BET+ orders Martin spinoff Varnell Hill starring Tommy Davidson

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https://deadline.com/2025/04/martin-...ce-1236368616/

Davidson will reprise his beloved two-episode Martin talk show host character Varnell Hill from the two-part 1993 episode "Hollywood Swinging" for the spinoff series co-created and executive produced by Martin co-creator, star and executive producer Martin Lawrence and Martin executive producer/showrunner Bentley Evans, reports Deadline's Nellie Andreeva, adding: "There is no confirmation of Lawrence appearing on the show but I hear he is poised to reprise his Martin Payne role in multiple episodes. The announcement comes on the 35th anniversary of In Living Color, on which Davidson was an original cast member." Andreeva adds: "Varnell Hill, which has received an eight-episode straight-to-series order, is a workplace comedy set behind the scenes of the long-running late-night talk show, ‘The Varnell Hill Show.’ Delving into the chaotic world of television production, the series explores Varnell’s journey to remain relevant in an ever-evolving industry and the corporate dynamics of network executives, business stakeholders, and creative teams involved in the making of the show. A blend of satire, humor, cutaways, and fourth-wall breaks, Varnell Hill will feature a mixture of exciting new characters and celebrity guest cameos."