# Paramount+ 'The Varnell Hill Show' launch and premiere > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paramount-the-varnell-hill-show-launch > Updated: 2026-08-25T22:52:23.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 3. Paramount+ announced *The Varnell Hill Show*, a half-hour workplace comedy spinoff of the 1990s sitcom *Martin*. The series stars Tommy Davidson reprising his character Varnell Hill, who first appeared in a 1993 two-part arc. The show follows Hill behind the scenes of a late-night talk show as he navigates a chaotic environment, battling network executives and his own ego. An official description noted, “Nearly three decades after audiences first met him, Varnell Hill is stepping back into the spotlight — and he’s determined to prove he’s still the star of the show.” The series explores the chaos of a modern writers’ room and the challenges of maintaining a television empire within a media landscape shaped by social media and technological shifts. The production utilizes satire, cutaways, and fourth-wall breaks to blend nostalgia with contemporary workplace comedy. Martin Lawrence serves as executive producer, co-creator, and returns in a recurring role as Martin Payne. The production team includes co-creator and showrunner Bentley Kyle Evans, along with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and BET Studios. The ensemble cast features Kym Whitley, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson, and Chris Williams, with guest appearances by Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans, Mike Epps, and Omarion. The eight-episode series premiered globally on September 1, 2026, with two episodes released on launch day followed by weekly releases through October 13. ## Claims - Returning to the character of Varnell Hill is an exciting, challenging, and fulfilling experience. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Varnell Hill Show is a new Paramount+ workplace comedy. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Varnell Hill Show premieres on September 1. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Tommy Davidson stars in and executive produces The Varnell Hill Show. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The character Varnell Hill was originally introduced on the sitcom Martin nearly 30 years ago. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Tommy Davidson returns as Varnell Hill in new Paramount+ series Tommy Davidson stars in ‘The Varnell Hill Show’, a new Paramount+ comedy spin-off of the sitcom ‘Martin’, premiering September 1. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tommy-davidson-to-star-in-paramount-comedy-the-varnell-hill-show ### 2026-08-07: Martin Lawrence returns as Martin Payne in Paramount+ spinoff 'The Varnell Hill Show Martin Lawrence returns as Martin Payne and executive producer on Paramount+ spinoff 'The Varnell Hill Show', a workplace comedy starring Tommy Davidson, premiering Sep 1 with eight episodes. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/martin-lawrence-returns-as-martin-payne-in-paramount-spinoff-the-varnell-hill-show ### 2026-08-05: Tommy Davidson Leads Paramount+ Spinoff 'The Varnell Hill Show' Premiering Sept. 1 Paramount+ will debut *The Varnell Hill Show*, a spinoff of *Martin* starring Tommy Davidson as Varnell Hill, with Martin Lawrence as executive producer and guest star. The eight‑episode series launches Sept 1, 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paramount-launches-the-varnell-hill-show-spinoff-starring-tommy-davidson-and-martin-lawrence --- Cite as: Paramount+ 'The Varnell Hill Show' launch and premiere. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paramount-the-varnell-hill-show-launch