Critic Reviews

Some jokes seem to have been pulled from the back of a long-unopened drawer. (References to Kato Kaelin and Rudy Giuliani.) But the characters, ranging from fairly absurd to comparatively natural, are individual and particular; they may represent relationships without ever seeming to actually have them, but most — which is to say, the actors — are entertaining in their own right.

It’s done quite well (and of the supporting cast, Robinson and Whitley, both veterans of sitcoms from that era, seem so at home that you’d think they’d been on this brand-new show for years already), but whether that makes it feel hoary or comforting will probably depend on whether you grew up watching similar series.

Like “Mind Your Business” starring Columbus Short and actress Drew Sidora, from “Real Housewives of Atlanta” fame, and some of his other 21st century series, “The Varnell Hill Show” serves up humor that’s nostalgic to some and dated to others.

Unfortunately, the first season never makes a convincing argument for why Varnell deserves to stick around.