Martin Lawrence’s classic sitcom, Martin, was one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1990s. Nearly three full decades since the TV show aired its final episode, it’s been announced that a new spinoff series is in the works, but perhaps not with a character that fans would expect.
Per Variety, Tommy Davidson is set to star in a new spinoff show dubbed Varnell Hill. In the original show, Davidson played Varnell Hill, the titular host of the fictional late-night talk show The Varnell Hill Show. The spinoff is described as a workplace comedy series that will shine the spotlight on the chaos that happens behind the scenes in television production.
Varnell Hill has been given a series order for BET+. This project is separate from the planned Martin prequel series that was announced to be in the works last year, dubbed Young Martin. The status of that show, which wasn’t given a series order (and could have potentially fizzled out), is not clear.
“Did you miss me? Well, now you don’t have to!” Davidson said in a statement to address the news. “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+!”
The official logline 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.”
Will Martin Lawrence Return in the Martin Spinoff?
One big question that fans will undoubtedly have is if Martin Lawrence and other stars of the original show will pop up in Varnell Hill. At this time, no appearances have been officially confirmed, but it promises to feature “a mixture of exciting new characters and celebrity guest cameos.” If Lawrence and other actors appear in the new series, it would only be briefly.
That is not to say Lawrence is not involved. He is serving as an executive producer on the new series alongside Bentley Kyle Evans, with whom he created the original Martin with. Additionally, Evans will write, direct, and serve as showrunner for Varnell Hill. Rose Catherine Pinkney and Jason Harvey will executive produce for BET+, with other EPs including Dionne Harmon, Andy Horne, Stacy Lyles, Robert Lawrence, and Rae Proctor.
The classic TV show aired for five seasons between 1992 and 1997. It starred Lawrence as Martin Payne, a Detroit DJ living with his girlfriend, Gina Waters (Tisha Campbell), who ends up becoming the host of a talk show. The series also starred Carl Anthony Payne II, Thomas Mikall Ford, Tichina Arnold, Jon Gries, and Garrett Morris. Ford passed away in 2016 at the age of 52.
Martin is streaming on BET+, Netflix, and Peacock.
