Paramount+ is set to launch "The Varnell Hill Show," a highly anticipated spinoff from the beloved series "Martin," in September. The streaming platform has revealed initial images from the new production, which will bring back Tommy Davidson in the lead role. The series promises a fresh take on the character as he navigates the contemporary entertainment landscape, striving to remain prominent in an ever-evolving industry. With a cast including familiar faces and new additions, the show aims to capture the essence of its predecessor while introducing new narratives and challenges.
The inaugural season of "The Varnell Hill Show" will feature eight episodes, with the first two scheduled to debut on September 1st. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly on Tuesdays, concluding on October 13th. The narrative centers on Varnell Hill's endeavor to revive his career within the competitive realm of late-night talk shows. The plot explores the complexities of managing a television empire, from dealing with network executives pushing for modernization to handling a dynamic writers' room, celebrity guests, and personal family issues, all while contending with Varnell's own significant ego. This blend of professional ambition and personal struggle is expected to drive much of the season's humor and drama.
Tommy Davidson, who originated the role of Varnell Hill, returns nearly three decades after the conclusion of "Martin." He is joined by a talented ensemble cast including Kym Whitley, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson, and Chris Williams. The series will also feature an impressive lineup of guest stars such as Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans, Mike Epps, Omarion, and Martin Lawrence, who is also serving as an executive producer for the show. This combination of established and emerging talent, coupled with the creative input of its executive producers, is poised to make the spinoff a noteworthy addition to Paramount+'s offerings.
Bentley Kyle Evans is at the helm of the production, taking on multiple roles as director, writer, showrunner, and executive producer. The show's executive production team includes Martin Lawrence and Tommy Davidson themselves, alongside Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon for Jesse Collins Entertainment, Stacy Lyles, Rae Proctor, and Robert Lawrence for Runteldat Entertainment, and Mark Greenberg and Andrew Horne for Harvest Studios, in association with BET Studios. This extensive team brings a wealth of experience and creative vision to the project, aiming to deliver a compelling and entertaining series. The original "Martin" series aired from 1992 to 1997 on Fox, starring Martin Lawrence as Martin Payne. In 2022, the original cast members—Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II—reunited for a special on BET+, filmed on the sitcom's classic set, which undoubtedly paved the way for this new chapter.
This new series, launching on Paramount+ in September, revisits a beloved character from the iconic "Martin" sitcom, charting his journey to reclaim the spotlight in the challenging world of late-night television. With its blend of comedy, behind-the-scenes drama, and a star-studded cast, it promises to deliver fresh entertainment while honoring its comedic roots.
