve as executive producers. There is no word yet on if Lawrence will reprise his role as Martin Payne (or if any of the other characters from Martin will appear).
Martin, which aired on Fox from 1992 to 1997, debuted at the time when Tommy Davison was appearing on the network's sketch comedy In Living Color. In the second season, Martin in fact moved to Fox's Sunday night line-up as the lead-in to In Living Color.
Last July, an hour-long prequel series to Martin, titled Young Martin, was put into development, which would have followed young Martin Payne residing in Detroit. But it has not moved forward.
The number of episodes ordered for Varnell Hill has not been announced.
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