What Happened to Lethal Weapon TV Show?
The Lethal Weapon TV show, a police procedural comedy-drama, premiered on Fox in 2016 and ran for three seasons until its conclusion in 2019. The show was based on the popular film franchise of the same name, starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as two mismatched detectives. The TV series adapted the concept, following the adventures of a veteran cop, Roger Murtaugh (played by Damon Wayans), and his new partner, Martin Riggs (played by Clayne Crawford), a loose cannon with a troubled past.
Cancellation and Replacement
Despite its initial success, Lethal Weapon faced several challenges during its run. The show’s ratings declined significantly in its third season, and the cast faced some behind-the-scenes drama. Clayne Crawford, who played Martin Riggs, was fired from the show after a controversy surrounding his behavior on set. His character was written out of the show, and a new partner, Wesley Cole (played by Seann William Scott), was introduced in the third season.
However, the show’s struggles continued, and Fox ultimately decided to cancel Lethal Weapon in May 2019. The network opted not to renew the show for a fourth season, citing declining ratings and increased production costs.
What Went Wrong?
So, what happened to Lethal Weapon TV show? Several factors contributed to its cancellation:
• Ratings decline: Lethal Weapon’s ratings dropped significantly in its third season, averaging around 3.5 million viewers per episode, down from around 6 million in its first season.
• Behind-the-scenes drama: The controversy surrounding Clayne Crawford’s departure from the show created tension on set and may have affected the show’s overall quality and morale.
• High production costs: The show’s budget was reportedly around $3 million per episode, making it one of the most expensive TV shows on Fox.
• Creative issues: Some critics argued that the show’s formula, which relied heavily on the chemistry between the two leads, began to wear thin, and the writing became stale.
Legacy and Impact
Despite its cancellation, Lethal Weapon left a lasting impact on the TV landscape:
• Influence on police procedurals: The show’s blend of action, comedy, and drama helped to revitalize the police procedural genre, paving the way for other shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and 9-1-1.
• Diversity and representation: Lethal Weapon featured a diverse cast, including African American and Asian American leads, and explored themes of race, culture, and identity.
• Fan engagement: The show developed a dedicated fan base, with many viewers tuning in each week to see the adventures of Murtaugh and Riggs (and later, Cole).
Table: Lethal Weapon TV Show Statistics
| Season | Episodes | Viewers (millions) | Rating (18-49) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | 6.4 | 2.2 |
| 2 | 22 | 5.5 | 1.8 |
| 3 | 15 | 3.5 | 1.2 |
Conclusion
Lethal Weapon TV show may be gone, but its impact on the TV landscape remains. The show’s unique blend of action, comedy, and drama helped to revitalize the police procedural genre, and its diverse cast and themes of representation helped to pave the way for future shows. While the show’s cancellation was likely due to a combination of factors, including declining ratings and behind-the-scenes drama, its legacy will continue to be felt in the world of television.
