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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?
It was the only show that I made time to watch aired non-recorded, and I will remember it the way it was. Love both main actors, but definitely only watched it for the way Clayne played Riggs. I will really miss the show. Thanks for 2 great seasons. It was great while it lasted!
Me too on the 1 of 2 shows I never missed as aired the past 2 seasons. Would Crawford agree to a “handler?” Halfway joking here!
Not without Clayne Crawford. SWS is a clownish hobbldy hoi compared to Crawford. SWS will never have the acting chops to pull over a deeply wounded, emotionally scarred, and intelligent character that will be needed to replace the Riggs character. Sorry…. Still off LW unless Crawford comes back.
You are so right!!!
With Crawford gone it won’t be worth watching.
I agree
I won’t be watching season 3
Clayne Crawford – is believable as someone who has demons and could be dangerous – he has the look in his eyes… I noticed it when I first saw him in A Walk To Remember he had that look – remember the lunchroom scene where he pushed a kid & starting yelling at Shane West’s character… Seann William Scott does not have that look, and is too comedic to play someone who needs to be unpredictable and a little crazy. How can a show that is called “Lethal Weapon” have no character that is a lethal weapon, unless that’s what… Read more »
“Not without Riggs”
I’m going to miss Riggs
won’t watch it. Clayne was Riggs.
Agree with all below will not watch not low without riggs
I really liked Crawford. I was so surprised and sad at how the show ended. If he has to be let go from his contract, then I would like to see him happily living in Texas with Molly and her son. There is always too much killing off at the end of shows to get rid of someone who they no longer want. Signed a great fan….I will give the new guy a chance…best wishes to Clay….
There’s no way i’ll Watch Lethal Weapon EVER AGAIN!! First of all, Clayne made the show. I could care less about Wayans. Second of all, Lethal Weapon is Riggs and Murtaugh and they’re killing off Riggs and bringing in a new character?! HUH? Fox is stupid!! There was a petition to save Clayne as Riggs and they didn’t listen to their fans. I hope this gets cancelled because the ratings are so low!! Fans are what make or break a show, and they didn’t listen to us. They killed my favorite show…way to go Fox!!!
What a big ****! Clayne IS Lethal Weapon, it is his face, his painfull eyes, with the big fun at the same time. We suffer with this character, we want him back, Riggs just should stay alive and find his future with love again and not longer pain. That was the best Series in the last few years and we had so much hope to keep Lethal for us for many more seasons. Now it is dead, because he said things they’re right. And he was right to want to work safely! We are fans of Lethal Weapon, but we… Read more »
i certainly do not be grudge the new comer to this show, however i do not see that anyone could replace Crawford. they definately made the show. i will probably not return to the series. such a shame that you did not work harder to save Crawford i will miss this enjoyment.
Agree
I will not watch the show without Crawford.
I just don’t see how the show will survive without Crawford. He definitely makes the show.
Clayton Crawford (Riggs) made the show! No one will be able to replace him! Riggs and Roger together made a great team!
Agree they really did.