The 25 Best "Martin" Episodes of All Time
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To this day, the FOX Thursday night lineup of Martin, Living Single, and New York Undercover is known as the Holy Trinity in the hood—a block of television that targeted people of color and won. Martin stands out from that bunch as one of the greatest programs to ever grace television. It was—and still is—pure hip-hop.
Martin (Martin Lawrence), on-air personality for the fictional Detroit radio station WZUP, and his boys—Tommy (Thomas Mikal Ford) and Cole (Carl Anthony Payne II)—wore Jordans and spoke slang. Martin's wife Gina (Tisha Campbell-Martin) and her best friend Pam (Tichina Arnold)—who Martin hated with all his heart—were strong women who didn't take shit from anybody. In addition to the leading parts, there were bit players like ghetto starlet Sheneneh, playa from the Himalayas Jerome (both played by Lawrence), salesman Hustle Man (Tracy Morgan), and Martin's elderly foe Miss Geri (the late Jeri Gray), among others.
Martin was the black version of The Honeymooners. Martin and Gina loved each other madly, just like Ralph and Alice; Pam was Trixie; and Tommy and Cole were both Ed Norton (with an emphasis on Cole). The relationship between Martin and Gina was so important that the show died when Tisha Campbell-Martin filed a lawsuit citing sexual harassment and verbal abuse against Lawrence and HBO, the show's production company. Campbell-Martin refused to be in the same frame with Lawrence, and eventually the dispute had to be settled out of court.
On camera, and for four of the show's five seasons, Martin and Tisha portrayed the trials and tribulations of a young couple just trying to survive in Detroit. They were a ride-or-die couple no matter what obstacles they faced. And their friends—Tommy, Cole, and Pam—were loyal co-defendants in whatever nonsense the couple got into.
This was a very difficult piece to curate, and we know people will have their own favorites (that's what the comment section is for). Here is our ranking of the 25 best Martin episodes of all time.
25.“Dead Men Don't Flush” (Season 1, Episode 5)
Air date: September 24, 1992
Dealing with plumbing problems before work is the worst. Ol' Marty Mar was running late to the station because the plumber took three days to get there. Mike Hagerty (everybody's favorite fat guy at the time) arrived smart-mouthed and with his crack showing. His character was also narcoleptic and would fall into such a deep sleep on the job that people would think he was dead. To make matters even more complicated, his husky physique made his pulse difficult to find.
When the cops take forever to respond to the emergency call, the gang panics. They try to roll the plumber up in a carpet, pour liquor into his mouth, and leave him on the curb until he finally snaps out of his stupor.
The plumber's wisdom upon arrival laid the foundation for the entire episode: “It may cost you a little, may cost you a lot, but it will cost ya.” —Angel Diaz
24.“Beauty and the Beast” (Season 1, Episode 1)
Air date: August 27, 1992
The pilot reveals that Martin’s pride is his handicap. A bravado-fueled rant about male sensitivity for his WZUP listeners goes awry when he embarrasses Gina over the air, jeopardizing their relationship. Their reconciliation reveals Martin’s insecurities, which she challenges him to check if they’re going to progress.
This episode lays a foundation, introducing viewers to several contentious relationships: Pam and Martin, Gina and Martin’s mother, and Sheneneh with both Gina and Pam.
“Beauty and the Beast” made two things clear: Martin could definitely be obnoxious at times, but his love for Gina was unquestionable. That set the tone for the show. —Julian Kimble
23.“Your Arms Are Too Short to Box With Martin” (Season 1, Episode 24)
Air date: April 22, 1993
In this episode, the Geto Boys' Bushwhick Bill drops in to play a bully, and he and the rest of his goons rough up the considerably taller Tommy Strawn over the issue of Bill's ex. It's just a case of jealousy leading to a beatdown. Seeking revenge, Martin, Cole, and Tommy head down to the bar the crew frequents and learn a valuable lesson: just because someone might appear handicapped doesn't mean that they're any less of a person. —Angel Diaz
22.“C.R.E.A.M.” (Season 3, Episode 22)
Air date: April 6, 1995
When the government blesses Martin with some extra money, he decides to invest in a restaurant. His former boss, Stan (Garrett Morris), makes an unexpected return, becoming Martin’s business partner in the new venture: Marty Mart’s Meatloaf & Waffles. The grand opening is a disaster and Martin kicks all of his customers out. Aside from the fact that this was Morris’ very last appearance on the show, there’s really one key thing about this episode to remember: MC Hammer and Cole's brilliant Rent 'Em Spoons idea. —Julian Kimble
21.“You've Got a Friend” (Season 2, Episode 8)
Air date: 10/10/1993
Martin and Pam were mortal enemies, and their dynamic was almost as important to the series as Martin and Gina's relationship. He hated her guts so much that when Gina and Pam suddenly starts hanging out with a male co-worker, Martin gets suspicious—who in their right mind would want Pam?
The company in question is doing things like going shoe shopping with the ladies, which Martin quickly puts an end to by taking Gina shopping. He immediately regrets it, as Gina must try on every taupe shoe in the store. (Remember that thing about love being incompatible with dignity sometimes?)
To kill time, Martin annoys a toy cop, gets an old lady arrested, and is almost sent to the hospital by an angry man on the verge of snapping over a stack of magazines. Unfortunately, it's all for naught. Gina's homeboy was really just trying to get closer to Pam, also known as "Beadie Bead." —Angel Diaz
20.“Do You Remember the Time?" (Season 2, Episode 1)
Air date: August 22, 1993
Little was known about the origin of Martin and Gina’s relationship until the second season’s premiere. What it reveals is that neither them, nor the majority of their friends, are reliable storytellers.
As Martin stresses over a worthy topic for his next radio show, Gina proposes that he discuss how they met. This prompts both of them, as well as Cole and Pam, to provide ridiculous accounts of their first meeting. Some people have a tendency to tell stories as they’d like to remember them.
In Martin’s mind, he strolled in Max Julien-style, melting Gina with slick talk and an overtly-sexual saxophone interpretation of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Reasons.” In Pam’s version, Martin essentially kidnapped Gina. Cole’s story has nothing to do with Martin and Gina, and Gina remembers Martin as a meek nerd in a restricting cummerbund who she molded into a man.
Only Tommy is able to accurately describe what happened that night: He crashed a party with Martin and Cole, in which Martin stole a bit of food from Gina’s plate and failed miserably at trying to romance her with the saxophone. Pam tried to get them thrown out, but Gina saved them.
This is consistent with Martin and Gina’s relationship, one of the show’s most endearing storylines. —Julian Kimble
19.“Baby, It's You” (Season 2, Episode 5)
Air date: September 19, 1993
When Gina convinces Martin to let her hold a friend's baby shower at his apartment, Murphy’s Law goes into effect after the mother-to-be goes into labor. Overmatched, Martin calls Tommy and Cole for assistance, and the trio is forced to deliver the baby sans medical assistance.
The baby’s birth is unexpectedly hilarious, as it slingshots from Martin’s living room into his kitchen, forcing him to make a jumping catch like Michael Irvin while wearing a shower cap and dishwashing gloves.
The aforementioned moment is what the episode will always be remembered for, but Dragonfly Jones getting his ass kicked in the opening scene, along with Elroy Preston exploding into “Don’t You Know No Good” while fixing Gina’s car, stack the episode with laughs. These two side characters may not be as popular as Jerome or Sheneneh, but they’re just as funny. —Julian Kimble
18.“Guard Your Grill” (Season 2, Episode 21)
Air date: February 27, 1994
Stan and Martin figured it would be a good idea to put on a charity boxing match to promote WZUP. After Martin wipes the ring with his opponent, he throws a party to celebrate. But when Thomas "Hitman" Hearns—who was a celebrity judge—drops by and shows interest in Gina, Ol' Marty Mart gets defensive. One thing leads to another, and Martin finds himself in the ring with the real champ. As expected, the Hitman destroys him and literally sends him into next week. The highlight, though, is when Gina consoles a bruised and battered Martin. That makeup. —Angel Diaz
17.“All the Players Came” (Season 3, Episode 18)
Air date: February 16, 1995
As a child of the 1960s who came of age during the 1970s, Martin Lawrence was deeply influenced by the Blaxploitation films of the latter decade. That impact was often felt in the show, which frequently paid homage to the genre.
During the third season, Martin and his friends learn that a neighborhood theater owned by Mr. Mackey (Whitman Mayo) is in danger of closing. Refusing to lose a piece of his youth, Martin decides to host a fundraiser to save it.
The fundraiser—a player’s ball held at Nipsey’s—draws staples from that era including Pam Grier, Antonio Fargas, Rudy Ray Moore, Dick Anthony Williams and Ja’net DuBois. Upping the comedic ante, Jerome jumps into the battle for “Player of the Year,” attempting to woo Grier with a fractured version of Rose Royce’s “I Wanna Get Next to You.”
Coolio and OutKast also guest star, and the duo fittingly performs “Player’s Ball” as the credits roll. It’s a brilliant piece of nostalgia. —Julian Kimble
16.“To Kill a Talking Bird” (Season 2, Episode 9)
Air date: October 17, 1993
Gina and Martin's mom were always beefing. When Mama Payne drops off her parrot for the weekend while berating Gina about not being good enough for her son, it's no surprise. Little did Gina know, Mama Payne has trained her talking bird to torment her daughter-in-law. The bird drives Gina mad, calling her things like “hefer” and “muscle butt.”
It all comes to an untimely end when, while cleaning, Gina leaves the window open. When she and Pam return from the gym, the tropical bird has succumbed to that brisk Detroit air. The crew scrambles to find a replacement but they don't get away with it. However, they are able to give the bird a formal burial, including a riveting eulogy from Tommy. —Angel Diaz
15.“D.M.V. Blues” (Season 4, Episode 25)
Air date: April 25, 1996
Martin is forced to travel through the nine circles of hell that is the DMV when his driver’s license expires. There, he meets a DMV clerk (Sherman Hemsley) who, like Martin, is vertically-challenged and temperamental. To further complicate the experience, when he isn’t being beaten down by the paperwork, Miss Geri is clubbing him in the head with her purse. By the end of the day, he ends up with an assault charge and no current license.
It’s an exaggeration of the DMV experience, but you feel Martin’s pain—especially when he gets attacked by Miss Gerri. Also, keep an eye out for Hemsley’s trademark George Jefferson stroll. —Julian Kimble
14.“Yours, Mine and Ours” (Season 2, Episode 22)
Air date: March 13, 1994
It’s common for couples to fight about money, and when Martin dips into the joint account he shares with Gina to replace his old television with a Hoshitoshi 2000, she’s furious. Much to the dismay of Martin and his friends, she forces him to return it. However, the arguments continue when Martin discovers that Gina has been using the account to make purchases of her own.
Through their frivolous arguments (and purchases), they learn that, perhaps, a joint account isn’t the right move. Wisdom. —Julian Kimble
13.“Blow, Baby, Blow” (Season 4, Episode 3)
Air date: September 23, 1995
It’s a damn shame how the presence of a celebrity can bring out the worst in people.
When the word gets out that the Notorious B.I.G. is looking for backup singers, all of Detroit—Gina and Pam included—vie for his attention. This culminates in auditions on Martin’s "Word on the Street" talk show, where a horrendously-disguised Gina and Pam go head-to-head in a vocal battle.
Channeling Patti LaBelle circa 1980, Pam launches into a spirited rendition of Stephanie Mills’ “Home” until she’s interrupted by Gina, who belts out Jennifer Holiday’s version of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” while they fight for the spotlight. Martin’s embarrassed, Biggie is exasperated, and the audience reaps the benefits.
This episode tapped into the 1990s phenomenon of celebrity guest appearances, grabbing Biggie just months after the “One More Chance” remix (which he performs over the end credits) made him a superstar. It also familiarized everyone who hadn’t seen Little Shop of Horrors with Tisha Campbell-Martin and Tichina Arnold’s singing voices.
Overall, “Blow, Baby, Blow,” is an exercise in when doing too much goes wrong, yet makes for hilarious television. —Julian Kimble
12.“Holiday Blues” (Season 2, Episode 15)
Air date: December 19, 1993
In an attempt to make a homesick Gina happy around Christmas, Martin decides to take her back to her hometown: Philly. It’s the kind gesture of a loving boyfriend, but that holiday spirit is tested when they get snowed in at the bus station. On Christmas Eve.
A smug bus station employee, the generally depressing atmosphere of the bus station, and another showdown between Martin and Miss Gerri test their holiday spirit. But the bus eventually arrives and Martin and Gina escape without hurting anyone—except for the bus station employee, who earns the busted nose he receives from Gina. —Julian Kimble
11.“Got to Be There” (Season 2, Episode 3)
Air date: September 5, 1993
Poor Martin. When Gina goes out of town for a business trip, jealousy takes over after a phone conversation with one of Gina’s co-workers, Bob from Marketing, sends his paranoia into overdrive. Erroneously convinced that Gina is cheating on him, he drags Tommy and Cole out on a road trip to track her down and prevent whatever he’s convinced is happening. Bob steals the show, stone-washed Jordache jeans and all.
But one of the funniest parts is when Martin runs up on the maintenance man he assumes is having relations with Gina. Improvisation was one of the show's gems, and you can see everyone on set struggling to contain their laughter. —Julian Kimble
10.“Control” (Season 2, Episode 7)
Air date: October 3, 1993
Love is often at odds with dignity, something Gina experiences after she accidentally throws away Martin’s tickets to a Pistons game. Sheneneh, however, has an extra pair, which she’ll only part with if Gina agrees to work in her salon. She’s understandably hesitant, but after her other option—the unreliable Jerome—falls through, she’s forced to swallow her pride.
Gina's forced to not only be subordinate to Sheneneh, but wear her hair like she does too. (All the way down to the baby hair.) Her horror peaks when she’s ordered to give Myra (Bebe Drake) a pedicure, a task which involves filing her corns down to a point of comfort. When Gina’s left overwhelmed and on the verge of tears, Sheneneh goes to work with goggles, a high-powered tool, and unmatched zeal.
In the end, the experience leaves Gina and Sheneneh with some degree of respect for each other. And Myra with no hair. —Julian Kimble
9.“Headin' for Trouble” (Season 4, Episode 12)
Air date: December 10, 1995
The size of Gina’s head was a running joke on the show, and the comedy came to, um, a head when, during a test run of their new Nefertiti 2000 headboard, the couple gets a little too overzealous and Gina ends up in a ridiculously compromising situation. Increasing the scenario’s urgency is the fact that the most important meeting of Gina’s career is just hours away. Martin calls Pam and Tommy for help, which just adds to Gina’s embarrassment as Pam storms into their apartment with a camcorder.
Meanwhile, poor Gina continues to panic while maneuvering around the apartment like a bull in china shop, all while her friends and husband drop not-so-subtle head jokes.
Wielding a blow torch, Tommy eventually cuts the headboard down to something reminiscent of a death trap from the Saw series, only manageable. Gina’s attempt to hide what’s left of the headboard beneath a Diana Ross-esque mane of a weave fails, but her perseverance earns the potential client’s respect—and business.
The only question you’re left wondering by the episode’s conclusion is how, exactly, her head managed to get caught in that space in the first place. At the least, the episode is a reminder to always go with the extended warranty. —Julian Kimble
8.“Hollywood Swinging: Part 2” (Season 2, Episode 12)
Air date: November 14, 1993
In an industry filled with dream-sellers, Varnell Hill (Tommy Davidson) is the walking personification of the trope.
An encounter with Hill, a popular talk show host who was in Martin’s shoes at WZUP just a few years before, leaves Martin questioning the state of his career. After Hill tells him he can appear on his show if he ever visits L.A., Martin makes the knee-jerk decision to quit his job and head west. Upon arrival, Martin and friends get a crash course in Hollywood talk, which is to say: bullshit.
Martin's attempts to make it onto the show reach their most desperate when he crashes Jodeci’s performance of “Lately.” He does his best K-Ci impression—wife beater, unbuckled khakis, and all—and steals the show, much to the disgust of the group.
While Martin ultimately does make it onto The Varnell Hill Show, he quickly learns how fake Varnell truly is. Fred “Rerun” Berry even helps Varnell illustrate this by admitting that, although he’s received several invitations to Varnell’s house, he’d "probably get sprayed" if he ever actually showed up.
Martin gets his payback by choking Varnell out, and Varnell learns not to toy with the emotions of people from Detroit. —Julian Kimble
7.“Ain't Nuttin' Goin' on But the Rent” (Season 3, Episode 16)
Air date: February 2, 1995
Martin is late on his rent at the worst possible time. The crew is snowed in during one of Detroit's most devastating blizzards, and to make matters worse there's no heat and no food. They eventually send Cole on a pizza run in 20 feet of snow. While they're waiting for him to return with the goods, they get a visit from the hens-on-a-branch peddling Hustle Man (played by Tracy Morgan). As the guys try to talk Martin into buying the hens, Hustle Man gives them a great sales pitch. Who wouldn't want pigeons that were marinated in pork and bean juice for three-to-two days?
They regret passing on that delicious treat when a frozen-solid Cole returns with a frozen pizza that shatters due to Martin's impatience. —Angel Diaz
6.“Forever Sheneneh” (Season 1, Episode 6)
Air date: October 1, 1992
Martin invites Kid from the rap duo Kid 'N Play to appear on his radio show. To get people to listen in, WZUP hosts a "Win a Date with Kid" contest—the third caller will be the lucky winner. Of course, things go horribly wrong. Martin waves off two women who peak Kid's interest because rules are rules.
However, the third caller turns out to be Sheneneh. Kid gets to her crib expecting to go out on a date but she has other plans. Sheneneh gives him a 40, while she takes hers to the head. Scared out of his mind, Kid tries to dip, but feels bad after he escapes across the hall to Martin's.
This episode shows the softer side of Sheneneh. She's more than just a ghetto girl with a big booty. In her own words, "I'mma lady." —Angel Diaz
5.“Really, Gina Is Not My Lover” (Season 2, Episode 2)
Air date: August 29, 1993
For some, high school reunions are times to reconnect with those you’ve lost touch with over the years. If you’re Martin Payne, they’re all about revenge.
Martin prepares for his 10-year high school reunion thirsty for vengeance against those who wronged him during his younger days, particularly Ricky Fontaine (Miguel A. Núñez, Jr.)—Pretty Ricky is what they call him. Part of his plan to flex on his teenage tormentors hinges on Gina looking her absolute best, but this is thwarted when she has an allergic reaction to avocados and a dentist leaves her slack-jawed with a swollen face.
Refusing to let this stop his mission, Martin enters the reunion with a hit list, scratching off names as he goes—until he runs into his nemesis. In true high school fashion, a crowd gathers as the two brag about their lives.
The confrontation takes an unexpected turn when Gina, hopped up on painkillers, shows up looking like a hot mess, and Martin is forced to duff Ricky out when he insults her. In addition to putting Ricky to sleep with his fist, Martin wins the “Man of the Decade” award that he coveted so much.
In the end, he realizes that high school was ages ago and that he doesn’t need his classmate’s approval. That, and he finally knocked Pretty Ricky the fuck out. —Julian Kimble
4.“Mother of the Bride” (Season 3, Episode 21)
Air date: March 23, 1995
Martin and Gina are finally getting married, and that means planning is in order. Unfortunately, Martin lets his cheapskate tendencies run wild. Gina's mother books a wedding planner (Kelly Coffield Park), so Martin brings in his own, Hustle Man. The rest of the episode is a battle over who can offer better services, from Milli Vanilli look-a-likes and long-stem French-cut red roses to indestructible plastic flowers, chitlin loaves, and hot sauce on every table.
When both planners go overboard with the pricing, both Martin and Gina tell them to get the steppin' and decide to plan it themselves.
This episode is Tracy Morgan's tour de force, and for everyone discussing his work on 30 Rock should never forget that his work on Martin was far superior. —Angel Diaz
3.“No Justice, No Peace” (Season 2, Episode 16)
Air date: January 9, 1994
While trying to find a party with the team, Martin gets a ticket for running a stop sign he swears he didn't run. After meeting with a sleazy lawyer who tells him the case will get dismissed if the officer doesn't show up, Martin decides to fight the charge in court. He shows up in full lawyer regalia—suit, briefcase—ready to lawyer some shit. Right when the judge is about to dismiss the case because the cop in question is a no-show, Martin decides to drag things on, and to his surprise, the officer in question arrives. Martin presents the whole crew as witnesses, but when things don't go as planned, he plays the insanity card.
There are two very quotable moments from this classic episode: Tommy's "I Got the Draws," a.k.a. GTD, and Martin's A Soldier's Story impersonation, "The day of the Geechie is ova!" —Angel Diaz
2.“The Romantic Weekend” (Season 3, Episode 24)
Air date: April 27, 1995
The only thing more frustrating for Martin than the mere fact of Tommy and Pam’s relationship is the moment when Gina becomes jealous of it. In response, he attempts to rival their upcoming romantic getaway by taking Gina to Chilligan’s Island. They arrive to find that not only do you get what you pay for when you embark on a vacation advertised on the back of a cereal box, but that Tommy and Pam are in the adjacent room, stuck in the same hell.
That’s the brilliant premise, but the reason it’s so loved is because of its true star: the rat.
As Martin and Gina complain about the squalor of their room, a rat that looks part possum and part horseshoe crab scuttles in and attacks them, forcing Martin to spend 90 hilarious seconds fighting it off. It sustains headlocks and a barrage of jabs before he finally succeeds in ejecting it. The rat returns, and this time it requires the combined efforts of Martin and Pam to defeat it.
The unforgettable image of Martin throwing wild haymakers at that infamous rodent while Pam struggles is why this episode is as funny as ever, 19 years later. —Julian Kimble
1.“Suspicious Minds” (Season 2, Episode 17)
Air date: January 16, 1994
Martin is selfish and materialistic, and no episode illustrated this better than "Suspicious Minds."
In the midst of bragging about his new $400 CD player, he realizes it's missing. Martin's boss at WZUP, Stan, put the seed in Martin's head that maybe it was his friends that stole his CD player right before he took money out of Martin's wallet. He then goes on a witch hunt to find the culprit. He interviews Tommy, Cole, and Pam as suspects, observing their body language as evidence to help him solve the case.
To conclude the investigation, he arranges an all-black meeting on a stormy night. Flanked by his trusty guard dog, which happens to be stuffed, Martin circles the table while holding the menacing creature back, trying to get it to calm down. Eventually the crew gets aggravated and tries to rat each other out.
In the middle of the finger-pointing, Bruh Man from the fifth flo' drops by to return the CD player he borrowed. He left a note under the bathroom sink because he used up all the toilet paper. Turns out, everything is fine.
While Martin and Gina's relationship is the foundation of the show, Martin's antics and the chemistry of the cast are what carried the series. Their prominence in "Suspicious Minds" is exactly why this episode is so special and memorable. There was always a great deal of improvisation that made the jokes feel organic. During the New Jack City-themed roundtable meeting, it's obvious the rest of the cast weren't ready for Martin's stuffed Rottweiler.
This episode placed the side characters at the beginning and end of the plot, features running jokes about Gina's hips, Tommy's "job," Pam's weave, Cole's stupidity, and Martin's self-absorption. And more importantly, the last scene offers side-splitting laughs that will have you gasping for air. That's what Martin did best. —Angel Diaz