First Look: The Varnell Hill Show Reunites Martin Lawrence and Tommy Davidson in Long Awaited Martin Spinoff

Reel Perspectives

August 5, 2026

Paramount+

Premiering Tuesday, September 1, exclusively on Paramount+, The Varnell Hill Show gives one of the Martin most memorable characters the long overdue starring role fans have been waiting for. And judging by the first look, this reunion is shaping up to be every bit as outrageous, chaotic, and laugh out loud funny as longtime fans remember.

Nearly 30 years after making one of sitcom's funniest guest appearances, the smooth talking talk show host Varnell Hill is finally stepping into the spotlight.

For anyone who grew up during the 1990s, Martin wasn't just another sitcom, it was MUST SEE TV. Week after week, we watched Martin Lawrence unleash his unmatched comedic energy alongside an unforgettable ensemble cast. The series became a cultural touchstone while filling Black households with nonstop laughter. Whether it was Sheneneh, Jerome, Dragonfly Jones, Roscoe, or countless other hilarious personalities brought to life by Lawrence, every episode felt unpredictable. It wasn't simply a sitcom, it became part of the weekly routine for millions of viewers, and mong the show's greatest guest stars was Tommy Davidson's unforgettable portrayal of Varnell Hill.

Fans still remember the classic episodes where Martin traveled to Hollywood and crossed paths with Hill, the flamboyant late night television host whose oversized confidence was somehow even bigger than his celebrity status. The chemistry between Martin Lawrence and Tommy Davidson was electric. Watching Martin's street smart personality collide with Varnell's larger than life television persona created comedic gold that still gets quoted decades later.

Instead of revisiting the past, the new series pushes Hill into today's entertainment world, where staying famous may be even harder than becoming famous. Behind the scenes of his long running late night talk show, Varnell suddenly finds himself juggling network executives who always have opinions, an unpredictable writers' room, celebrity guests with even bigger egos, family complications, and the constant pressure of remaining relevant in an industry that changes by the minute. Of course, none of those challenges compare to managing Varnell himself. His confidence hasn't disappeared. His flair certainly hasn't disappeared. And judging from the first look images neither has his talent for turning everyday situations into comedic disasters.

Davidson leads an impressive comedic ensemble that includes Kym Whitley, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson, and Chris Williams, creating a cast that blends veteran sitcom talent with fresh comedic voices.

The guest lineup is equally exciting, featuring appearances from Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans, Mike Epps, and Omarion, while Martin Lawrence himself makes special appearances that longtime fans have been waiting decades to see. Just imagining Martin sharing scenes with Varnell again is enough to make longtime viewers smile.

There aren't many sitcoms whose impact still resonates three decades later, but Martin remains one of the defining comedies of the 1990s. For fans who spent the '90s quoting every episode of Martin, The Varnell Hill Show is a chance to revisit one of TV's funniest comedies from a new perspective.

The Varnell Hill Show premieres Tuesday, September 1, exclusively on Paramount+.