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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?
My husband and I loved watching this show we were very shocked to learn that Clayne Crawford was fired. Clayne Crawford was great as Riggs and I doubt seriously that I’m going to watch this show anymore. I can’t imagine the show without his character and incidentally I think the last episode that he was in he did his best acting of all. I couldn’t believe they killed him off or at least look like they killed him off. The whole show revolves around his character so it’s really absurd. As far as personnel problems on the set it sounded… Read more »
Loved this show and the characters. Not sure we will be watching next season.
I will totally watch the new season of “Lethal Weapon” and I’m really glad it is returning. Yes, Clayne Crawford was a wonderful Riggs, but the writing on the show and the other cast members are fun to watch and I’m sure the new character will be just fine!
You took away Riggs I will not watch the show ever again he and Murtaugh were the main characters on that show that made that show you’re going to lose ratings because you’re taking him off the show shame on you
Keep him crap everyone you have a great show u change it or cancel it that’s by I stream now.
R u kidding me !!! My favorite show will not be watching ever again NO ONE can replace clayne Crawford !!!!! Who ever is in charge are idiots!!!!
I agree! No one can replace Clayne Crawford!! He made the show!! Booooooo!! Bad decision to fire Clayne!!
I am going to pass with the next season, loved the first two seasons. Done now, like most others, not going to watch.
Screw up by Fox, shocking.
Sean William Scott replacing Riggs – seriously? Fully support Clayne Crawford – his portrayal of Riggs was spot on – spirited, passionate, a little crazy – maybe…but must agree with others who have said that he clearly pays homage to Mel Gibson in his rendition of Riggs on the small screen. As far as I am concerned – if the scene at the end of last season is “real” – the show is officially over for me if Clayne Crawford is no longer a part of it. Crawford (as Riggs) was the only reason to watch. In my opinion, the… Read more »
Will not watch season 3. Did not need to kill off Riggs -he could have rode off into the sunset and they could have simply added a new co-lead; I might have given S3 a chance then… but not the way they ended S2. I am glad we are not all dismissed so easily from our jobs for overly-passionate responses in pressure situations. (of course, I don’t know if there really was only 2 incidents -but if they are as he described them -and there has been no rebuttal that I have seen- then I think their reaction was petty.)
Will not watch season three. Am very disappointed in the firing of Clayne Crawford, the show will just not be the same.
This is one of my favorite shows. Crawford really brought his character to life. it won’t be the same without him. I will continue to watch, hoping it will be as great as it was. different, but great.
Fox is making a big mistake. The show won’t be the same without Clayne Crawford. Fox should send him to behavior management if he’s causing trouble or cancel the show. Having him shot by his half-brother was low. His father is the one that needs killed off. That negativity is getting old!
Totally agree with you. Being shot by his half brother was really low!! Bad, bad!
If they wanted to replace Riggs they should have let him go and be happy in Texas I don’t like the ending with his brother shooting him and It won’t be the same show without him. I’ll watch the first show to decide if I continue to watch it will be a totally different TV show he was the reason I watched.
Exactly!!
I will watch the new season…..watched the first two seasons even though Crawford was in them.
will watch new showc