Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BET
Roomies, it looks like the ‘Martin’ show will be making a comeback. Yes, you read that right! The story of Martin Payne will be returning to your television screens.
Deadline reports that the beloved 90’s sitcom will return as ‘Young Martin,’ a new hour-long drama series from Martin Lawrence and his production company RunTelDat, in collaboration with Marvin Peart’s WonderHill Studios.
The outlet also revealed that ‘Young Martin’ will focus on Martin Payne, a charismatic teenager navigating youth to adulthood. The show will reimagine Lawrence’s character from ‘Martin,’ paying tribute to the original show that aired on Fox from 1992 to 1997.
Fans will be happy to know that ‘Young Martin’ will be set in modern-day Detroit and will continue to explore themes of family, life, and friendship.
In an interview with Deadline, WonderHill CEO Marvin Peart praised the ‘Martin’ show as a positive TV classic depicting a relatable group of friends.
“Out of all the hit shows during the 90s, there was only one ‘Martin’ — a show that defined culture and positivity,” Peart explained.
Peart continues to praise Martin Lawrence, highlighting his contributions to African American culture both on and off the screen.
“I respected and revered Martin Lawrence for creating Martin Payne and what he did for African Americans on television in front and behind the camera. In many ways, he influenced my path in the entertainment industry, and it’s an honor to partner with Martin and his younger self and share him with the next generation of fans,” Peart continued.
Instagram user @keyyig_ wrote, “Can’t nobody be Martin like Martin, I support the idea but Martin gotta still be Martin.”
Instagram user @tinytam wrote, “It’s not going to be the same as the original…”
While Instagram user @saucychazz wrote, “Will smith did it with the fresh prince and we loved it! Why can’t Martin have his own spin off? I support it 1000% 🫡🫡🫡”
Then Instagram user @qthequestion wrote, “No! Let classics stay classic!”
Instagram user @lillydiycassandra wrote, “Listenn…I don’t care what Martin does if his input is on it then I’m watching it. Periodt lol. Legend ❤️❤️❤️”
Another Instagram user @fresh_nutzz wrote, “Better still be in Detroit.”
Lastly, Instagram user @dreboupe wrote, “BASICALLY A SHOW LIKE BEL AIR if y’all ain’t read it. 😂 but that’s fire !!!”
‘Young Martin’ will follow a similar path to the ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ reboot produced by Lawrence’s longtime movie co-star, Will Smith.
During its five-season run, ‘Martin’ earned People’s Choice and NAACP Image Awards, per Deadline.
According to the outlet, in 2022, the original cast, including Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, and Carl Anthony Payne II, reunited for a 30th anniversary special on BET+. The special also featured performances by Snoop Dogg and Bryan McKnight.
According to The Shade Room, Martin and the cast reunited again at the 75th Emmy Awards. The cast took the stage in January for a nostalgic segment, with the exception of the late Thomas Mikal Ford.
