What Happened to Lethal Weapon the Series?
The Lethal Weapon franchise, created by Shane Black, has been a staple of action-comedy films since its inception in 1987. The series, which spans five films, has had its fair share of highs and lows, with fans eagerly awaiting the next installment. However, in recent years, the franchise’s television series, Lethal Weapon, has struggled to maintain its momentum and has ultimately come to a close. In this article, we’ll explore what happened to Lethal Weapon the series and discuss the reasons behind its downfall.
The Origins of Lethal Weapon the Series
The television series, Lethal Weapon, premiered on Fox in 2016, eight years after the release of the fourth film in the franchise. The show’s premise revolved around Riggs (Clayne Crawford), a loose-canon cop, and Murtaugh (Damon Wayans), a by-the-book detective, as they partnered up to take on the streets of Los Angeles. The show’s creator, Matt Miller, envisioned a series that would bring the same blend of humor and action that made the films so successful.
**Initial Success and Critical Acclaim
The pilot episode of Lethal Weapon received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the chemistry between Crawford and Wayans. The show also performed well in the ratings, averaging around 4.5 million viewers per episode in its first season. The show’s premiere episode was watched by a whopping 8.8 million viewers, making it one of the highest-rated new dramas of the fall season.
The Drama Behind the Scenes
Despite its initial success, Lethal Weapon faced numerous production issues and cast changes behind the scenes. In July 2017, original star Clayne Crawford’s contract was not renewed due to "creative differences." His character, Riggs, was written out of the show, and former Sons of Anarchy star Sean William Scott was brought on board to play a new character, Wesley Cole. The change was met with mixed reactions from fans, with some welcoming the change and others expressing disappointment over the departure of Crawford’s character.
**Ratings Decline and Cancellation
The show continued to struggle with ratings following Crawford’s departure. Season 2 averaged around 3.5 million viewers per episode, a significant drop from its first season. The show’s performance in the ratings led Fox to announce that Lethal Weapon would be leaving the network after its current season. The show was subsequently cancelled, with an announcement made in May 2019.
Key Statistics:
| Year | Season | Episodes | Viewers (Average per Episode) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 13 | 4.5 million |
| 2017 | 2 | 15 | 3.5 million |
| 2018-2019 | 3 | 13 | 2.5 million |
Conclusion
Lethal Weapon’s struggles in the ratings and behind the scenes ultimately led to the show’s cancellation. The departure of Clayne Crawford and the introduction of Sean William Scott’s character proved to be a significant shock to the system, alienating some fans and failing to attract new viewers. While the show had its moments of brilliance, it failed to maintain the momentum established in its first season, ultimately leading to its downfall.
What’s Next for the Lethal Weapon Franchise?
Despite the cancellation of the television series, the Lethal Weapon franchise continues to thrive in other formats. The fifth film, Lethal Weapon 5, is currently in development, with Shane Black set to return as the director. The film’s plot is still under wraps, but fans are hopeful that it will bring a sense of closure to the franchise.
In conclusion, Lethal Weapon the series had a promising start but ultimately failed to find its footing. The struggles behind the scenes and creative changes led to a significant decline in ratings, resulting in the show’s cancellation. While the franchise remains beloved, its television adaptation will be remembered as a departure from the original films.
Table: Lethal Weapon Franchise Filming Timeline
| Year | Film | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Lethal Weapon | Richard Donner |
| 1989 | Lethal Weapon 2 | Richard Donner |
| 1992 | Lethal Weapon 3 | Richard Donner |
| 1998 | Lethal Weapon 4 | Richard Donner |
| TBA | Lethal Weapon 5 | Shane Black |
Will the Lethal Weapon Franchise Make a Comeback?
Only time will tell if the Lethal Weapon franchise will make a comeback in some form. With the potential for a new film in development, fans are keeping their fingers crossed that it will bring a sense of closure to the series and revive the franchise’s nostalgic charm.
