While fans won’t be getting the previously-teased ‘Martin’ reboot, there is a new spin-off coming from the franchise 30 years after the show’s finale.
BET+ has ordered the Tommy Davidson-led “Varnell Hill” straight to series, with Davidson playing the titular late-night talk show host and Martin Lawrence on board as an executive producer.
The spinoff show will be centered around Tommy Davidson’s character, who had a memorable two-episode run in season 2 of ‘Martin.’
Billed as a workplace comedy set behind the scenes of a long-running late-night talk show, the spinoff will explore “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. With its blend of satire, humor, cutaways, and fourth-wall breaks, the show promises to engage audiences in a fresh and innovative way.”
Lawrence co-created the new series with Bentley Kyle Evans. Evans will serve as showrunner, in addition to being a writer, director, and executive producer.
Davidson celebrated the news with an Instagram post featuring a clip of him as Varnell on ‘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+!
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Martin also made the announcement via social media sharing:
BIG ANNOUNEMENT TODAY! Excited to say that we are bringing Varnell Hill back! Shoutout to my whole team at @runteldatentertainment (@msstacylyles you’re killin it!) who have been working to bring you this and many more to come. I just have one question. Did you miss him? #varnellhillshow #comingsoon
BET rounded out the announcements by posting as well.
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