‘The Varnell Hill Show’ Review: Tommy Davidson’s ‘Martin’ Spinoff Is a Mixed Bag
The Paramount+ ode to late night TV bets a little too much on nostalgia The post ‘The Varnell Hill Show’ Review: Tommy Davidson’s ‘Martin’ Spinoff Is a Mixed Bag appeared first on TheWrap .
Tommy Davidson’s spinoff of his “Martin” role, “The Varnell Hill Show,” has mixed reviews. The series, which debuted on Paramount+ after its initial airing on BET+, heavily relies on nostalgia, with Davidson, Martin Lawrence, Damon Wayans, and others reprising their roles. However, Varnell Hill, Davidson’s character, is not the same as the one from “Martin,” and the show struggles to connect with younger audiences.
Despite having a diverse writing staff, the interactions between Varnell and his crew feel forced, and the series frequently references TV’s generational divide, which doesn’t always land. Despite these shortcomings, some storylines, such as Varnell’s rivalry with a younger comedian, and the fourth-wall-breaking moments between Varnell and Rachel Perkins, provide some comedic relief.
The show’s creator, Bentley Kyle Evans, along with the executive producers, Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon, seem to be on the right track, as the series has potential for a second season reboot, similar to other late-night shows like “The Tonight Show” or “Saturday Night Live.”
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