Almost 30 years after the legendary sitcom went off the air, we are officially getting a brand-new Martin Spin Off. Paramount+ just dropped our first look at The Varnell Hill Show, bringing back one of the most memorable side characters in 90s TV history. Tommy Davidson is stepping back into the spotlight to lead his own series, and it has all the ingredients of a certified classic.
If you remember the iconic 1992 Martin episode, Varnell Hill was the slick-talking, big-ego host who had Martin Payne completely starstruck. Decades later, the late-night comedy landscape has shifted, but Varnell still thinks he runs the game.
“Varnell quickly discovers that keeping a television empire together may be harder than building one in the first place.”
— Official Paramount+ Press Release
What Is the Varnell Hill Show About?
The half-hour workplace comedy centers on Varnell struggling to stay relevant in an entertainment world that moved on without him. On top of fighting for ratings, he is constantly clashing with young network executives trying to overhaul his brand, steering a completely chaotic writers’ room, and managing endless family drama.
Throw in Varnell’s massive ego, and you have a recipe for pure gold.
Paramount+ brought out TV royalty for the main cast, including:
- Kym Whitley (The Parkers) bringing her signature comedic timing.
- Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Game) holding down the executive desk.
- Timothy DeLaGhetto, Emanuel Hudson, and Chris Williams (Wild N Out)
Since the show takes place behind the scenes of a late-night talk show, the guest star lineup is stacked. Expect appearances from Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans, Mike Epps, and Omarion.
Martin Lawrence and the Original Cast Connection
The best part about this Martin Spin Off? Martin Lawrence himself is executive producing the series alongside Tommy Davidson and showrunner Bentley Kyle Evans.
Yes, Martin Payne actually makes a guest appearance on the show. Seeing Martin and Varnell sharing the screen again almost three decades later is going to break the internet.
This cameo opens up huge possibilities for the rest of the original crew. Could we see Cole, Pam, or Gina pull up for an episode? Tichina Arnold is already locked into the network ecosystem with her hit show The Neighborhood, so a Pam pop-in isn’t out of the question.
Premiere Date and How to Watch
The Varnell Hill Show drops on Paramount+ with an 8-episode first season.
- Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 1 (featuring a two-episode premiere).
- Release Schedule: One new episode every Tuesday through October 13.
Why This Martin Spin Off Matters for Black Comedy
Nostalgia reboots are everywhere right now, but very few focus on late-night TV through a Black comedy lens. Bringing back a fan-favorite character like Varnell Hill gives us a fresh peek inside the Hollywood studio system while honoring the golden era of 90s Black sitcoms.
Will you be tuning in on September 1, or are you waiting to see if the rest of the WZUP crew makes an appearance?
