Tommy Davidson stars as Varnell Hill in Paramount+'s The Varnell Hill Show, a Martin spin‑off that taps into 1990s nostalgia and Black late‑night representation; the premiere features Martin Lawrence alongside Davidson as the titular character.
Deadline reports the Martin spinoff The Varnell Hill Show released its first trailer for an eight-episode season on Paramount+, premiering September 1, 2026. Set behind the scenes of Varnell’s late-night talk show, the workplace comedy skewers the TV industry with cutaways and fourth-wall breaks as Varnell fights to stay relevant in a TikTok-driven era, despite pressure from executives and a looming cancellation. The trailer teases guest stars including Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans, Mike Epps and Omarion, with a supporting cast led by Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tommy Davidson, Kym Whitley, Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson and Chris Williams.
Paramount+ has unveiled The Varnell Hill Show, an eight-episode Martin spinoff starring Tommy Davidson as Varnell Hill. Set behind the scenes of a fictional late-night talk show, the series debuts Sept. 1 with two episodes and runs one new episode every Tuesday through Oct. 13. The ensemble includes Kym Whitley, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson and Chris Williams, with guests such as Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans, Mike Epps and Omarion; Bentley Kyle Evans serves as director and showrunner among the executive producers.
The New Orleans Saints have added Martin, a 6-4, 265-pound player with NFL practice squad experience, to their roster. Martin, who played college football at Texas A&M and Washington, was undrafted in 2023 and previously signed with the Browns, Giants, and Packers, leading the Browns in preseason sacks in 2023.
The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards featured a memorable reunion of the "Martin" cast, with the actors joking about never winning an Emmy. Other iconic TV series also had cast reunions, and the show celebrated a host of Black winners, including Niecy Nash-Betts, Trevor Noah, Ayo Edebiri, and Quinta Brunson, who became the first Black actress in 42 years to win outstanding lead actress in a comedy.
The cast of "Martin" reunited at the 2024 Emmys, presenting an award and paying tribute to late cast member Thomas Mikal Ford. The iconic sitcom, which ran from 1992 to 1996, was celebrated for its impact on hip hop and the Black community, and the cast humorously acknowledged the show's lack of Emmy wins. The reunion was a nostalgic moment for fans and a nod to the show's enduring influence.
The Emmys featured reunions of iconic TV show casts, including "Grey's Anatomy," "Cheers," and "Martin," with Katherine Heigl making a rare appearance alongside former co-stars. The event also honored the 75th anniversary of the Emmys by recreating famous sets, and actors from "The Sopranos" and "Ally McBeal" had their moments. The casts reminisced about their shows' impact, with "Martin" actors expressing disappointment over never receiving an Emmy nomination despite the show's cultural impact and long run.
The cast of 'Martin' reunited at the Emmys to present an award, with Tisha Campbell expressing that the show should have won an Emmy during its run, receiving applause from the audience. Martin Lawrence presented the award for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, which went to Jeremy Allen White.
Tisha Campbell reflects on the legacy of 'Martin' and the lack of Emmy recognition, highlighting the importance of diversity in today's television landscape. The cast reunites at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, expressing bittersweet feelings due to the absence of late co-star Thomas Mikal Ford. While fans desire a reboot, the cast acknowledges the challenge of moving forward without Ford's character, Tommy. The reunion includes a heartfelt tribute to Ford, and the cast humorously clears up any confusion about their Emmy wins.
The 75th Emmys on Fox will feature reunions of "Martin" and "Ally McBeal," paying homage to TV history with live elements and a big production number by host Anthony Anderson. The executive producers aim to honor 75 years of television while handing out 26 awards, including tributes to recently deceased talent like Norman Lear, Matthew Perry, and Andre Braugher. They plan to combat long acceptance speeches with a "play-off mama" and note the historic significance of being the first all-Black production team to helm the show on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
General Hospital's writer's strike is starting to show with redundant character interactions and more flashbacks. Cody almost takes down Gladys with Spinelli's help, but Ms. Wu ultimately forces Gladys to change her story. Dr. Monty offers to pay off Gladys' debt for a favor, which could be worse than blackmailing Sasha's new doctor. Kristina hints at being a surrogate and egg donor for Molly and TJ. Martin's three ex-wives become a storyline possibility. Drew's prison sentence emphasizes everything wrong with his character, while Ned's amnesia could revitalize his role.
Amber Spradlin, a woman from Prestonsburg, was found dead in the Arkansas Creek community of Martin. The Floyd County Coroner and Kentucky State Police suspect foul play and are investigating the incident. Spradlin's body was sent to Frankfort for an autopsy by the State Medical Examiner's office.
Actor and comedian Sean Lampkin, best known for his role as Nipsey on the 1990s sitcom "Martin," has died at the age of 54. Lampkin also appeared in "Bad Boys," "Big Momma's House," and worked as Martin Lawrence's assistant during the shooting of several films. The cause of his death has not been released. Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Lampkin, describing him as a funny and good-hearted person.