When you spend decades in Hollywood, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s next—the next project, the next script, the next pitch. But every once in a while, you get a moment that reminds you of the impact your work has had. For me, that moment came when I co-wrote and co-executive produced Martin: The Reunion. Revisiting Martin wasn’t just a nostalgic trip; it was a powerful reminder of how much influence a single show can have on culture, comedy, and the way Black life is represented on television.
I first worked on Martin in the early ’90s, and at the time, we had no idea how big it would become. It was a show built on authenticity, humor, and heart, with a cast that felt like a family. Martin Lawrence was magnetic in the lead role, and our goal was simple: make people laugh, tell relatable stories, and showcase Black culture in a way that felt real. Looking back now, it’s clear we struck a chord that resonated far beyond our original audience.
Revisiting Old Friends and Old Stories
Working on the reunion was a unique experience. It wasn’t just about bringing back characters or recreating old jokes—it was about reconnecting with a world that had shaped all of us. Seeing the chemistry between the cast again reminded me of why the original series worked so well. The laughter on set wasn’t just acting; it was genuine joy from people who had shared something special decades earlier.
Revisiting Martin also gave me a fresh perspective on the cultural footprint of the show. In the 90s, we were creating in a different world. Social media didn’t exist, streaming wasn’t a thing, and Black sitcoms had limited space on television. Yet somehow, Martin found a way to speak to people, both within the Black community and beyond. The reunion made me realize just how lasting that influence has been.
The Cultural Impact of Martin
It’s one thing to have a hit show; it’s another to leave a cultural legacy. Martin did more than make people laugh—it shaped comedy, language, and fashion, and it gave audiences a window into the lives of young Black adults at the time. People still quote lines, reference scenes, and relate to the characters in ways that feel timeless.
Being part of the reunion highlighted just how deeply the show had embedded itself in popular culture. Fans expressed how the series influenced their sense of identity, their humor, and even their own creative pursuits. For me, that feedback was both humbling and inspiring. It reminded me why storytelling matters—not just in the moment, but decades later, in ways we can’t always predict.
Lessons Learned From Revisiting the Past
Revisiting a project like Martin also came with lessons. First, it reminded me of the importance of authenticity. We never set out to make a “culturally safe” show or to fit into someone else’s expectations of Black storytelling. We simply told stories we believed in. That authenticity is what made the series resonate then—and what makes it resonate now.
Second, it reinforced the power of collaboration. The original cast and crew were like a family, and that bond carried into the reunion. Working with people you trust, respect, and genuinely enjoy being around makes the creative process not only more productive but more meaningful. The reunion reminded me that relationships built on mutual respect are just as important as the work itself.
Seeing the Next Generation Respond
One of the most rewarding parts of revisiting Martin was seeing the next generation experience it. Younger audiences who weren’t around in the 90s were tuning in, watching the characters, and laughing along. It was incredible to see that the humor, the dynamics, and the cultural touchpoints still connected with them.
That moment reinforced something I’ve always believed: storytelling has a ripple effect. You never know who your work will reach, or how it might inspire someone years down the line. That’s why I take every project seriously, whether it’s a reunion, a new sitcom, or a streaming series. Each story has the potential to leave a lasting impact.
Moving Forward With Purpose
The reunion also made me reflect on my broader career. From Martin to The Jamie Foxx Show, to shows I’ve created for Bounce TV and ALLBLK, my goal has always been to tell stories that reflect real life, culture, and humor. Revisiting the past reinforced the importance of building projects with purpose and intention.
It reminded me to honor legacy while continuing to innovate. The industry is constantly changing, but the principles of authentic storytelling, collaboration, and cultural relevance remain timeless. Martin: The Reunion was a powerful reminder that even after decades, the stories we create can continue to resonate and inspire.
Revisiting Martin was more than a reunion—it was a moment to reflect on the cultural impact of the work we do and the legacy we leave behind. It reminded me why I started in this business: to tell stories that entertain, connect, and uplift.
For young creatives, my advice is simple: focus on authenticity, collaborate with people who challenge and support you, and remember that your work can have a lasting impact in ways you can’t always predict. Martin taught me that storytelling isn’t just about laughs—it’s about shaping culture, inspiring audiences, and leaving something behind that matters.
The reunion was a celebration, a reflection, and a reminder that the right stories, told the right way, never truly fade. They echo for generations.