The Varnell Hill Show Review
· fashion
The Reluctant Revival of a Bygone Era
Paramount+ has revived Tommy Davidson’s character Varnell Hill in their new series, The Varnell Hill Show. While it may seem like an obvious choice to dust off a familiar face and formula from the 90s, the show’s commitment to its retro aesthetic raises questions about what exactly this nostalgia is supposed to be selling.
On the surface, The Varnell Hill Show appears to be a pleasant enough throwback. Davidson reprises his role as the outgoing, egotistical host of a late-night talk show, and the supporting cast – including Wendy Raquel Robinson and Kym Whitley – are equally at home in their roles. However, this ease is likely due in part to the show’s reliance on a familiar format.
The multi-camera setup and laugh-tracked jokes used in The Varnell Hill Show feel like relics from another era. While they may work well for the supporting cast, it’s unclear whether this is a deliberate choice or simply a case of laziness. The show’s storylines are equally stuck in neutral, relying on tired tropes and cliches to elicit laughs.
Varnell’s struggles with social media, his attempts to seem younger, and his accidental ingestion of pot brownies all feel like they’ve been lifted straight from a Martin episode. Even the multi-episode arc featuring Gen Z comic Marshay feels like a missed opportunity, as the show fails to understand who this character is beyond “younger than Varnell”.
In its attempts to tackle issues like racism and sexism in the entertainment industry, The Varnell Hill Show comes across as half-hearted at best. The focus on nostalgia over substance is clear, and it’s hard to see how this show will resonate with audiences beyond die-hard fans of Martin. The reliance on celebrity cameos – a clear attempt to pander to nostalgia rather than push the boundaries of what television can do – is perhaps the most telling aspect of the series.
The entertainment industry’s obsession with nostalgia has always been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a comfortable familiarity for audiences who are eager to revisit their favorite shows and characters from years past. On the other hand, it represents stagnation – a refusal to innovate and push the boundaries of what television can do.
As we continue to be surrounded by nostalgia-driven revivals, it’s worth asking ourselves whether we’re truly getting anything new or original out of these rehashings. Or are we simply relying on familiar formulas and storylines, hoping that audiences will be fooled into thinking they’re experiencing something fresh? The Varnell Hill Show may be a pleasant enough diversion for fans of Martin, but it’s ultimately a reminder of what’s been lost in our quest for nostalgia – the courage to take risks and try new things.
Reader Views
- NBNina B. · stylist
While it's true that _The Varnell Hill Show_ is banking on nostalgia to draw in audiences, I think we're forgetting one crucial aspect: its target demographic. The show's attempts to tackle issues like racism and sexism are half-hearted, but what about its portrayal of the entertainment industry for those who actually work within it? I'd love to see a deeper dive into how _The Varnell Hill Show_ addresses the careers and experiences of working comedians and writers from underrepresented backgrounds. Is this revival more than just a cash-grab or an homage, or is it genuinely interested in representing the evolving face of comedy?
- THTheo H. · menswear writer
While the nostalgia for 90s TV is palpable in _The Varnell Hill Show_, I'd argue that Paramount+ is misunderstanding the appeal of retro content. Rather than trying to recreate the past with laugh-tracked jokes and tired tropes, the show should be reimagining classic formats with a modern twist. By doing so, they could attract both nostalgic viewers and new audiences who appreciate clever updates on old ideas. As it stands, _The Varnell Hill Show_ feels like a pale imitation of its predecessor – a missed opportunity to bring something fresh to the late-night comedy genre.
- TCThe Closet Desk · editorial
The Varnell Hill revival is just another case of nostalgia masquerading as innovation. But what's truly concerning is how this show's commitment to retro aesthetics might actually hinder its potential for meaningful social commentary. By relying so heavily on tired tropes and familiar faces, _The Varnell Hill Show_ risks becoming a nostalgic exercise in futility, unable to adapt its format to tackle the complex issues it purports to address. Its chances of resonating with younger audiences are further jeopardized by its failure to develop authentic character dynamics – particularly between Varnell and Marshay, whose awkward interactions feel like an afterthought rather than a genuine opportunity for growth.