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FOX has renewed its Lethal Weapon TV show for a third season but, as previously reported, Clayne Crawford won’t be a part of it. Seann William Scott will replace him as the show’s co-lead.

A comedic FOX buddy cop drama, season two of Lethal Weapon stars Damon Wayans, Clayne Crawford, Keesha Sharp, Kevin Rahm, Jordana Brewster, Johnathan Fernandez, Dante Brown, Chandler Kinney, and Michelle Mitchenor. The story centers on two very different cops working together on the streets of Los Angeles. While family man Roger Murtaugh (Wayans) has everything to live for, there doesn’t seem to be anything Martin Riggs (Crawford) won’t sacrifice to avenge the loss of his own family.  

Lethal Weapon: A Look at the Ratings

The second season of Lethal Weapon is averaging a 0.99 rating in the 18-49 viewer demographic and 4.11 million viewers. Compared to season one, that’s down by 37% and 37%, respectively. It generally ranks in the middle of scripted FOX TV shows.

What’s to Come

The television adaptation of the feature film franchise has drawn a decent audience for FOX and reportedly does well internationally. So, the renewal makes sense but it remains to be seen if viewers will stick with the show through this big cast change.

Cast members’ contracts are renewed on an annual basis and Warner Bros. Television decided not to renew Crawford’s. Reportedly, the decision was not taken lightly because of the possible financial ramifications. However, the studio is said to have a zero tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior.

SPOILER ALERT The second season finale set up Crawford’s exit from the series with a cliffhanger ending. His character, Riggs, had been set to return to Texas when he was surprisingly shot in the chest. It’s unclear if the character will survive offscreen but it doesn’t seem likely.

Word is that Scott will play a new character on the series who will replace Riggs as Murtaugh’s partner. Several actors were reportedly considered for the role and the deal was sealed over the weekend when Scott and Wayans had a face-to-face meeting.

“Seann is a fantastic addition to this already amazing cast,” said Fox Entertainment president Michael Thorn. “Lethal Weapon is packed with action, drama and pure fun and we can’t wait to see Damon and Seann together on screen. Matt Miller, his incredible team and everyone at Warner Bros. have been tremendous partners, and we’re thrilled to bring this show back for another season.”

What do you think? Did you think FOX would cancel or renew Lethal Weapon for season three? Do you plan to tune in for a third season without Crawford as part of the team?