Tommy Davidson is set to reprise his iconic role as Varnell Hill from the beloved ’90s sitcom “Martin” in a spinoff series ordered by BET+. Co-created by Martin Lawrence and Bentley Kyle Evans, the show will take viewers behind the scenes of “The Varnell Hill Show,” a fictional late-night talk show hosted by Davidson’s character. Described as a workplace comedy set in the chaotic world of TV production, the series promises to offer a fresh and innovative take on the entertainment industry.
The logline for the show teases Varnell’s journey to stay relevant in a constantly evolving industry, while also delving into the corporate dynamics of network executives, business stakeholders, and creative teams involved in the show’s production. With a blend of satire, humor, cutaways, and fourth-wall breaks, the series aims to engage audiences in a unique and entertaining way.
While it remains unclear if Martin Lawrence will reprise his role as Varnell’s rival in the spinoff, the show is expected to introduce a mix of exciting new characters and celebrity guest cameos. Lawrence will serve as an executive producer alongside Bentley Kyle Evans, who will also take on the roles of writer, director, and showrunner. Other executive producers include Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Andy Horne, Stacy Lyles, Robert Lawrence, and Rae Proctor, with Rose Catherine Pinkney and Jason Harvey on board as EPs for BET+.
Expressing his excitement for the project, Tommy Davidson stated, “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. Fans have requested it and now it’s coming to BET+!”
Davidson is represented by Innovative Artists, while Lawrence is represented by UTA and Artists First. The spinoff series is highly anticipated by fans of “Martin” and is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the world of late-night talk shows. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new project!
