Varnell Hill Show Struggles to Balance Nostalgia and Fresh Comedy
A review of The Varnell Hill Show, Tommy Davidson’s Martin spinoff on Paramount+/BET+, praises the guest lineup and musical moments but critiques its heavy reliance on nostalgia, uneven writing, and generational humor. Martin Lawrence does not reprise his role, and while some moments (like the fourth-wall break and Marshay storyline) show potential, the show overall feels dated with a rocky dynamic among the writing staff. A stronger second season could help, but the current mix is a “mixed bag.”