Martin Lawrence Brings Back Varnell Hill for New Paramount+ Show

Legendary comedian Martin Lawrence is tapping back into his iconic universe, bringing one of his most memorable characters, Varnell Hill, to the forefront in a brand new spin-off series. Tommy Davidson is set to reprise his role as the titular talk show host in “The Varnell Hill Show,” a project described as years in the making.

The official trailer for the highly anticipated comedy series dropped on August 25, 2026, building excitement for its premiere. Fans can mark their calendars for Tuesday, September 1, 2026, when the first two episodes will hit Paramount+. Following its debut, new installments of the eight-episode series will be released weekly every Tuesday, leading up to its finale on October 13, 2026.

For those who followed the original "Martin" sitcom, Varnell Hill is a name that instantly conjures up a specific brand of loud, flashy, and successful rivalry. The character first made his appearance nearly three decades ago, featuring prominently in a two-part storyline during Season 2 of "Martin" in 1993. Back then, Varnell was introduced as Martin Payne's former radio colleague and a professional rival from Detroit who had successfully transitioned to Los Angeles, often reminding Martin of his Hollywood achievements.

Now, the spin-off takes viewers behind the scenes of Varnell's long-running late-night talk show. The premise explores Varnell's struggle to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing entertainment industry, a challenge that many veteran entertainers face in the digital age. This central conflict is ignited with the arrival of a new executive producer, Rachel Perkins, who is determined to modernize the show and boost its declining ratings.

The trailer offers a glimpse into the dynamic clash between old-school sensibilities and contemporary trends. Perkins directly confronts Varnell, stating, "Your show is built in the past, and your ratings are down." Varnell, known for his signature swagger and unwavering confidence, fires back with a defiant declaration: "I built this empire, and I will burn it down before I let you turn it into some Tik Tok tonight." This exchange sets a satirical tone, blending workplace comedy with cutaways and fourth-wall breaks to highlight the generational and stylistic friction. When Varnell questions her fashion choices, Perkins insists, "This is fashion," underscoring their differing perspectives.