“In Living Color” legend Tommy Davidson parlaying his two-episode appearance on the ‘90s sitcom “Martin” into “The Varnell Hill Show” three decades later is an odd television milestone. Greenlit last year for streamer BET+, whose content is now being folded into Paramount+, the series, which counts Martin Lawrence among its executive producers and cast in a recurring role, bets heavily on nostalgia.
Decades later, Varnell Hill is not who viewers were first introduced to on “Martin.”. “Did you miss me?” is still his catchphrase, but his late night show is lukewarm at best with Varnell teetering on becoming a has-been. And nepo exec Jonah Michaelson (Nick Cafero) is ready to pounce. Driven more by daddy issues than business acumen, Jonah sees getting rid of Varnell, whom his father David champions, as the way to make his mark and brings in whip-smart Rachel Perkins (Wendy Raquel Robinson of “The Game” and “The Steve Harvey Show” fame) as the show’s executive producer.
Clearly inspired by “The Arsenio Hall Show” and presumably handled by executive producers Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon known for the BET Awards, Varnell’s version frequently delivers here with in-studio guests that include Davidson’s “In Living Color” co-star Damon Wayans, Mike Epps, Ms. Pat, and former NBA player and “All the Smoke” podcaster Matt Barnes. Hip hop legend Doug E. Fresh serves as Varnell’s musical hype man while Kirk Franklin and Omarion deliver solid musical performances.
That good, however, is undermined by the not so pleasing interactions between Varnell and his diverse late night writing staff (two Black men, a hippie-era white woman, an Asian man, a Black nonbinary lesbian, sometimes joined by a quirky older Black woman writers assistant who brags on sleeping with Flip Wilson). And there is no Seth Rogen “The Studio”-style insight to redeem it. Comedian Kym Whitley and actor Chris Williams (Hoover from “Silicon Valley”) are believable as Varnell’s chummy personal assistant Kim and friend/lackey Trey and that comfort level often overrides their many corny exchanges.
Contrary to numerous reports, Lawrence does NOT reprise his legendary “Martin” role for the show. Instead, he plays the well-dressed gangster Mr. Dupree, a cousin of radio DJ Martin Payne in Detroit who does let an iconic Martin-ism slip. To collect the substantial debt owed by Varnell’s nephew AJ Hill (comedian Emmanuel Hudson), Dupree and his two flunkeys follow him from Mississippi to California but switch focus when Dupree recognizes a much bigger score in Varnell. Dupree also comes with his own catchphrase “You know what I’m talkin’ about,” backed up by his two lackeys with “yeah you know what he talkin’ bout.”
The show’s reliance on TV’s growing generational divide trope is another misstep. Attempts to raise Varnell’s social media presence to attract younger audiences lead to some dry setups. One bright storyline, however, is the battle between Varnell and the younger, hotter comedian Marshay (Brittney Ayona Clemons, who bears a strong resemblance to beloved “Dr. Doolittle” actress Kyla Pratt) Jonah wants to replace him.
Another one is Varnell and Rachel breaking the fourth wall. Here, Rachel sheds her corporate speak revealing her rougher pre-Ivy League roots, while Varnell shares his true feelings mockumentary style about everything going on, especially around both Regina and Marshay.
Best known for “Martin” and “The Jamie Foxx Show,” this Bentley Kyle Evans show, created with two of his peers — Kevin G. Boyd and Sherri McGee McCovey, hits or misses. Like “Mind Your Business” starring Columbus Short and actress Drew Sidora, from “Real Housewives of Atlanta” fame, and some of his other 21st century series, “The Varnell Hill Show” serves up humor that’s nostalgic to some and dated to others.
While it’s hard to predict audience tastes, particularly for Davidson whose core fanbase Hollywood completely ignores, nostalgia could win or it could backfire. Worse shows have made it through. In a revamped second season, however, “The Varnell Hill Show” could really rebound. Put Varnell back on top, restore his ginormous ego, cut those many useless characters, and let him be arrogant and old. After all, succeeding at a seasoned age in late night TV isn’t unheard of. Just ask Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.
“The Varnell Hill Show” releases new episodes Tuesdays on Paramount+.