Varnell Hill is coming back to TV, but this time in his own series.
Tommy Davidson is reprising his role as the popular character in a new Martin spinoff set to premiere on BET+.
According to the official description, the workplace comedy titled Varnell Hill will follow the character, originally introduced on Martin, as he tries to stay relevant in the ever-changing entertainment industry.
The series will explore the behind-the-scenes chaos of network executives, business stakeholders and creative teams involved in making Varnell’s show.
Related: ‘Martin’ Stars Get Back in Character for Emmys Reunion
Martin aired for five seasons on Fox from August 1992 to May 1997. The series starred Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, Thomas Mikal Ford, and Carl Anthony Payne.
Davidson appeared on multiple episodes as Varnell, a flashy late-night talk show host, whose catchphrase “Did you miss me?” became a fan favorite.
On Tuesday, the actor and comedian paid homage to the character.
“Did you miss me? Well, now you don’t have to!” Davidson said in a statement. “I’m excited and honored to be a part of such a creative project with the brilliant mind of Martin Lawrence, over 30 years in the making. Fans have requested it and now it’s coming to BET+!”
Lawrence is on board as an executive producer and co-creator of the new series.
Bentley Kyle Evans, known for his work on Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show, will serve as showrunner and executive producer.
Additional executive producers include Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Andy Horne, Stacy Lyles, Robert Lawrence, and Rae Proctor. Rose Catherine Pinkney and Jason Harvey are executive producers for BET+.
In a recent interview, Davidson said the fictitious Varnell Hill Show on Martin was in the script, but he made it his own. He improvised everything after Lawrence laughed at his first few lines and told him to keep going.
The cast reunited in 2022 for the BET+ special Martin: The Reunion, which celebrated the show’s 30th anniversary.
In January 2024, the stars appeared together again for a skit at the 75th Emmy Awards. During the segment, Campbell noted that Martin was never nominated for an Emmy, despite running for 132 episodes and being one of Fox’s highest-rated shows.
Production and a premiere date for Varnell Hill will be announced at a later date.
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