Tommy Davidson‘s Varnell Hill character from “Martin” is coming to BET+ as a new spin-off TV sitcom.
The new series “Varnell Hill” will be produced by Martin Lawrence, who will also appear as Martin Payne in multiple episodes.
The Varnell Hill character has a cult following online. Varnell Hill is the second “Martin” spin-off coming to BET+.
Davidson plays a late night talk show host who inspires Martin to take his radio show in a new direction. After Varnell made a memorable appearance on Martin’s radio show, Martin flew out to Los Angeles and crashed the set of The Varnell Hill Show.
Former late night talk show host Arsenio Hall was the original inspiration for the Varnell Hill character.
Pictured L-R: Jermaine Dupri, Tommy Davidson, and the late rapper Chris Kelly in 1996.
Martin Lawrence and Bentley Evans are the co-creators of Varnell Hill. In addition to writing and producing “Martin,” Evans played Gina’s hairstylist who flirts with Martin Payne at the DMV. “What’s up Almond Brown? You so almondy,” Evans said in the hilarious scene.
“With its blend of satire, humor, cutaways, and fourth-wall breaks, the show promises to engage audiences in a fresh and innovative way,” according to BET+.
“Did you miss me? Well, now you don’t have to! I’m excited and honored to be part of such a creative project with the brilliant mind of Martin Lawrence, over 30 years in the making,” Davidson said in a statement. “Fans have requested it and now it’s coming to BET+!”
Watch the clip below.
