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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 think it was a big mistake to get rid of clayne Crawford, he made the show & was a perfect Riggs. Him & Damon Wayne’s were like the original partners from the movies. They played their parts perfectly. I think bringing in someone new is gonna kill your show. Killing off Crawford would be a mistake as well. I’m sure that something could’ve been worked out to keep him on the show. This was my favorite show, I will check out the new season, but I doubt I will be watching it after that. I agree with someone else’s… Read more »
So glad Lethal is to be renewed!!! Will miss RIGGS-dont understand why he would be so reckless about the show.
Well good luck with the new season because I am just one of many fans that will not tune in for any other season of Lethal Weapon without Clayne Crawford as Martin Riggs. No one is perfect and he owned up to his mistakes He deserves to be a part of the new seasons. Without him it will not be a hit as it has been in the first two seasons. As for the rest of the crew congrats. #TeamClayneCrawford.
It’s unreal they took Clayne off! He made that show!!!! A lot of the stories were about him! And now he’s off. This show is gonna fail after this. All I know is everyone I know who watches this show will not be watching it now. They have to listen to the fans too.
Will not watch without Crawford…he was Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Wayans is (Danny Glover) end of story that is why I watched I felt it worked as a tv show from the movie.
The season ending spoke volumes. I had a feeling they were going to kill Riggs off. I hope that the show can survive.
Clayne was the salt that seasoned the show with unpredictability! It won’t be the same without him.
I don’t know why it was decided to get rid of Clayne Crawford’s role as Riggs but I am very disappointed…in my opinion he made the show! I honestly don’t think the series will last much longer without him….I loved his character, it won’t be the same….so sad. I wish him luck in whatever new venture he has planned….
Wish they had just replaced the character and not kill the Riggs character off. We shall see how that impacts the show. I’ll be watching to see.
Too bad the original Riggs had trouble being a team player and didnt work well with his team mates. If what I read is true then Fox did the right thing to replace him.
I am done with Lethal Weapon
what are you thinking crawford was a good riggs i loved this show .i’m out you could of had another hit like NCIS .not anymore, soon you will have nothing NCIS will soon be done as well. Abby was the glue for the show,as Crawford was the show. it was based around him you kill him you got nothing . it was good for the first 2 seasons .
We’ve really enjoyed this series w/c most definitely won’t be as good without Clayne Crawford. Growing up with the movie series, it was fun to see it done in a weekly series. Clayne Crawford did an incredible job in taking on the character Martin Riggs, a military veteran with deep issues & lots baggage. Not a huge fan of Seann William Scott & really disappointed in the Fox executives looking at the wrong age demographics. Two comedic actors in major roles takes the show away from its roots.
Sorry to see Clayne but we will continue to watch this show because it is so much fun.
First off there is not lethal weapon without Riggs! Second Clayne is Riggs I think he did amazing job trying to make realistic the Riggs from the movies. I will not be watching this show without Clayne as Riggs. And Fox could have just let him go to Texas to end the show. How you gonna have a healing moment which was really good considering it didn’t seem possible only to end with him getting shot and not for purpose of bringing him(Clayne) back for another round but no to write him out an try and do lethal weapon without… Read more »
I will remain a viewer and Senn William Scott will be fine if they let his type of comedy come out. The show has some strong characters and if given a chance by the viewers will survive the next season.