Tommy Davidson is officially back as television's iconic, flashy host in "The Varnell Hill Show", dropping new episodes every Tuesday on Paramount+. Serving as a direct sequel decades after his legendary appearance on the '90s sitcom "Martin", the comedy series places Tommy right in the spotlight as the star of his own show. The storyline follows Varnell as he desperately tries to keep his late-night show relevant and hold onto his crown in a modern entertainment world that’s moving faster than ever. Paramount+ kicked off the premiere by dropping the first 2 episodes, setting up a hilarious battle between classic Hollywood ego and new-school corporate politics.
The drama behind the scenes starts immediately. While the studio head who originally backed Varnell is away, his corporate nepo-baby son Jonah (Nick Cafero) takes over temporary control — and he’s out to push Varnell out of his own spotlight. To update the show and boost ratings, Jonah brings in executive producer Rachel Perkins (Wendy Raquel Robinson) as a fresh set of eyes to modernize Varnell's image and bring his broadcast up to date.
Beyond network politics, the show stays grounded in current pop culture references, from Varnell’s wife threatening to leave him while dropping Megan Thee Stallion's signature catchphrase to sharp quips about today's media landscape. Adding to the premiere's energy behind the camera, Martin Lawrence serves as an executive producer for the series. On screen, Martin plays Mr. Dupree, the smooth-talking loan shark cousin of his original "Martin" character, Detroit radio DJ Martin Payne, who pops up ready to collect a heavy debt from Varnell's nephew.
What makes the show click is how seamlessly it bridges comedy eras, bringing together legendary familiar faces alongside new talent. Leads like Tommy Davidson bring built-in classic appeal for audiences who grew up watching his iconic run on "In Living Color", hits like Booty Call, or voicing Oscar Proud on "The Proud Family". Combining his legacy with sitcom royalty like Kym Whitley ("The Parkers") and Wendy Raquel Robinson ("The Game") delivers pure nostalgia for ’90s and 2000s comedy fans. At the same time, pairing these veterans with modern fan favorites like Emmanuel Hudson brings a fresh, energetic dynamic that lands across generations. Whether you grew up on classic sketch and sitcom TV or follow today’s digital comedy stars, the ensemble blends old-school star power with new-school flavor.
Beyond the backstage drama and stacked cast, "The Varnell Hill" Show delivers a hilarious meta twist by putting a full late-night talk show inside a scripted comedy series. To give that show-within-a-show an authentic, high-energy kick, legendary human beatbox Doug E. Fresh serves as Varnell’s in-house hype man and musical director, giving the broadcast that classic "Arsenio Hall Show" vibe. The couch stays packed with heavy-hitting guest appearances, including Davidson’s former "In Living Color" co-star Damon Wayans, gospel powerhouse Kirk Franklin, and R&B star Omarion. These fictional talk show interviews and live performances give the series a unique, dynamic layer that sets it apart from standard sitcoms.
While the series definitely takes its time setting up the overarching plot, that slow-burn pace gives the characters room to breathe and build real comedy momentum. Between Varnell fighting to protect his legacy, corporate politics brewing, and heavy-hitting guest stars stopping by every week, the opening episodes lay down a solid foundation. It’s a nostalgic, lighthearted watch that gives fans of classic and modern comedy plenty to look forward to every Tuesday on Paramount+!
