Martin Spinoff Varnell Hill Moves Forward at BET+

BET+ has ordered a spinoff series titled Varnell Hill, centered on Tommy Davidson's character from the classic sitcom Martin, nearly three decades after the original show ended. The new workplace comedy will take audiences behind the scenes of Varnell's late-night talk show, focusing on his efforts to stay relevant in the competitive entertainment industry, with a mix of satire, humor, and fourth-wall breaks. Martin Lawrence, who co-created and starred in Martin, will serve as co-creator and executive producer of the spinoff and is expected to reprise his role as Martin Payne in several episodes. The series promises a blend of new characters, celebrity cameos, and fresh storytelling, aiming to appeal to both longtime fans and new viewers. Davidson expressed excitement about rejoining the Martin universe, noting the project has been over 30 years in the making and was driven by fan demand. While the status of other Martin-related projects, such as the prequel Young Martin, remains unclear, Varnell Hill marks the franchise's return to television.