Varnell Hill is officially back in the spotlight.
Paramount+ has revealed the first look at The Varnell Hill Show, the long-awaited Martin spinoff starring Tommy Davidson as the unforgettable late-night talk show host first introduced on the iconic sitcom. The new half-hour workplace comedy premieres globally on Paramount+ on Tuesday, September 1, with two episodes at launch followed by one new episode every Tuesday through October 13.
Nearly three decades after audiences first met Varnell Hill, the character returns with the same oversized confidence, showbiz energy, and need to remind everyone that he is still the star of the show.
Varnell Hill Returns Nearly Three Decades Later
The Varnell Hill Show brings Tommy Davidson back to one of his most memorable comedy roles, placing Varnell behind the scenes of his long-running late-night talk show.
This time, the comedy is not just about the performance in front of the camera. The series follows Varnell as he fights to stay relevant in a fast-changing entertainment landscape, while dealing with network executives trying to modernize the show, a chaotic writers’ room, celebrity guests, family drama, and his own ego.
That setup gives the spinoff a strong workplace comedy angle while still keeping the character’s larger-than-life personality at the center. Varnell was always funny because he believed in his own celebrity with complete conviction, and this new series looks ready to test what happens when that kind of old-school showman has to survive a modern industry.
A Martin Spinoff Built Around Legacy
The return of Varnell Hill matters because Martin remains one of the most beloved Black sitcoms of all time.
For a generation of viewers, the original series was not just a comedy. It was part of the culture. Its characters, catchphrases, guest appearances, physical comedy, and relationship dynamics helped define 1990s television and continue to live through reruns, streaming, social media, and fan conversations.
Building a spinoff around Varnell Hill gives Paramount+ a chance to revisit that universe through a fresh lens. Instead of simply rebooting the original dynamic, The Varnell Hill Show takes a fan-favorite side character and places him in a new environment where legacy, ego, relevance, and entertainment industry chaos can all collide.
That is a smart space for comedy, especially with Tommy Davidson returning to a character who already feels tailor-made for a behind-the-scenes television satire.
Tommy Davidson Leads a Strong Comedy Ensemble
Tommy Davidson stars in and executive produces the series, leading an ensemble cast that includes Kym Whitley, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson, and Chris Williams.
The guest star lineup also brings plenty of comedy firepower, with appearances from Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans, Mike Epps, Omarion, and more. Martin Lawrence is also set to make special appearances, creating another major connection back to the original series.
That cast gives the show a strong mix of classic sitcom energy, stand-up comedy talent, digital-era personality, and familiar faces from Black television and film. For a series about a late-night talk show, that rotating guest star element could become one of its biggest strengths.
Martin Lawrence and Bentley Kyle Evans Help Bring the Series to Life
The Varnell Hill Show is executive produced by Martin Lawrence and Bentley Kyle Evans, two names deeply connected to the legacy of Martin.
The series is produced in association with BET Studios and is executive produced by Lawrence, Davidson, Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon for Jesse Collins Entertainment, Stacy Lyles, Rae Proctor, and Robert Lawrence for Runteldat Entertainment, and Mark Greenberg, Andrew Horne, and Evans for Harvest Studios.
Evans also serves as showrunner, writer, and director.
That creative team gives the series a direct line back to the original sitcom while also positioning it as a new workplace comedy built for today’s streaming audience.
The Varnell Hill Show premieres globally on Paramount+ on Tuesday, September 1, with two episodes available at launch. New episodes will stream weekly every Tuesday through October 13.
Editor-in-Chief | Owner
I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.