The hit 1990s sitcom *Martin* remains a beloved classic, but few know the dark drama that unfolded behind the scenes.

What really happened to cause the show’s sudden end?

Was it just one shocking scene, or did deeper conflicts among the cast bring the iconic series to a close?

*Martin* starred Martin Lawrence as Martin Payne, a charismatic radio DJ whose humor and energy made the show a fan favorite.

Set in Detroit, the series followed Martin’s life with his girlfriend Gina, best friends Tommy and Cole, and Gina’s best friend Pam.

The chemistry on screen was undeniable, but behind the cameras, tensions simmered.

The cracks began to show during the fifth and final season.

Fans noticed Tisha Campbell, who played Gina, appeared less frequently and rarely shared scenes with Martin Lawrence.

Their final on-screen interaction was a phone call shown via split screen — a far cry from their earlier chemistry.

Months before filming wrapped, Tisha Campbell left the set for good.

Her departure shocked fans and raised questions: why did she walk away?

The answer came out in 1997 when Campbell filed a lawsuit against Martin Lawrence, accusing him of sexual assault, battery, and abuse.

The lawsuit revealed years of mounting problems.

Campbell alleged that Martin’s behavior became erratic, with angry outbursts, threats to fire crew members, and humiliating treatment toward her.

She claimed the situation escalated so severely that she ended up hospitalized from the stress.

Campbell also shared how she repeatedly refused Martin’s advances early on, but his behavior worsened over time.

She requested the writers remove intimate scenes, such as those where Martin and Gina shared a bed, but her requests were ignored.

Martin allegedly crossed boundaries during filming, making Campbell uncomfortable with unwanted physical contact during kiss scenes.

The final straw came during a major on-set outburst by Martin that terrified the cast and crew.

Campbell then informed producers she would not return, effectively ending her role on the show.

Industry insiders noted that the network often prioritized the star, leaving others feeling like “a piece of s***.”

Reginal Ballard, who played Brew, later described the tension as so severe that Martin and Campbell avoided being on the Universal Studios lot at the same time.

Though he kept his distance, Ballard admitted the situation was strange and difficult to understand.

The drama wasn’t limited to Campbell.

Co-star Carl Anthony Payne II, who played Cole, also experienced friction with Martin.

Initially friendly, Carl said Martin’s attitude shifted, and he began treating him poorly.

Carl suggested Martin might have been struggling with personal issues that affected his behavior.

Despite conflicts, Carl remained professional and compared the experience to family dynamics — with fights but also good moments.

Years later, Martin and Carl reconciled during the *Martin* reunion, putting their past behind them.

Another cast member affected was Garrett Morris, who portrayed Stan Winters.

Garrett was a fan favorite but disappeared after season two, leaving viewers wondering why.

The truth was heartbreaking.

Garrett was shot in a random attack while walking to his car, suffering severe injuries that landed him in a coma and required multiple surgeries.

While recovering, he discovered his character was written out of the show — effectively fired while hospitalized.

Garrett filmed a scene from his hospital bed explaining Stan’s departure, but later revealed Martin Lawrence, a co-executive producer, was responsible for letting him go.

Rumors spread that Martin faked visits to Garrett in the hospital, which Garrett denied.

Despite the turmoil, *Martin* reached over 100 episodes, a major milestone in the 90s.

Unlike NBC’s *Seinfeld*, which celebrated with a lavish party, *Martin*’s cast received only gift baskets — a slight that deeply disappointed Martin Lawrence.

The show’s end left fans divided.

Some blamed Martin Lawrence for the problems on set, while others believed both he and Tisha Campbell made mistakes.

Many lamented that *Martin* ended too soon, with one fan calling it “groundbreaking” and deserving of at least 10 seasons.

Despite the conflicts, Campbell and Lawrence eventually made peace.

In interviews, Campbell spoke about forgiveness and growth, while Lawrence expressed nothing but love for his former co-star.

*Martin* also left a lasting cultural impact beyond its drama.

Catchphrases like “Talk to the hand” and “You go girl” became part of everyday language, still quoted decades later.

The show launched careers and featured memorable guest stars.

Snoop Dogg made his first TV appearance on *Martin*, while Tracy Morgan gained early exposure before his *Saturday Night Live* fame.

Even Jackie Chan made a hilarious cameo as Sheneneh’s boyfriend, adding to the show’s unique charm.

Interestingly, Martin Lawrence nearly starred in *Rush Hour* but turned it down over money, a role that made Chris Tucker famous.

Behind the laughter, Martin Lawrence faced personal struggles.

He battled substance use and had several run-ins with the law, including an incident where he was found high in public carrying a gun.

Despite these challenges, Martin’s talent and the show’s legacy remain undeniable.

While the behind-the-scenes drama cast a shadow, *Martin*’s humor, characters, and cultural influence continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

The story of *Martin* is a reminder that even the brightest stars can face dark moments — and that sometimes, the real drama happens off camera.