Kym Whitley joins Tommy Davidson in BET+ comedy Varnell Hill, a spinoff of Martin Lawrence’s iconic 1990s sitcom Martin now in production.
Comedy star Kym Whitley has been cast as a series regular opposite Tommy Davidson in BET+’s upcoming sitcom The Varnell Hill Show, a spinoff of Martin Lawrence’s beloved 1990s hit Martin.
The eight-episode, multi-camera workplace comedy dives into the behind-the-scenes antics of the fictional late-night talk show The Varnell Hill Show. The series will explore Varnell’s fight to stay relevant in today’s ever-changing entertainment industry while balancing the pressures of network executives, creative conflicts, and corporate politics.
Davidson reprises his fan-favorite role as Varnell Hill, a character he first portrayed as a guest star on Martin. Whitley joins as Kim Jones, Varnell’s fiercely loyal assistant who doubles as his emotional bodyguard, professional fixer, and the show’s unofficial executive producer.
The spinoff brings back a powerhouse team from Martin. Co-created and executive produced by Martin Lawrence and longtime collaborator Bentley Evans, the series is written and directed by Evans, who also serves as showrunner. Evans executive produces through Bentley Evans Productions, alongside Lawrence, Stacy Lyles, Robert Lawrence, and Rae Proctor of Runteldat Entertainment. Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Andy Horne also executive produce.
Lawrence himself is set to reprise his iconic Martin Payne character in multiple episodes, giving fans a nostalgic connection to the original series. Production is currently underway in Los Angeles.
Whitley’s latest casting continues her busy streak. She recently appeared in Netflix’s Happy Gilmore 2 and has a long list of credits that include You People, Hubie Halloween, The Weekend, and TV series such as Loot, The Upshaws, Twenties, The Bay, and The Neighborhood. She is represented by Innovative Artists, Vault Entertainment, and Fox Rothchild.
With Davidson back in the spotlight, Lawrence returning to the role that made him a household name, and Whitley joining the cast, The Varnell Hill Show promises both sharp comedy and a nostalgic nod to one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1990s.
