Fans of classic ’90s sitcoms have a reason to celebrate as Martin Lawrence gears up for a new project — a spin-off of his iconic sitcom “Martin” — set to star comedian Tommy Davidson. But before longtime fans get their hopes up, Martin is making one thing clear: Sheneneh Jenkins is retired for good.
TMZ caught up with the “Bad Boys” star at LAX on Thursday, and he was all smiles while dishing details about the upcoming BET+ series titled “Varnell Hill,” based on Tommy Davidson’s hilarious guest character from the original “Martin” show.
“It’s gonna be funny,” Martin promised, calling the new series a guaranteed hit for BET+.
“Varnell Hill” Is Coming to BET+
If you’re a fan of Black sitcom royalty, you’ll likely remember Davidson’s scene-stealing role as Varnell Hill, the over-the-top talk show host who famously asked, “Did you miss me?” during his brief but unforgettable appearance on “Martin.”
Despite only appearing in two episodes, the character left a lasting impression — and now he’s getting his own show.
Martin Lawrence is teaming up with original “Martin” showrunner Bentley Evans and industry heavyweight Jesse Collins to executive produce the project. The spin-off aims to capture the essence of what made “Martin” so special while introducing new storylines that highlight Black excellence, comedy, and culture in a modern light.
No Sheneneh Comeback, Says Martin
While fans may be thrilled about the “Varnell Hill” spin-off, many were hoping this would mean the return of Sheneneh Jenkins, Martin Lawrence’s legendary cross-dressing character who lived across the hall from Martin Payne and delivered countless quotable moments with her ratchet charm and neck-snapping sass.
Unfortunately, those days are over.
When asked if he’d ever bring back Sheneneh, Martin let out a laugh but shook his head. “Those days are done,” he confirmed.
Sheneneh was one of several outrageous characters Martin portrayed during the five-season run of “Martin,” and she arguably paved the way for his later blockbuster success in the “Big Momma’s House” movie franchise. But it seems the wig, the nails, and the leopard-print jumpsuits are officially in storage.
Martin Lawrence’s Legacy in Comedy and TV
“Martin,” which aired from 1992 to 1997, remains one of the most beloved and influential African-American sitcoms of all time. With a cast that included Tisha Campbell, Carl Anthony Payne, Thomas Mikal Ford, and Tichina Arnold, the show delivered laugh-out-loud moments, classic episodes, and iconic catchphrases that still resonate today.
The series was known not just for its humor but for Martin’s ability to play multiple characters, including Jerome, Otis the security guard, Bob from Marketing, and of course, Sheneneh.
But now, Martin seems content to pass the baton, focusing on producing and empowering the next generation of Black comedic talent — starting with a spin-off led by Tommy Davidson.
Other Sitcom Veterans Want Their Own Spin-Offs
Martin Lawrence isn’t the only sitcom star considering a spin-off. Recently, Jasmine Guy and T.C. Carson, stars of “A Different World,” expressed their interest in reviving or continuing their characters’ stories.
With platforms like BET+ and streaming services prioritizing Black-led content, there’s a growing movement to revisit Black sitcom classics, reintroduce them to new audiences, and give side characters the spotlight they never got during their original runs.
It’s a strategy that mirrors what shows like “Frasier” and “Young Sheldon” have done successfully — and now it’s time for culturally significant shows like “Martin” to follow suit.
Why Varnell Hill Deserves a Comeback
Though he only appeared in two episodes, Tommy Davidson’s portrayal of Varnell Hill was pitch-perfect satire. A flamboyant, fame-hungry talk show host who had “gone Hollywood,” the character served as a hilarious reflection of what happens when people lose touch with their roots after fame.
A spin-off could explore Varnell’s life after TV fame, his attempts to stay relevant in today’s viral media age, or even a redemption arc that brings him back down to earth — all while staying true to the wild comedic tone of “Martin.”
What’s Next?
“Varnell Hill” does not yet have a confirmed release date, but with Martin Lawrence, Tommy Davidson, Bentley Evans, and Jesse Collins on board, it’s clear the project is being taken seriously. BET+ continues to position itself as a hub for nostalgic and contemporary Black storytelling, and this show could be a cornerstone of that push.
In the meantime, fans can rewatch classic “Martin” episodes on streaming platforms while they wait for more details on the spin-off.
