Tommy Davidson to Return as Varnell Hill in Martin Spinoff for BET+

Did ya miss me?

Over 30 years after his unforgettable run as the larger-than-life late-night host on Martin, Tommy Davidson is stepping back into the spotlight as Varnell Hill in a brand-new spinoff series ordered by BET+.

Titled The Varnell Hill Show, the workplace comedy will take fans behind the scenes of the fictional talk show that helped cement Davidson’s character as a fan favorite. The series promises to offer a satirical peek at the inner workings of television production, exploring themes of fame, relevance, and the chaotic collision between creativity and corporate control.

Martin Lawrence, who portrayed Varnell’s hilariously tense rival in the original series, is co-creator and executive producer alongside Martin alum Bentley Kyle Evans, who will also serve as the show’s writer, director, and showrunner. The show’s team also includes executive producers Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Andy Horne, Stacy Lyles, Robert Lawrence, and Rae Proctor, with Rose Catherine Pinkney and Jason Harvey repping BET+.

According to the official logline, the new series will follow Varnell’s struggle to stay relevant in a fast-moving entertainment world. It will dive into the layered dynamics between network execs, on-air personalities, and behind-the-scenes staff—with cutaways, satire, and fourth-wall breaks expected to add flair.

Davidson is more than ready to bring the beloved character back to life. “Did you miss me? Well, now you don’t have to!” he said in a statement. “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+!”

While there’s no word yet on whether Lawrence will appear on screen, the series promises to mix new characters with celebrity guest cameos, continuing the legacy of unpredictable hilarity that Martin fans know and love.