5 Shocking Details About Kym Whitley’s New BET+ Martin Spinoff ‘Varnell Hill’
The comedy landscape is buzzing with major news this year, specifically surrounding the highly anticipated expansion of a classic sitcom universe. As of late 2025, veteran comedian and actress Kym Whitley has officially been tapped as a series regular in the upcoming BET+ comedy, Varnell Hill, a direct spinoff from the iconic 1990s sitcom, Martin. This project, which reunites Whitley with her longtime comedic collaborator Tommy Davidson, promises to be one of the freshest and most talked-about workplace comedies to hit streaming, following the journey of Davidson’s flamboyant, fan-favorite character as he navigates the cutthroat world of late-night television. We’ve compiled the most current and unique details about this exciting new BET+ original series.
This new eight-episode series order is a massive win for BET+ and fans of classic Black sitcoms, offering a nostalgic yet completely modern take on a beloved character. While specific details about Kym Whitley’s role are still tightly under wraps, her addition signals a major comedic force joining the cast, ensuring the show maintains the high-energy, laugh-out-loud humor that made the original Martin series a cultural touchstone. The series is currently in production, meaning a release date announcement is imminent, and the excitement is building for what Whitley and Davidson will deliver in this new chapter.
Kym Whitley: Full Biography and Professional Profile
Kym Whitley is an American comedian, actress, producer, writer, and podcaster known for her versatile career spanning stand-up, television, and film. Her career is marked by memorable roles and a distinctive comedic voice that has made her a staple in Black entertainment.
- Full Name: Kym Elizabeth Whitley
- Date of Birth: June 7, 1961
- Place of Birth: Shaker Heights, Ohio, United States
- Profession: Actress, Comedian, Producer, Writer, Podcaster
- Key Television Roles:
- My Brother and Me (1994–1995)
- Sparks (1996–1998)
- The Parkers (Recurring, 2001–2004)
- The Boondocks (Voice, Recurring, 2005–2010)
- Young & Hungry (Yolanda, 2014–2018)
- The Sinbad Show
- Curb Your Enthusiasm
- Master of None
- Reality/Hosting:
- I Love Us (BET+, Host alongside Kountry Wayne)
- Face Value (BET, Host alongside Donnell Rawlings)
- Raising Whitley (OWN)
- Awards/Nominations: Daytime Emmy-Nominated for her role as Big Candi.
- Personal Life: She is a mother to an adopted son.
The Varnell Hill Show: Plot Details and Production Buzz
The announcement of Varnell Hill has generated significant buzz, not just as a continuation of the Martin legacy, but as a fresh workplace comedy set in a high-stakes industry. The series is a BET+ original and has been greenlit for an eight-episode run.
What is the Varnell Hill Spinoff About?
The new series centers on Tommy Davidson’s character, Varnell Hill, a flamboyant and over-the-top personality who appeared in several memorable episodes of the original Martin show.
- The Premise: Varnell Hill has successfully transitioned from a local radio personality to a major late-night talk show host.
- The Conflict: The plot will follow Varnell as he struggles to maintain his relevance and high status in the unpredictable and competitive world of late-night television. This setup allows the show to explore modern themes of celebrity, social media, and the rapidly changing media landscape, all through a comedic lens.
- Genre: The show is officially described as a workplace comedy, which suggests the majority of the action will take place behind the scenes of Varnell’s talk show, introducing a whole new ensemble of characters—including Kym Whitley’s role—as staff, producers, and co-hosts.
The involvement of the original star is a critical component: Martin Lawrence is attached to the project as an executive producer. This ensures that the spinoff maintains a connection to the original series’ tone and comedic spirit, giving fans confidence in the quality and authenticity of the new show.
Kym Whitley’s Role and Her History with Tommy Davidson
Kym Whitley’s casting as a series regular is one of the most exciting pieces of news surrounding the Varnell Hill spinoff. While her character’s name and function on the late-night show are still unknown to the public, her presence guarantees a dynamic comedic pairing with Tommy Davidson.
A Powerful Comedic Reunion
The collaboration between Kym Whitley and Tommy Davidson is not new; in fact, it’s a reunion of seasoned comedic talent. Their shared history on screen adds significant topical authority to the Varnell Hill Show, promising a chemistry that is already well-established.
- Black Dynamite: Both Whitley and Davidson were key cast members in the 2009 action-comedy film Black Dynamite. Davidson played Cream Corn, and Whitley played Honeybee, two integral members of Black Dynamite’s posse. Their work in this cult classic demonstrates their ability to play off each other in an ensemble setting.
- Outlaw Johnny Black: They also appeared together in the 2023 Western comedy Outlaw Johnny Black, a passion project for many of the performers involved. This recent collaboration shows their continued professional relationship and mutual respect.
This history suggests that their roles in Varnell Hill will leverage their natural comedic rhythm. Whether Whitley plays a no-nonsense executive producer, a sassy co-host, or a quirky member of the backstage crew, her character is poised to be a major foil or ally to Varnell Hill’s chaotic energy. Her status as a series regular means she will be central to the show’s ongoing narrative, far beyond a guest spot.
Why the Varnell Hill Spinoff is a Must-Watch BET+ Event
The Varnell Hill Show is shaping up to be more than just a nostalgic revival; it’s a strategic move by BET+ to blend legacy comedy with modern streaming sensibilities. The show’s workplace comedy format is a popular genre, and setting it in the late-night world provides endless material for celebrity cameos, cultural satire, and behind-the-scenes antics.
The BET+ Strategy
Kym Whitley is already a familiar and successful face on the BET+ platform. She has hosted the reality series I Love Us and the game show Face Value, demonstrating her strong connection with the network’s audience. Her move to a scripted series regular role on Varnell Hill solidifies her status as a key talent for the streaming service. This strategy of utilizing established comedians with deep cultural roots ensures a built-in audience ready to tune in.
The combination of Tommy Davidson reprising a beloved character, Martin Lawrence providing executive oversight, and Kym Whitley bringing her veteran comedic timing makes Varnell Hill one of the most anticipated BET+ original series. The show is expected to premiere soon, given that the news of Whitley’s casting was confirmed as recently as August 2025, with production already underway. Fans are eagerly awaiting the official trailer and the reveal of Kym Whitley’s character, which will undoubtedly be a powerhouse role in this exciting new chapter of the Martin universe.
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