Martin Lawrence Preps "Young Martin" Prequel Series

Source: Michelle Farsi / Getty

In the spirit of all things nostalgia, Martin Lawrence is set to return to TV…sort of.

Deadline reveals that the comedian/actor is developing Young Martin, a prequel to his classic FOX sitcom that ran from 1992-97. The show is a collaboration between Lawrence’s RunTelDat Productions and Marvin Peart’s WonderHill Studios.

Lawrence will serve as Executive Producer, along with Rae Proctor, Robert Lawrence and Stacy Lyles from RunTelDat, with Bob Yari, David McPherson, Rosa Peart, Greg Martin for WonderHill Studios.

Here’s the synopsis, via Deadline:

Set in modern-day Detroit, Young Martin follows Martin Payne, a spirited teenager whose journey is characterized by ambition, humor, and a genuine compassion for those around him. The show will explore themes of family, friendship and life while the young Payne balances on the tightrope between adolescence and adulthood. Martin’s quick wit and magnetic personality draw him into high-stakes situations, where he must confront obstacles, emotions, and ultimately, find his path to success.

However, here’s the catch: Young Martin will NOT be a comedy.

Taking a cue from his Bad Boys co-star Will Smith and his reimaging of his Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Lawrence’s prequel series will be an hour-long drama.

In a statement, Peart spoke of the significance of the original sitcom, as well as the opportunity to bring a new chapter to the story. “Out of all the hit shows during the 90’s, there was only one Martin — a show that defined culture and positivity. Martin reflected a real group of friends from our community that wound up on TV screens all over the world,” he said.

He continued, “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.”

Well, if it’s as good as Bel Air is, sign us up!