‘Martin’ Spinoff Coming to BET+: Everything We Know So Far
Beloved ‘90s sitcom Martin is getting a spinoff series.
BET+ has given a straight-to-series order to Varnell Hill, a workplace comedy based on Tommy Davidson’s cult favorite character from Martin.
“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 said.
Martin Lawrence co-created ‘Varnell Hill’
Davidson will star in the series, which will feature new characters as well as celebrity guest cameos. Varnell Hill is set behind the scenes of a long-running late-night talk show. It will delve into the chaotic world of television production. The show explores Varnell Hill’s efforts to remain relevant in a changing industry and the corporate dynamics that go into making his show.
“With its blend of satire, humor, cutaways, and fourth-wall breaks, the show promises to engage audiences in a fresh and innovative way,” BET+ promises of the show, which is co-created by Martin Lawrence, who will also serve as an executive producer. Co-creator, writer, and director Bentley Kyle Evans serves as showrunner and executive producer.
There’s no premiere date yet for Varnell Hill, which has not started production.
Varnell Hill appeared in just two episodes of ‘Martin’
Martin premiered in 1992 and starred Lawrence as Detroit disc jockey Martin Payne. Davidson appeared in just two episodes of the show, season 2’s Hollywood Swinging: Part 1 and Hollywood Swinging: Part 2.
In the episodes, Martin, who is frustrated with the direction his career is going, interviews Varnell, a former DJ who is now a successful talk show host in LA. Varnell invites Martin to come to California to be on his show, leading Martin to impulsively quit his job. However, it turns out Varnell was not serious about helping Martin break into the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, leading Martin to crash the show and interrupt a performance by Jodeci.
Will Martin Lawrence appear in the ‘Martin’ spinoff?
So far, Davidson is the only confirmed cast member for Varnell Hill. However, Deadline reports that Lawrence will likely appear as Martin in multiple episodes.
Fans will have to wait and see if other Martin cast members such as Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II will pop up on Varnell Hill. The original series, which ran for five seasons, was plagued by behind-the-scenes drama, including Campbell’s sexual harassment lawsuit against Lawrence. A reunion special aired on BET+ in 2022. In 2024, Lawrence, Campbell, Arnold, and Payne came together to present at that year’s Emmy Awards. During the bit – which saw the cast take the stage on a recreation of the Martin set – the quartet joked about their lack of Emmy nominations.
“We finally about to get an Emmy!” an enthusiastic Payne said. “I got my speech on deck, all ready to go.”
“Carl, we’re not winning an Emmy tonight,” Campbell said. “Please, sitt your butt down.”
“We should have won an Emmy during our run,” she continued as the audience cheered. “But we were never even nominated.”
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