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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?
I want Crawford back !!!!!
Yes don’t get rid of Riggs he is the one that makes the show
Crawford’s acting and timing made real Riggs’ reactions to life’s issues. Don’t we all know a Riggs or have some aspects of Riggs in us. Actors become the characters and maybe Riggs’ excitable responses may have been carried over when Crawford interacted with others on the set. People need to forgive. I bought DVD Lethal Weapon (LW) Season 1. Please release DVD LW Season 2. Without Crawford, future LW will not be the same and will not be watched. thank you for the great 2 seasons
Totally true … I want the DVD
no I don’t think I’ll be tuning in for season three rigs was 3/4 of the reason I watch the show in the first place waiting each week just to see what crazy stunts he would come up with
I think fox made a huge mistake to loose Riggs, he was GREAT and the BEST part of the show, please rethink this change….
I totally agree
Absolutely true !!
I don’t watch a lot of television, but new shows and dramas always gets checked out. The Unit, Homeland and now Lethal Weapon have been among my favourites. But Lethal Weapon without Riggs… well it will not be the same and I do not plan to watch the third series. Sorry
I work 7 days a week – 16-20 hours/day .. but I always make it a point to watch Lethal Weapon somewhere in my time .. that is the only TV show I want consistently .. very very upset they are replacing Riggs … can’t say I will even make the effort to watch the new 3rd sesason ..
No way!!!!!!! clayton was best part of the show. I like most of others but he brought something special to the show. It will be boring without him. I’ll never watch it again.
If Martin Riggs character is no longer a part of it then it’s not lethal weapon anymore, might as well just cancel the show which is a shame because I really enjoyed watching series 1 & 2 Seann William Scott will get viewers but ultimately I believe there will be a lot of people that share my opinion
While he will be sadly missed, I still love the set up and the new actor in hoping will be Riggs not a new character.
You need to watch the original Lethal Weapon movies, bc Crawford embodies that Riggs and Scott isnt the embodiment of how Riggs should be played. You enjoy it that 3rd season and let us know it turns out for you.
Might as well cancel if Crawfords not in it,Im like alot of other loyal fans and will not watch and start watching another station!
It’s a shame that things couldn’t be worked out with Clayne Crawford. He was the main reason I watched the show, now I’ll go back to watching NCIS.
That was awful how you cut Crawford out of the show. The chemistry with those two was outstanding. Crawford’s character was so lovable. You could have at least given the fans the satisfaction of him finally having happiness. Terrible writing on his exit if this stands true. Definitely won’t be watching next season if he isn’t back. Too bad you had a great show.
I loved the first two seasons of Lethal Weapons but I won’t be tuning in for the third season, due to the removal of Clayne Crawford, who made the show what it was. Wayans was lucky to be showcased with Crawford, but will not carry the show.
Just like Clayne carved out Riggs-not just he was meant for the part BUT THAT PART WAS MEANT FOR HIM! I can’t imagine that scott guy as Riggs. In my mind he just doesn’t fit. I won’t be giving it a chance , as much as I love Damon Wayans.. Too many other choices out ther that I’d previously sacrificed for Lethal Weapon.
I totally agree with you. Crawford made the show. He brought Mel Gibson’s “Riggs” to TV for us and without him another favorite show of mine is gone. Scott, to me is not a good fit for this show bc Scott will always be labeled as “Stiffler” from the American Pie series. And I just cant see it.
Crawford made the series for me and the chemistry between him and Damon could never be replaced.
I will no longer be watching the series.
not going to watch it if crawford not in it he was great as riggs and u can see he loved playing him bring him back plzzz