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Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Martin' Gets Spinoff Series Nearly 3 Decades After OG Show Ends — Find Out How Alums Martin Lawrence, Tommy Davidson Are Involved!
A beloved Martin character is returning to our screens. Nearly three decades after the original sitcom came to an end in 1997, BET+ has greenlit a spinoff called Varnell Hill, based on Tommy Davidson's guest character of the same name. Martin Lawrence will be serving as an executive producer on the series, which will feature new characters and surprise celebrity cameos. 'Set behind the scenes of a long-running late-night talk show, The Varnell Hill Show is a workplace comedy that delves into the chaotic world of television production,' the official synopsis reads. 'The series 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. With its blend of satire, humor, cutaways, and fourth-wall breaks, the show promises to engage audiences in a fresh and innovative way.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. When news was announced, Davidson teased fans when he shared a clip of his character from his two-episode arc in Martin on Instagram. 'We needed more episodes with Varnell!' one user commented. Another wrote: 'This is probably the best guest appearance in the history of television 📺.' In the press release for Varnell Hill, the comedian revealed his reaction to bringing back his namesake character. 'Did you miss me? Well, now you don't have to!' he said. '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. Fans have requested it and now it's coming to BET+!' Related: Tommy Davidson Says Will Smith 'Went All Gangsta' on Him After He Kissed Jada Pinkett on 'Woo' Set Lawrence also posted to celebrate the spinoff on social media. 'BIG ANNOUNEMENT TODAY! Excited to say that we are bringing Varnell Hill back! Shoutout to my whole team at @runteldatentertainment (@msstacylyles you're killin it!) who have been working to bring you this and many more to come. I just have one question. Did you miss him? #varnellhillshow #comingsoon' It is unclear if Lawrence or any other stars of the original series — which included Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, Thomas Mikal Ford and Carl Anthony Payne — will be reprising their roles, and an official release date has not yet been announced. In the meantime, Martin can be streamed in full on Peacock, Netflix and BET+. Read the original article on People
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Martin' Spinoff Series ‘Varnell Hill' Ordered At BET+
Another day, another TV spinoff. 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.
