The king of ’90s sitcom swagger is officially stepping back into the spotlight. Martin Lawrence is set to film three episodes for BET+’s upcoming comedy series Varnell Hill, a spinoff of the iconic show Martin, bringing his beloved character Martin Payne back to screens for the first time in decades.
Varnell Hill stars Tommy Davidson, reprising his fan-favorite role as the flamboyant talk-show host Varnell Hill, who first appeared in a two-part arc on Martin in Season 2. The new series follows Varnell behind the scenes of his fictional late-night show, navigating the chaos of modern media, celebrity culture, and network politics.
Lawrence, who co-created Martin and serves as executive producer on Varnell Hill, will appear in three episodes, marking a nostalgic reunion with Davidson and a nod to the original series’ legacy.
While plot details are being kept under wraps, sources suggest Lawrence’s appearances will be more than just cameos. Expect Martin Payne to bring his signature blend of sarcasm, charm, and unpredictable energy to Varnell’s world—possibly stirring up old rivalries, new misadventures, and plenty of “Did you miss me?” moments.
The episodes are expected to feature:
- Throwback references to classic Martin moments
- Behind-the-scenes hijinks at The Varnell Hill Show
- Guest star interactions that blend nostalgia with fresh comedy
BET+ has ordered eight episodes of Varnell Hill, with production already underway. The show is helmed by longtime Martin showrunner Bentley Kyle Evans, with Lawrence, Jesse Collins, and Rae Proctor also executive producing.
With Lawrence officially filming scenes, fans can expect a seamless blend of old-school sitcom magic and modern satire. Whether it’s Martin Payne crashing Varnell’s set or reigniting their hilarious rivalry, the reunion promises to be one of the biggest comedy events of the year.
