Skip to main content
Home
Explore
Notifs
Profile

Black-owned · Built for the global diaspora · Curated pins from Black and melanated creators across hair, style, beauty, home, and art.

Formerly Melaninterest.com

Get the Melanin app

Download on theApp StoreGet it onGoogle Play
m
melanin
AboutHelpTermsPrivacyCommunity GuidelinesCreators

© 2026 Melanin. All rights reserved.

Melaninmelanin
HomeExploreCreatorsNewsCreate
Ctrl+K
Log inSign up
Melaninmelanin
HomeExploreCreatorsNewsCreate
Ctrl+K
Log inSign up
Varnell Hill Returns: Tommy Davidson Lands First Lead Role in Decades — Melanin News | Melanin
Melaninmelanin
HomeExploreCreatorsNewsCreate
Ctrl+K
Log inSign up
All news
Varnell Hill Returns: Tommy Davidson Lands First Lead Role in DecadesCelebrity

Varnell Hill Returns: Tommy Davidson Lands First Lead Role in Decades

3d ago

Veteran comedian and actor Tommy Davidson is stepping back into the spotlight in a major way, headlining his own television series, *The Varnell Hill Show*. This new workplace comedy marks a significant career milestone for the 62-year-old, as it's his first leading role since the 1991 film *Strictly Business*, signaling what many are calling a powerful career "rebirth."

Set to debut exclusively on Paramount+ on September 1, *The Varnell Hill Show* revisits Davidson's memorable character from Martin Lawrence's classic 1990s sitcom, *Martin*. Varnell Hill, a scene-stealing foil to Lawrence's Martin Payne, now takes center stage. The new series promises a fresh take on the character, with Martin Lawrence himself making recurring cameo appearances and serving as an executive producer, suggesting a playful shift in the dynamic between the two longtime collaborators.

Martin Lawrence
Martin Lawrence Source

The concept for the show reportedly emerged from an unexpected source: hip-hop legend Christopher "Kid" Reid of Kid 'n Play. Davidson recounted a late-night call from Reid, who expressed a desire to see more "fly talent" in late-night television. Reid proposed, "Why don't we put Varnell Hill on late-night? That way we can spin off all the people that we want on there, and it's a show." Davidson then reached out to Lawrence, who quickly agreed, saying, "Yeah, that'll work."

Davidson and Lawrence share a rich history, having known each other since their early days in Washington D.C. They both made the move to Los Angeles around the same time, pursuing parallel career paths. Davidson reflected on this shared journey, noting, "We both moved to L.A. around the same time. I got my show, and he got his show. I got my movie *Strictly Business*, he got *Do the Right Thing*. We've basically been on a parallel [journey] for all those years. Now we finally have a chance to work together. Did you miss me?" This long-awaited collaboration, initially discussed "several years" ago, is now coming to fruition, with Davidson attributing its timing to "divine timing."

The character of Varnell Hill first captivated audiences during the second season of *Martin*, specifically in the "Hollywood Swinging" episode. Originally a WZUP deejay and radio personality, Hill notably upstaged Martin Payne during a homecoming visit to Detroit, a moment that famously spurred Payne to pursue his own aspirations in Hollywood. The original *Martin* sitcom, a cornerstone of 90s Black television, ran for five seasons on Fox, from August 27, 1992, to May 1, 1997.

In Living Color
In Living Color Source

Beyond Davidson and Lawrence, the show boasts a strong production team, including Bentley Kyle Evans, a writer from the original *Martin* series, who joins as an executive producer. Other executive producers include industry heavyweights such as Jesse Collins, an Emmy winner known for producing the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show; Dionne Harmon, President of Jesse Collins Entertainment and a prominent Black woman in entertainment, who has produced events like the BET Awards; and Robert Lawrence, a veteran film producer known for *Clueless* and *Die Hard with a Vengeance*.

Davidson expressed excitement about the show's format, which he describes as a unique blend of a workplace comedy and a real late-night talk show. "It's a day in the life of the show, and then at night, it's a real talk show. Imagine that," he stated. He anticipates the series will deliver the kind of unrestricted humor and entertainment that 90s audiences enjoyed. Davidson added, "They're going to get some of the stuff that the audience in the '90s got spoiled by because we had no limits at all. None. They're going to get an opportunity to laugh like they never really laughed."

The first season of *The Varnell Hill Show* will consist of eight episodes, featuring a core cast that includes Kym Whitley, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Nick Cafero, Chris Williams, and Emmanuel Hudson. Hudson is widely recognized for his viral digital content, including "Asking All Them Questions" and "Ratchet Girl Anthem," and is a recurring cast member on Nick Cannon Presents: *Wild 'N Out*. The series also promises a star-studded lineup of special appearances, with names like October London, Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Mike Epps, Damon Wayans, Yo-Yo, Omarion, Kirk Franklin, and Doug E. Fresh slated to guest star. Ms. Pat, Patricia Williams, began her comedy career in Atlanta in 2002 and is known for *The Ms. Pat Show*. Deon Cole, an Emmy-nominated writer, comedian, and actor, is celebrated for his roles in *Black-ish* and his writing for *The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien*. Mike Epps, a stand-up comedian and actor, gained fame with films like *Next Friday* and his presence on the *Def Comedy Jam* tour. Omarion, born Omari Ishmael Grandberry, rose to prominence as the lead singer of B2K before a successful solo career. Kirk Franklin is a highly acclaimed gospel singer and choir director, known for his significant impact on contemporary Christian music since his 1993 debut.

Davidson likens his newfound creative control to a quarterback finally getting their start, stating, "For me to be behind the helm, it's pretty much like a quarterback finally getting a start. I'm like Michael Vick; I can run, pass, whatever you want." This sentiment underscores the significance of this moment for the veteran comic, who has paid his dues over nearly four decades. He believes this opportunity will allow him to share the magic he's cultivated alongside legends with a new generation of viewers, asserting, "I'm one of those people who's gone through all those eras. I've worked with everybody, Tupac, Snoop [Dogg], whoever. You name them. Now, they're going to get exposure to that at the same time."

This long-awaited return to a leading role, coupled with the reunion of comedic powerhouses and a fresh take on a beloved character, positions *The Varnell Hill Show* as a highly anticipated event. Davidson's optimism for the road ahead is palpable, as he embraces this "rebirth" in his career, ready to bring his unique comedic vision to a global audience. The series is set to offer a nostalgic yet innovative experience, promising to make audiences laugh like never before while showcasing Davidson's enduring talent and influence in Black culture and comedy.