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{{infobox television | {{short description|American television sitcom (1992–1997)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2014}}
| show_name = Martin
{{Infobox television
| image = ]
| image = Martin TV Show logo.png
| caption = The ''Martin'' cast. From left to right: Tommy Strawn (]), Gina Waters (]), Martin Payne (]), Pamela James (]), and Cole Brown (]).
| caption =
| format = ], ]
| genre = ]
| runtime = 30 minutes
| creator = John Bowman<br>]<br>Topper Carew | creator = ]<br />]<br />]
| starring = {{Plainlist|
| starring = ]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>] (1992-1995)<br>] (1993-1997)<br>]<br>(1992-1994)<br>]<br>(1992-1994)<br>] (1994-1997)<br>] (1995-1997)
* Martin Lawrence
| country = {{USA}}
* ]
| network = ]
* ]
| first_aired = ], ]
* ]
| last_aired = ], ]
* ]
| num_seasons = 5
* ]
| num_episodes = 132 (])
* ]
| imdb_id = 0103488
| tv_com_id = 336
}} }}
| theme_music_composer = Steve Keitt for Kid Entertainment, Inc.<br />Joey Kibble II<br />Mark Kibble<br />Paul Wright III
| composer = Bill Maxwell<br />(season 2-5)<br />Greg Poree<br />]<br />(season 1)
'''''Martin''''' is an ] ] ] produced by HBO Independent Productions (a subsidiary of ]) that aired for five seasons from ], ] to ], ] on ]. The show starred ] ] and ].
| country = United States
| language = English
| num_seasons = 5
| num_episodes = 132
| list_episodes = List of Martin episodes
| executive_producer = John Bowman<br />Topper Carew<br />Martin Lawrence<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]
| location = ],<br>]
| producer = Walter Barnett<br />Terry Crotzer<br />Mark J. Greenberg<br />Cheryl Holliday<br />Bennie R. Richburg, Jr.<br />Robert Lawrence
| cinematography = William Updegraff<br />Gary W. Scott<br />Alan Walker
| camera = ]
| runtime = 22–24 minutes
| company = You Go Boy! Productions<br />(1994-1997)<br />(seasons 3-5)<br />]
| network = ]
| first_aired = {{Start date|1992|8|27}}
| last_aired = {{End date|1997|5|1}}
}}
'''''Martin''''' is an American television ] that aired for five seasons on ] from August 27, 1992, to May 1, 1997. The show stars comedian ] as the titular character. Lawrence also played several other characters. ''Martin'' was one of ]'s highest-rated shows during the sitcom's run. In 2024, the cast reunited at the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gajewski |first=Ryan |date=2024-01-16 |title='Ally McBeal,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Martin' Casts Reunite for Emmys Ceremony |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ally-mcbeal-greys-anatomy-2023-emmys-reunions-1235788725/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119000621/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/ally-mcbeal-greys-anatomy-2023-emmys-reunions-1235788725/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


==Broadcast history==
In contrast to the popularity of Fox, Martin was one of the highest rated show for FOX in the show's five year run.
{| class="wikitable"
Reruns of the sitcom air in syndication in select cities, and also air daily nationwide on the ] cable television network.
|-
! Season !! Timeslot
|-
| ] (season 1) || Thursday at 8:30–9:00 pm
|-
| ] (season 2) || Sunday at 8:00–8:30 pm
|-
| ] (season 3) || Thursday at 8:00–8:30 pm
|-
| ] (season 4) || Saturday at 8:00–8:30 pm <small>(September 9, 1995 – October 28, 1995)</small><br/>Sunday at 8:30–9:00 pm <small>(November 5, 1995 – February 4, 1996; February 18 – 25, 1996)</small><br/>Thursday at 8:30–9:00 pm <small>(February 8 – 15, 1996; February 29 – May 2, 1996)</small>
|-
| ] (season 5) || Thursday at 8:00–8:30 pm
|}


==Overview== ==Episodes==
{{Main|List of Martin episodes}}
The show revolves around a young ] then talk show host named '''Martin Payne''' (played by ]), who works for the fictional radio station WZUP then TV station Channel 51, and his level-headed girlfriend and later wife '''Gina Payne (] Waters)''' (]). A common theme of the series is Martin's derisive and brash nature; episodes are often centered on Martin's inconsideration towards his friends and neighbors. Other characters included '''Tommy Strawn''' (]) and the dimwitted '''Cole Brown''' (]), Martin's closest friends. '''Pamela "Pam" James''' (according to the season 5 episode, I Martin, take thee Pam, she may be '''''Pamela Payne''''') (]), Gina's loud-mouthed best friend, was consistently portrayed as Martin's rival; she would often antagonize him by making fun of his small stature. Pam and Tommy repeatedly teased a relationship, while Cole initially harbored an unrequited crush on her. According to Gina's ''oringinal'' marrage license she is married to Martin.
{{:List of Martin episodes}}


==Premise==
As the series progressed, a storyline saw Martin lose his job with WZUP and move on to become a talk-show host for a small Detroit TV station, a position which he retained until the series' end where he and Gina moved to ] where his show would be national.
] played the role of Martin Payne, originally a ] who lived with his girlfriend Gina Waters (]) in the city of ], ]. Martin worked for the fictional radio station WZUP; in later seasons, he became the host of the talk show ''Word on the Street''.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 3, 1992 |title=A Macho Image for a Sensitive Soul |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/03/news/review-television-a-macho-image-for-a-sensitive-soul.html |access-date=18 October 2014 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=January 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116044754/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/03/news/review-television-a-macho-image-for-a-sensitive-soul.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Characters==
===Recurring characters===
One of the trademarks of ''Martin'' was Lawrence playing multiple characters in the series, utilizing various costumes and prosthetic applications.


===Main characters===
*'''''Sheneneh Jenkins''''': Was the most popular character Martin played. <ref></ref>, a stereotypical, flashy "Detroit ] girl" and owner/operator of ''Sheneneh's Sho' Nuff Hair Salon'', whom Lawrence played in ]. Mama Payne and Sheneneh were the only two characters Lawrence played in drag on the show and both characters hated Gina. Though she was awkwardly tall and large, Sheneneh often characterized herself as a ''"la-a-a-dy."'' She's portrayed as being feisty and very mouthy. She lived in an apartment across the hallway from Martin's, and factored into many of the sitcom's stories by picking fights out in the hallway, especially with Gina and Pam. Sheneneh had several girlfriends who appeared occasionally. In the final episode, although her name is mentioned, Sheneneh does not appear.
* ] as Martin Payne
* ] as Gina Waters-Payne<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-01-07-ca-16050-story.html|title='Martin's' Wife Leaves Fox Series|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 7, 1997|access-date=October 18, 2014|archive-date=October 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024214126/http://articles.latimes.com/1997-01-07/entertainment/ca-16050_1_fox-series|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/martin-campbell-reconcile-1117342288/|title='Martin,' Campbell reconcile|date=March 21, 1997|work=Variety|access-date=October 18, 2014|archive-date=December 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221023917/http://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/martin-campbell-reconcile-1117342288/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ] as Cole Brown
* ] as Thomas "Tommy" Strawn
* ] as Pamela "Pam" James
* ] as Shawn McDermott <small>(seasons 1–2)</small>
* ] as Stan Winters <small>(seasons 1–2; guest season 3)</small>


===Supporting characters===
*'''''Bonquisha''''' (played by ]): A stylist at ''Sheneneh's Sho' Nuff Hair Salon''
* ] as Bruh-Man (Brother Man) <small>(seasons 2–4)</small>
* ] as Hustle Man <small>(seasons 3–5)</small>
* Jeri Gray as Ms. Geri
* Maura McDade as Shanise McGillicuddy <small>(season 5)</small>
* Sean Lampkin as Nipsey <small>(seasons 3–5)</small>


===Recurring characters===
*'''''Keylolo''''' (played by rapper ]): A stylist at ''Sheneneh's Sho' Nuff Hair Salon''
* ] as Nadine Waters
* ] as Dr. Cliff Waters
* Adrian Tibbs as Lil' Dawg
* Ray Massara as Buckwhite
* ] as Bro Fo' Real (Brother For Real)
* David Jean Thomas as Angry Man
* ] as Mr. Booker
* ] as Mrs. Booker
* Laura Hayes as Maddie Brown
* ] as Evelyn Porter
* ] as Reverend Leon Lonnie Love
* Roxanne Reese as Marian
* Kenneth Whack as Kenji
* ] as Laquita
* ] as Keylolo
* ] as Bonquisha
* ] as Sonny
* ] as Varnell Hill
* ] as Luis
* ] as Titus
* BeBe Drake-Massey as Myra
* Angelina Estrada as Gloria Rodriguez


===Other roles played by Lawrence===
*'''''Laquita''''' (played by actress ]): A stylist at ''Sheneneh's Sho' Nuff Hair Salon'' and her loudmouth girlfriend.
* Sheneneh Jenkins
* Edna (Mama) Payne<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theroot.com/john-amos-says-he-was-kicked-off-good-times-because-he-1790886594 | title=John Amos Says He Was Kicked off Good Times Because He Didn't Agree with the Shucking and Jiving | date=June 4, 2015 | access-date=July 25, 2022 | archive-date=July 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725203444/https://www.theroot.com/john-amos-says-he-was-kicked-off-good-times-because-he-1790886594 | url-status=live }}</ref>
* Ol' Otis (seasons 1-4)
* Jerome (seasons 1-4)
* Roscoe
* Dragonfly Jones (seasons 1-3)
* Bob (seasons 1-2)
* King Beef (seasons 1-2)
* Elroy Preston (seasons 2)


==Lawsuit==
*'''''Rhodesia''''' (played by ]): A stylist at ''Sheneneh's Sho' Nuff Hair Salon''.
In November 1996, Campbell left the series during its final season, citing "intolerable" working conditions. She filed a lawsuit against Lawrence and the show's producers in January 1997 for ] and ] and ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=1997-01-27 |title=Tisha Campbell Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Martin Lawrence |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LjsDAAAAMBAJ&q=tisha+campbell++martin+lawrence&pg=PA34 |magazine=] |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company |language=en}}</ref> The series explanation was that Gina was "out on business", though in the two-part episode "Going Overboard" it was stated that Gina had arrived too late to board the boat for the trip alongside everyone else.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 15, 1997 |title=TV Notes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/15/arts/tv-notes.html |access-date=18 October 2014 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=January 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118034328/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/15/arts/tv-notes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By April 1997, Campbell had settled the lawsuit and returned for the last two episodes of the series under the condition that she would not share any scenes or interact with Lawrence.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=1997-04-28 |title=Martin Lawrence Ends Sitcom, 'Martin', In Fifth Season |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KzkDAAAAMBAJ&q=tisha+campbell++martin+lawrence&pg=PA32 |magazine=] |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company |language=en}}</ref> Campbell and Lawrence have since reconciled, and repaired their relationship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell Say They're 'Good' Despite Harassment Lawsuit in the '90s |url=https://people.com/tv/martin-lawrence-tisha-campbell-new-comments-sexual-harassment-lawsuit/ |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=Peoplemag |language=en |archive-date=May 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529064015/https://people.com/tv/martin-lawrence-tisha-campbell-new-comments-sexual-harassment-lawsuit/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Awards and nominations==
*'''''Edna (Mama) Payne''''': Martin's shrill, extremely frenetic, and easily excited mother, who was overprotective of Martin and disliked Gina immensely. Ironically, Lawrence's mustache was never covered with stage make-up while in this role, which Gina usually pointed out when Martin and her talked about his mother.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Award
! Result
! Category
! Recipient
|-
| 1993 ||rowspan="1" | ] || '''Won''' || Favorite TV New Comedy Series ||
|-
| 1994 || rowspan="13" | ] || rowspan="3" | '''Won''' || ] ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1995 || ] || ]
|-
| Outstanding Comedy Series ||
|-
| rowspan="7" | 1996 || rowspan="5" | Nominated || ] || ]
|-
| rowspan="2" | ] || ]
|-
| ]
|-
| ] || ]
|-
| Outstanding Comedy Series ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | '''Won''' || Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series || ]
|-
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series || Martin Lawrence
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1997 || rowspan="3" | Nominated || Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series || Tisha Campbell-Martin
|-
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series || Martin Lawrence
|-
| Outstanding Comedy Series ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1995 || rowspan="3" | ] || rowspan="3" | Nominated || Favorite Television Show ||
|-
| Favorite Television Actor || Martin Lawrence
|-
| 1996 || Favorite Television Actor || Martin Lawrence
|}


==Syndication==
*'''''Otis''''': (played by ]) An abrasive, stern potbellied old man, who was always seen while on his job as a security guard. Otis is abrasive towards he comes across, whether they seem like trouble or not. Because of his immense stomach, old age, and geeky appearance, Otis seems like a weak old man who just tries to make everyone think he's capable of taking them out. Because of this, he's often challenged in some way, usually to physical fights, which he is more than willing to get involved in. Surprisingly enough, through his , he's always successful and easily beats up his competition.
''Martin'' went into second run syndication on August 8, 1995 through ]; it airs multiple times a week on the networks of ], including ], ] and ], with ] and ] also carrying the full run of the series.


==Home media==
*'''''Jerome''''': A loudmouthed, flashy Detroit pimp. He ran an illicit casino, wore a family-heirloom gold tooth, often partied, and regularly hit on Pam.
Besides being purchasable on most digital video retailers, ] released all five seasons of ''Martin'' on ] in ].


{| class="wikitable"
*'''''Roscoe''''': A 10-year-old kid with a consistently runny nose and a smart mouth. Lawrence played the role by standing still on his knees, and attaching shoes to his kneecaps.

*'''''Dragonfly Jones''''': A martial arts "expert", who was beaten up in nearly every appearance. He always seemed to owe money to a real martial artist who was actually a student of his named Kenji, who would then beat Dragonfly up when he refused to pay him.

*'''''Bob''''': A white man who worked in the marketing department of Gina's company who is best described as a stereotypical surfer-dude-cum-redneck. He spoke in a Southern Californian accent mixed with a Southern twang and often used words like "dude" and "man" even in professional settings. Lawrence achieved his appearance as this character with stage make-up and a prosthetic nose attachment to make him appear white, as well as wearing a long, blonde mullet wig to complete the look.

*'''''Elroy Preston''''': The fictional "Godfather of Black Surf Music" who is now basically forgotten and washed up. Preston worked as an auto mechanic, and was best known for randomly breaking into song while performing his mechanical duties. This character often distracted himself and irritated others when reminiscing on things that involved his trademark song, which consisted of Preston singing "Don't you know no good!" over and over.

*'''''King Beef''''': He was some actor in a huge bodysuit. Whenever trouble arouse, he always felt the need to dance. It didn't matter if he was on the run from Godzilla. He always found time for dancing.

*'''''Brother Man''''': (pronounced "Bruh Man", played by comedian ]) who was the stereotypical Black Southerner. Bruh Man lived on the fifth floor, yet always put 4 fingers up, directly above Martin, and often climbed down the "f-a-a-a-ah 'scape" to break into Martin's apartment, taking food, borrowing assorted items and generally lounging around as if he lived there. One memorable quote was in an episode where Martin had recurring dreams about Pam. Martin wakes up around 3 0'Clock and walks into his living room to find Bruh Man making a sandwich. After some words Bruh man says ''"What you doin up. I usually have the place to myself 'round this ho-o-our."'' Bruh Man often wore clothes a size too small which fit badly and had a characteristic gait consisting of a lazy-looking slow plodding walk with his head cocked to one side. In one episode, Martin referred to Bruh Man's gait as "the slow bob", due his head bobbing motion as he walked slowly.

*'''''Ms. Gerry''''': (played by ]), a tough trigger-happy senior who, regardless of her age and diminutive size, had no qualms about "whoopin' ass." Most of her physical confrontations were with Martin in mundane, everyday situations, such as standing in line at the DMV or at the unemployment office.

*'''''Hustle Man''''': (played by comedian ]), always came around to sell whatever crazy items he had from the 'hood, always greeting with his trademark ''"What's happenin', chief?"'' One time one of Hustle Man's crazy items was an array of several roasted pigeons impaled by a branch (as if barbecued on it) which he attempted to sell to Martin and his friends while they were snowed in.

*'''''Nipsey''''': (played by ]), the rotund, good-natured bartender who owned Nipsey's Club, the group's favorite hangout.

*'''''Shawn''''': played by (]). Martin always found himself having rather strange conversations with Shawn. Shawn usually did things that upset Stan and once even tried to get a record deal from ]. Shawn was later fired, along with Martin, when Stan sold the radio station.

*'''''Stan''''': (played by ]), was Martin's and Shawn's boss and the owner of WZUP radio station. He always had on bad cologne and woefully outdated clothing from the 1970s. Martin knew Stan to be cheap and somewhat untrustworthy, and just when Martin didn't think Stan could sink any lower with his schemes, Stan always surprised him. Furthermore, Stan got into trouble with the IRS due to unpaid taxes, so he sold the station and fled. He came back for one episode in Season 3 to form a partnership with Martin, and together they opened a restaurant --''Marty Mar's Meatloaf and Waffles''. Needless to say, their joint venture was not successful, whereupon Stan left and was never mentioned again on the series.

===Cancellation===
FOX cancelled ''Martin'' toward the end of the fifth season, some time after Lawrence began ], which affected his performance on the show. As a result of his drug use, Lawrence eventually suffered some psychological effects, the fallout of which may have been the death knell of the series.

During the show's run, Campbell sued Lawrence for ], alleging that Lawrence acted inappropriately while he and Campbell taped scenes of sharing a bed. The episode in which the alleged harassment took place was "Back in Trouble Again"<ref></ref> (Season 5, Episode 2). Campbell alleged that Lawrence was prone to excessively angry outburst during tapings, once threatening the cast with a firearm. Campbell's appearances on the series began to dwindle, until she refused to appear in the same scenes as Lawrence, a point which many believe to be the ] point of the show.

Campbell's diminished presence contributed to ''Martin'''s "]"<ref></ref> in the eyes of many viewers, and ] dropped. Despite Lawrence's problems, ] showed interest in bringing the show back for a sixth season but Lawrence never showed for a meeting to discuss that possibility (reported in the Hollywood blurb in the '']'' in 1997). As result, '']'' was brought back as a mid-season replacement. Meanwhile, FOX waited for things to stabilize between Lawrence and Campbell. Lawrence had even suggested who might take over the role of Gina. However, the decision was soon made to end the series, and FOX agreed.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} To this day, Lawrence and Campbell are still said to be personally feuding, although it is said that Campbell has stated in a radio interview that she is still very grateful to Lawrence for giving her an opportunity to be a part of his show.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}

Following the conclusion of the series, the stars went on to have successful careers:
*Martin Lawrence has starred in several highly grossing comedy movies.
*Tisha Campbell-Martin recently starred on the sitcom '']'' with ].
*Carl Anthony Payne II and Thomas Mikal Ford continue acting in film, television, and theatre.
*Tichina Arnold continued in film and television and is currently a main cast member of ] semi-autobiographical ] sitcom, '']'', as the matriarch, ] and co-starred with Martin Lawrence in the film "Wild Hogs" playing his wife.

During Lawrence's appearance on '']'', Lawrence decided to do improvise dialogue based on most of his multiple characters from the show in his normal self. Some characters were not acted out because they were similar to the key recurring characters.

==Mystery Explanations==

What Happened to Keyshia? She was last seen in the Season 3 episode Best and Bester, where her, Martin, Tommy, and Cole were at Nipsey's

Where did Tommy work? Everytime somebody asks Tommy what he do for a living he always responds "Man you know what I do".

What Happened to Brother Man? He was last seen in the Season 4 episode There Homies and a Baby, where he was babysitting the baby of Martin and Gina's Friends

What Happened to Shawn? He was last seen in the Season 2 Finale episode Martin's on the move when he left before Martin to race him for Ice Cream.

What Happened to Laquita and Keyolo? They were last seen in the Season 3 episode Wedding Bell Blues at Shenneh's House

What happened to The Angry Man? He was last seen in the Season 3 episode Break Up to Make Up when he was at Nipsey's

Nipsey's Co-workers? They were last seen in the Season 3 episode Moon High when they congrats Martin of a Mini TV.

Gloria and Bernice? They were last seen in the Season 3 episode 'Xpress yourself when they decided to change Martin's show "Word on the Street"


==Episodes==
{{main|List of Martin episodes}}

== Special guest appearances ==
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! DVD Name !! Ep # !! Release Date
==DVD releases==
] has released the first four seasons of ''Martin'' on ] in ]. The fifth and final season will be released on ], ]<ref name=TVShowsondvd.com>{{cite web | url =http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Martin-Season-5-Release-Date/10027/ | title = ''Martin'' Season 5 DVD News | publisher = tvshowsondvd.com | accessdate=2008-07-11}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
!DVD Name!!Release Date!!Ep #!!Additional Information
|- |-
| The Complete First Season || 27 || January 4, 2007
|The Complete First Season ||], ]||align="center" |27|| Bonus features include bloopers and Martin Lawrence commentary on his favorite scenes. <ref></ref>
|- |-
| The Complete Second Season || 27 || May 15, 2007
|The Complete Second Season ||], ]||align="center" |27|| Bonus features include a gag reel. <ref></ref>
|- |-
|The Complete Third Season ||], ]||align="center" |27|| No bonus features | The Complete Third Season || 27 || November 6, 2007
|- |-
|The Complete Fourth Season ||], ]||align="center" |27|| No bonus features | The Complete Fourth Season || 27 || April 1, 2008
|- |-
|The Complete Fifth Season ||], ]||align="center" |24|| To be determined | The Complete Fifth and Final Season || 24 || October 7, 2008
|-
| The Complete Series || 132 || February 4, 2020
|} |}
==''Young Martin''==


On July 11, 2024, an hourlong prequel series to ''Martin'', titled ''Young Martin'', was announced to be in development by '']''. The series is executive produced by ], Rae Proctor, ] and Stacy Lyles from ], with ], David McPherson, Rosa Peart, Greg Martin for WonderHill Studios,
==Character Absence==

*With the exception of "Martin Payne", none of Lawrence's other various characters appeared in the series finale.
''Young Martin'' follows a teenage Martin Payne residing in a modern-day ] finding his path to success as he transitions from childhood to adulthood and is described as both an origin story and a reimagining of the character.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2024-07-11 |title='Martin' Prequel Drama Series In Works From Martin Lawrence, Bob Yari & WonderHill Studios |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/martin-prequel-drama-series-martin-lawrence-marvin-peart-1236007272/ |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Portal|United States|Television|Comedy|1990s|Michigan}}
*{{imdb title|id=0103488|title=Martin}}
* {{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
* {{Tv.com show|id=336|title=Martin}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0103488|title=Martin}}

{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for ''Martin''
|list =
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Comedy Series}}
{{People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy}}
}}


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Latest revision as of 20:30, 24 November 2024

American television sitcom (1992–1997)

Martin
GenreSitcom
Created byJohn Bowman
Martin Lawrence
Topper Carew
Starring
Theme music composerSteve Keitt for Kid Entertainment, Inc.
Joey Kibble II
Mark Kibble
Paul Wright III
ComposersBill Maxwell
(season 2-5)
Greg Poree
Paul Jackson Jr.
(season 1)
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons5
No. of episodes132 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersJohn Bowman
Topper Carew
Martin Lawrence
Bentley Kyle Evans
Billy Van Zandt
Jane Milmore
Samm-Art Williams
ProducersWalter Barnett
Terry Crotzer
Mark J. Greenberg
Cheryl Holliday
Bennie R. Richburg, Jr.
Robert Lawrence
Production locationsUniversal City Studios,
Universal City, California
CinematographyWilliam Updegraff
Gary W. Scott
Alan Walker
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time22–24 minutes
Production companiesYou Go Boy! Productions
(1994-1997)
(seasons 3-5)
HBO Independent Productions
Original release
NetworkFox
ReleaseAugust 27, 1992 (1992-08-27) –
May 1, 1997 (1997-05-01)

Martin is an American television sitcom that aired for five seasons on Fox from August 27, 1992, to May 1, 1997. The show stars comedian Martin Lawrence as the titular character. Lawrence also played several other characters. Martin was one of Fox's highest-rated shows during the sitcom's run. In 2024, the cast reunited at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Broadcast history

Season Timeslot
1992–93 (season 1) Thursday at 8:30–9:00 pm
1993–94 (season 2) Sunday at 8:00–8:30 pm
1994–95 (season 3) Thursday at 8:00–8:30 pm
1995–96 (season 4) Saturday at 8:00–8:30 pm (September 9, 1995 – October 28, 1995)
Sunday at 8:30–9:00 pm (November 5, 1995 – February 4, 1996; February 18 – 25, 1996)
Thursday at 8:30–9:00 pm (February 8 – 15, 1996; February 29 – May 2, 1996)
1996–97 (season 5) Thursday at 8:00–8:30 pm

Episodes

Main article: List of Martin episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally airedRankAverage viewers
(in millions)
First airedLast aired
127August 27, 1992 (1992-08-27)May 13, 1993 (1993-05-13)#4111.40
227August 22, 1993 (1993-08-22)May 15, 1994 (1994-05-15)#649.29
327September 1, 1994 (1994-09-01)May 18, 1995 (1995-05-18)#928.11
427September 9, 1995 (1995-09-09)May 2, 1996 (1996-05-02)#1046.70
524September 5, 1996 (1996-09-05)May 1, 1997 (1997-05-01)#1106.00

Premise

Martin Lawrence played the role of Martin Payne, originally a disc jockey who lived with his girlfriend Gina Waters (Tisha Campbell) in the city of Detroit, Michigan. Martin worked for the fictional radio station WZUP; in later seasons, he became the host of the talk show Word on the Street.

Characters

Main characters

Supporting characters

  • Reginald Ballard as Bruh-Man (Brother Man) (seasons 2–4)
  • Tracy Morgan as Hustle Man (seasons 3–5)
  • Jeri Gray as Ms. Geri
  • Maura McDade as Shanise McGillicuddy (season 5)
  • Sean Lampkin as Nipsey (seasons 3–5)

Recurring characters

Other roles played by Lawrence

  • Sheneneh Jenkins
  • Edna (Mama) Payne
  • Ol' Otis (seasons 1-4)
  • Jerome (seasons 1-4)
  • Roscoe
  • Dragonfly Jones (seasons 1-3)
  • Bob (seasons 1-2)
  • King Beef (seasons 1-2)
  • Elroy Preston (seasons 2)

Lawsuit

In November 1996, Campbell left the series during its final season, citing "intolerable" working conditions. She filed a lawsuit against Lawrence and the show's producers in January 1997 for sexual harassment and verbal and physical assaults. The series explanation was that Gina was "out on business", though in the two-part episode "Going Overboard" it was stated that Gina had arrived too late to board the boat for the trip alongside everyone else. By April 1997, Campbell had settled the lawsuit and returned for the last two episodes of the series under the condition that she would not share any scenes or interact with Lawrence. Campbell and Lawrence have since reconciled, and repaired their relationship.

Awards and nominations

Year Award Result Category Recipient
1993 People's Choice Awards Won Favorite TV New Comedy Series
1994 NAACP Image Awards Won Outstanding Comedy Series
1995 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Martin Lawrence
Outstanding Comedy Series
1996 Nominated Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Marla Gibbs
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Carl Anthony Payne II
Thomas Mikal Ford
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Tisha Campbell-Martin
Outstanding Comedy Series
Won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Tichina Arnold
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Martin Lawrence
1997 Nominated Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Tisha Campbell-Martin
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Martin Lawrence
Outstanding Comedy Series
1995 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Nominated Favorite Television Show
Favorite Television Actor Martin Lawrence
1996 Favorite Television Actor Martin Lawrence

Syndication

Martin went into second run syndication on August 8, 1995 through Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution; it airs multiple times a week on the networks of Paramount Global, including MTV2, VH1 and BET, with Max and Netflix also carrying the full run of the series.

Home media

Besides being purchasable on most digital video retailers, HBO Home Video released all five seasons of Martin on DVD in Region 1.

DVD Name Ep # Release Date
The Complete First Season 27 January 4, 2007
The Complete Second Season 27 May 15, 2007
The Complete Third Season 27 November 6, 2007
The Complete Fourth Season 27 April 1, 2008
The Complete Fifth and Final Season 24 October 7, 2008
The Complete Series 132 February 4, 2020

Young Martin

On July 11, 2024, an hourlong prequel series to Martin, titled Young Martin, was announced to be in development by Deadline Hollywood. The series is executive produced by Martin Lawrence, Rae Proctor, Robert Lawrence and Stacy Lyles from RunTelDat, with Bob Yari, David McPherson, Rosa Peart, Greg Martin for WonderHill Studios,

Young Martin follows a teenage Martin Payne residing in a modern-day Detroit finding his path to success as he transitions from childhood to adulthood and is described as both an origin story and a reimagining of the character.

References

  1. Gajewski, Ryan (January 16, 2024). "'Ally McBeal,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Martin' Casts Reunite for Emmys Ceremony". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  2. "A Macho Image for a Sensitive Soul". The New York Times. November 3, 1992. Archived from the original on January 16, 2018. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  3. "'Martin's' Wife Leaves Fox Series". Los Angeles Times. January 7, 1997. Archived from the original on October 24, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  4. "'Martin,' Campbell reconcile". Variety. March 21, 1997. Archived from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  5. "John Amos Says He Was Kicked off Good Times Because He Didn't Agree with the Shucking and Jiving". June 4, 2015. Archived from the original on July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  6. "Tisha Campbell Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Martin Lawrence". Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. January 27, 1997.
  7. "TV Notes". The New York Times. January 15, 1997. Archived from the original on January 18, 2017. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  8. "Martin Lawrence Ends Sitcom, 'Martin', In Fifth Season". Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. April 28, 1997.
  9. "Martin Lawrence and Tisha Campbell Say They're 'Good' Despite Harassment Lawsuit in the '90s". Peoplemag. Archived from the original on May 29, 2023. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  10. Andreeva, Nellie (July 11, 2024). "'Martin' Prequel Drama Series In Works From Martin Lawrence, Bob Yari & WonderHill Studios". Deadline. Retrieved July 12, 2024.

External links

Awards for Martin
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Comedy Series
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
People's Choice Awards for Favorite New TV Comedy
Categories: