Tommy Davidson is back as Varnell Hill and he refuses to let anyone take over his television empire.
Paramount+ released the trailer for The Varnell Hill Show on Tuesday, Aug. 25, offering the first extended look at Davidson reprising his role as the beloved character he originated on Martin.
The workplace comedy takes viewers behind the scenes of Varnell’s late-night talk show, which is facing cancellation as ratings decline.
The trailer introduces Wendy Raquel Robinson as Rachel Perkins, the new executive producer brought in to rescue Varnell’s struggling show.
“Your show is stuck in the past and your ratings are down,” Rachel tells Varnell. “We need to make some changes.”
But the flashy host has no interest in changing, or using social media, or listening to people telling him the show needs a fresh approach.
“I built this empire, and I will burn it down before I let you turn it into some ‘TikTok Tonight,’” he shoots back.
Related: ‘The Varnell Hill Show’ First Photos Reveal ‘Martin’ Reunion
Martin Lawrence and Kym Whitley also bring the laughs in the trailer. The supporting cast includes Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson, Judy Gold and Chris Williams.
A roster of comedians and entertainers make cameos, including Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Mike Epps, and Damon Wayans.
Each episode of Varnell’s fictional talk show features a musical guest, with Doug E. Fresh and Kirk Franklin among the performers teased in the trailer.
Davidson originally played Varnell on Martin, which aired on Fox from 1992 to 1997. The over-the-top host became known for his extravagant personality and signature catchphrase, “Did you miss me?”
Nearly three decades later, Varnell is struggling to stay relevant while dealing with meddling network executives, a chaotic writers’ room, pushy celebrity guests, family drama, and a gangster played by Martin Lawrence.
The half-hour spinoff was first announced in April 2025 as a BET+ series. It later moved to Paramount+ after the BET streaming service was absorbed by the platform.
Lawrence and Bentley Kyle Evans, who previously worked together on Martin, executive produce the series. Evans also serves as showrunner, writer and director.
Davidson, Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Stacy Lyles, Rae Proctor, Robert Lawrence, Mark Greenberg, and Andrew Horne are executive producers as well. The comedy is produced in association with BET Studios.
The Varnell Hill Show premieres globally with two episodes on Paramount+ Tuesday, Sept. 1. One new episode will follow every Tuesday through Oct. 13.
Check out the trailer below:
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