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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?
Not watching anymore. I will miss Clayne. He made the show. I’m done!
I will quit watching for sure big mistake, very disappointed.
The season won’t last with the new character, although he will fit in. Deal with the issues with Clayne and other nonsense in the series business and bring Clayne back. Every dispute can be solved. The two were the whole series…
This site should just move Lethal Weapon over to “canceled” right now. Without Clayne, this show is doomed. We won’t be watching, so it’s already effectively canceled for this household.
I am sorry you can’t replace the most popular character and expect people to keep watching.
I will not watch 3rd season of Lethal Weapon if Crawford is not back. My family loves this show. How is it you get enjoying the show and boom…it’s cancelled or a favorite actor leaves? I do not approve of bad behavior but give him a chance. His last chance.
Iam done ….not watching season 3 if Clayne isnt riggs the 2 made the show they both should buck it up and go on with it ….bring him back !!
I’m done. Riggs was the only character I liked on the show. I always thought it ridiculous that the Murtaugh character has now turned being like the “crazy” Riggs. It had to be Wayans ego.
I was so sad that Riggs (Clayne Crawford) was shot and killed, however, Seann William Scott will fit into the mix nicely. I will be looking forward to the fall show.
Loved the show but it will now end up like KEVEN CAN WAIT one season and its done, do not change a winning team..
If they kill off Riggs and replace the actor that plays him I will no longer be watching. The actor that plays Riggs makes the show. I think he is actually better at playing the character than Mel Gibson was and that says a lot because those are some big shoes to fill. I would rather see them replace Damon Wayans than Clayne Crawford. He is an okay Murtaugh but Danny Glover was much better. I actually pay for the show since I am currently overseas so from everything I am reading that is money I will be saving next… Read more »
Stupid decision Warner brothers. Hated the last episode. Crawford gone, so am I. Series will not make it without him. Just when I find something to watch on tv that is good somebody ruins it.
Glad renewed and like the replacement
They can not kill Riggs, Lethal Weapon is Riggs and Murghard not the other way around. I think it will be a big disappointment if they kill off Riggs
Pass