Martin Spinoff The Varnell Hill Show Premieres September 1

“Did you miss me?”

More than three decades after Tommy Davidson first put on Varnell Hill’s bright yellow suit on Martin, the outrageous television personality is returning with a series of his own.

Paramount+ has released the first look at The Varnell Hill Show, an eight-episode workplace comedy premiering globally on September 1, 2026.

Davidson reprises the character he introduced during a memorable two-part Martin storyline in 1993. Martin Lawrence also returns as Martin Payne for a special appearance while serving as one of the new series’ executive producers.

From Two Episodes to His Own Series

Varnell Hill only appeared in two episodes of Martin, but his exaggerated confidence, flashy wardrobe and rivalry with Martin Payne made the character unforgettable.

The original storyline followed Martin to Hollywood after Varnell invited him to appear on his popular talk show. Martin quickly learned that the self-important host was less interested in helping him than he initially believed.

The scenes produced several memorable exchanges—including Varnell boasting about the “ten-mile lake” behind his home and Martin deciding to name it “Lake Varnell.”

What began as a short guest appearance in 1993 ultimately developed a cult following that lasted for more than 30 years.

What Is The Varnell Hill Show About?

The spinoff takes viewers behind the scenes of Varnell’s long-running late-night talk show as he attempts to remain relevant in a rapidly changing entertainment industry.

Network executives want to modernize the program, the writers’ room is unpredictable, celebrity guests bring their own complications and Varnell’s oversized ego continues to create problems.

The concept allows the series to revisit the character fans remember while satirizing modern television, corporate decision-making and the constant pressure entertainers face to reinvent themselves.

According to the official Paramount+ announcement, the comedy is produced in association with BET Studios.

Martin Lawrence Returns as Martin Payne

The first-look reveal also confirms that Martin Lawrence will step back into the role of Martin Payne.

Lawrence is an executive producer alongside Davidson, Bentley Kyle Evans, Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon and several additional producers. Evans also serves as showrunner, writer and director.

Davidson leads an ensemble cast featuring:

• Kym Whitley
• Wendy Raquel Robinson
• Nick Cafero
• Emmanuel Hudson
• Chris Williams

The announced guest lineup includes Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans, Mike Epps and Omarion, with special appearances by Lawrence.

When Does The Varnell Hill Show Premiere?

The first two episodes of The Varnell Hill Show will arrive on Paramount+ on Tuesday, September 1.

One new episode will then be released every Tuesday through October 13, completing the eight-episode first season.

The series represents more than another television reboot. Varnell Hill proves that a character does not require dozens of appearances to become part of popular culture. Sometimes two memorable episodes—and one unforgettable yellow suit—are enough to keep audiences waiting for more than 30 years.

Watch WWETV Studios’ look at Varnell Hill’s return.

Did you miss Varnell Hill—or did you discover the classic Martin episodes later?

WORDPRESS TAGS: Martin, Martin Lawrence, Tommy Davidson, Varnell Hill, The Varnell Hill Show, Paramount Plus, Kym Whitley, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Black sitcoms, 1990s television, classic television, TV spinoffs, WWETV Studios

FOCUS KEYWORD: The Varnell Hill Show