Well, look who’s coming back, y’all. Did you miss him? Congratulations to Martin Lawrence and his team for getting the Varnell Hill show in the works.
BET+ gave the greenlight for the Martin spinoff, and comedian and actor Tommy Davidson will be reprising his role as Varnell Hill. Lawrence confirmed the news in a shared post with Davidson on Instagram.
A Character Reimagined
Varnell Hill, originally introduced in the 1993 episodes “Hollywood Swinging Parts 1 & 2” of Martin, quickly became a fan favorite. This was the same episode where Martin crashed R&B group Jodeci’s performance on the show. Hilarious moment!
Known for his over-the-top persona and memorable catchphrase, “Did you miss me?!,” Varnell Hill’s character left a lasting impression despite his brief appearance.
Now, Davidson reprises this role, diving deeper into Varnell’s life as he navigates the challenges of staying relevant in today’s ever-evolving media landscape.
Behind the Scenes
According to Deadline, Varnell Hill, has received an eight-episode straight-to-series order. The show will be centered around a workplace comedy set behind the scenes of the long-running late-night talk show.
The series is co-created by Lawrence and Bentley Kyle Evans, with Evans also serving as the showrunner. Lawrence is on board as an executive producer.
Deadline also states that there is no confirmation of him appearing on the show, but they hear he is poised to reprise his Martin Payne role in multiple episodes.
A Legacy Continued
The announcement of Varnell Hill comes on the heels of a recent reunion of the original Martin cast at the Emmys, signaling a renewed interest in the beloved sitcom’s universe.
Fans have long awaited a return to this world, and with Davidson’s enthusiasm—”Did you miss me? Well, now you don’t have to!”—it’s clear that the spirit of Martin lives on.
As Varnell Hill prepares to make its debut on BET+, audiences can anticipate a series that honors its roots while offering a contemporary lens on fame, media, and the complexities of the entertainment industry.
This new series promises to offer fans both old and new something to look forward to. Will y’all be watching?
