The Varnell Hill Show

Matt Roush says...

Those with long sitcom memories may remember In Living Color alum Tommy Davidson’s guest appearance in a two-part episode of 1990s hit Martin as arrogant late-night TV talk host Varnell Hill. More than 30 years later, executive producer Martin Lawrence gives Varnell his own showcase in a showbiz backstage comedy that presents the delusional TV personality as stuck in the past, reluctant to embrace new ideas as pitched by his ambitious executive producer, Rachel (The Steve Harvey Show‘s Wendy Raquel Robinson). Toothless as satire — check out Garry Shandling‘s brilliant The Larry Sanders Show to see how it’s done — this benign farce features guest appearances by celebs and musical guests including Damon Wayans, Mike Epps, Kirk Franklin, and Omarion, with sitcom pro Kym Whitley stealing all of her scenes as Varnell’s long-suffering assistant. Lawrence shows up in several guises for cameo appearances.

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