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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?
Well I won’t be watching season 3 without clayne Crawford playing The character of Riggs. He made the show. Very disappointed.
Martin Riggs is the title character. He is the lethal weapon. I didn’t particularly care for Crawford, but replacing him was a mistake. Getting rid of Riggs was an even bigger one.
What’s next for FOX? Perhaps a First Blood series where they kill off John Rambo?
After watching all of the movies throughout my luge i thought this show would be terrible. I thought they would never be abletocapture the magic of Martin Riggs without Mel Gibson. To my surprise i was wrong. They found THE perfect actor to portray him. And now this nonsense? They might as well cancel it now because of the drop in viewers from season 1 to season 2 was any indication, season 3 will have an even greater drop off. Thisis going to end up like the “rush hour” tv show and just be terrible.
I think Fox made a huge mistake & will not be watching.
I went into season 1 questioning the shows existence… and fell in love with it. The entire cast was an amazing team but you cannot have Lethal Weapon without Riggs or Murtaugh. Four movies and two seasons have proven that to me.
Thanks for the ride but this is where I get off.
At least the producers didn’t attempt to replace Crawford with another Riggs.
But no Riggs does mean no Lethal Weapon and I feel that unless they come up with something very special, then most fans won’t even give it a shot.
Well I guess I won’t need to tune in to see if Riggs lives. I won’t watch it anymore. The leads had good chemistry but Riggs was why I watched the show. Rip leathal weapon
I’m done with Lethal Weapon because they fired Clayne Crawford. I’ve deleted all episodes from my DVR and erased the timer for it as well. It sounds like the show has some ”prima donna” issues. Too bad. It was a good show.
Lethal Weapon season 3 will fall flat on it’s face. No one has the pazazz that
Crawford brings to the show. Usually it takes some strong and difficult people
to make a really good show. These amazing people come around once in a while, (look at Rosanne)
and if you get a really good one like Clayne, it’s worth the trouble. I’m not saying Wayans is worthless, he just doesn’t have enough to carry the show.
My husband and I, will be boycotting the show in protest. Fox did a bad thing!!! We will continue to watch Fox news shows.
Letal Weapon is one of my FAVORITE tv shows. I wait for it to come every Wednesday!! I am so sad to see that Riggs is gone! He is most of why I watch the show! Their relationship is so touching and heartwarming but the show is also exciting. I am not sure if a change in cast will work. I will wait and see!!! What happened that Crawford was let go!! I WANT HIM BACKS!!!! I feel that already, a replacement will feel just like that, a fill in, not like the true story!! But try it! We’ll see… Read more »
No Riggs played by Crawford than count me out he was the show! Wayans always thinks he is the star of every show he is on. You would think he would learn better to be supporting actor than no job at all. I do not want to see Mr American Pie. I want Crawford they got rid of the wrong one! And the “reason” they are letting him go is total bs that happened over a yr ago. Did they offer to get Crawford help? Nope just because Wayans ego is hurt. Fox you think you would learn!! Whoever hires… Read more »
Please cancel it.
No more Lethal Weapon for me. Clayne Crawford as Martin Riggs made the show! Without him it’s nothing.
Crawford IS bad boy Martin Riggs and the soul of the show. How he and Wayans played off of each other is special. I won’t watch it with Crawford removed. Don’t know what egregious behavior he exhibited, but perhaps he couldn’t get out of his “Riggs” character.
I wasn’t crazy about Crawford. I think this is a good change. I will watch.