Three decades after its premiere, the cast of Martin is getting back together to discuss the popular sitcom’s enduring legacy for a 30th anniversary reunion special. Planned as a BET+ exclusive, the special is hosted by comedian and actor Affion Crockett and includes original cast members Martin Lawrence (“Martin”), Tisha Campbell (“Gina”), Tichina Arnold (“Pamela”), and Carl Anthony Payne II (“Cole”), along with surprise guest appearances. It takes a look at the show’s origin and evolution, featuring interviews with the cast and original directors as well as musical performances and behind the scenes commentary on the importance and impact of the show that shaped a generation.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
“Martin is one of the most beloved sitcoms in our community, both because it is hugely entertaining and because it played a pivotal role in changing the narrative of Black voices in entertainment and in culture through the portrayal of young, ambitious Black leads and healthy Black relationships,” said Scott Mills, CEO of BET, in a statement. “Decades later, that representation is still just as important, which is why we’re so excited to honor a series that put Black culture front and center on our platform that embraces Black culture every day.”
“To be able to sit here thirty years later with this amazing cast that has had such an impact on pop culture is truly a blessing. I am always humbled that the fans still want more of the show and its characters. I am looking forward to the reunion special,” said Martin Lawrence.
“Martin is one of the greatest sitcoms of all time,” adds Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment. “JCE is honored to partner with Martin and BET on such an iconic reunion.”
The Martin reunion is executive produced by Martin Lawrence, Robert Lawrence, Rae Proctor, and Stacy Lyles through his company Run Tel Dat Entertainment. For Jesse Collins Entertainment, Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon serve as executive producers along with showrunner Jeannae Rouzan-Clay. It is executive produced and directed by Stan Lathan. The special is written by Nile Evans as well as Bentley Kyle Evans who also serves as a co-executive producer. Jesse Collins Entertainment’s Brittany Brazil is a producer.
Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell Have Buried the Hatchet
Warner Bros.
Addressing the elephant in the room, the behind-the-scenes issues between Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell have been well documented and are well-known to fans of the series. The pair have since patched things up, however, and are on good terms. In 2020, Campbell spoke about what her relationship is like with Lawrence these days. She says that after her divorce in 2018, Lawrence called her up out of the blue to wish her well, and this helped create peace between the two.
“I was like, ‘Oh my god, I’m so happy to talk to you,’” Campbell told Entertainment Tonight. “[We] got to talk, apologize, love on one another. We were laughing at the end of it. We got to start appreciating everything that we’ve all been through. That’s what I think really life is all about. You go through these dark moments, and at the time you don’t really realize that is something that is needed to uplift you and make you bigger and better.”
On a potential reunion special, Campbell noted how it’s harder now after Thomas Mikal Ford passed away in 2016, but still teased the other cast members were hoping to make it happen. She said, “We are trying to. It’s so hard to say. One, Tommy’s not here. And the other thing is the schedule. It literally falls down to schedule. Every single one of us, thank God, is still working.”
The Martin reunion taping will take place Sunday, February 20, and will launch on BET+ later this year. In the meantime, fans can watch all five seasons of Martin now on BET+.
