Kym Whitley is set to join the Martin Lawrence–created spinoff The Varnell Hill Show, reuniting with Tommy Davidson, who played Varnell Hill in the original 90s sitcom. The new series will take a workplace-comedy approach, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the late-night talk show The Varnell Hill Show and the efforts to keep it relevant amid changing industry dynamics, including the balancing act between business stakeholders, network executives, and creative teams.
Whitley will portray Kim Jones, Varnell’s longtime assistant, in a role that broadens the returning cast’s dynamic. The project is co-created and executive-produced by Lawrence, with Bentley Evans serving as showrunner. Lawrence is also set to reprise his role as Martin Payne in a few episodes, and production has begun in Los Angeles.
Whitley’s recent work includes a role in Happy Gilmore 2, underscoring her continued presence in projects related to or inspired by familiar comedy franchises. The Varnell Hill Show promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh workplace humor, with the return of a core cast alongside new talent to drive the behind-the-scenes storytelling.
Overall, the development signals a positive comeback for a beloved franchise and highlights Whitley’s versatility as she steps into a central role that taps into the legacy of the original series. Summary: Kym Whitley joins The Varnell Hill Show adaptation as Kim Jones, joining Tommy Davidson in a LA-based production from Martin Lawrence, with Lawrence reprising Martin Payne in guest appearances and Bentley Evans as showrunner, while Whitley continues to expand her presence with contemporary projects.