Why was lethal weapon cancelled?

Why Was Lethal Weapon Cancelled?

The popular American crime comedy-drama television series, Lethal Weapon, was cancelled by FOX after three seasons in March 2019. The show, which was inspired by the 1987 film of the same name, starred Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford as two mismatched police detectives, Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs. Despite its initial success, the show faced several challenges and controversies that ultimately led to its cancellation.

Ratings and Viewership

One of the primary reasons for the cancellation was the decline in ratings and viewership. Despite its strong debut in the fall of 2016, the show’s viewership numbers began to decline steadily over the course of its three seasons. According to Nielsen Media Research, the show’s average viewership per episode dropped from around 6.3 million in its first season to around 4.1 million in its third and final season.

Critical Reception

Another factor that contributed to the cancellation was the show’s mixed critical reception. While the show received praise for its comedic performances and action sequences, it was also criticized for its formulaic storytelling, lack of character development, and inconsistent tone. The show’s Rotten Tomatoes score, for example, dropped from around 60% in its first season to around 40% in its third season.

Controversies and Cast Departures

The show also faced several controversies and cast departures that further weakened its chances of survival. In 2018, Clayne Crawford, who played Martin Riggs, was fired from the show after allegations of on-set behavior and conflicts with the show’s producers. Crawford’s departure was met with widespread criticism from fans, who felt that his character was an integral part of the show’s success.

Seann William Scott’s Addition

In 2018, Seann William Scott was added to the show as a series regular, playing the new character of Wesley Cole. While Scott’s addition was intended to revitalize the show, it ultimately did not have the desired effect. The show’s ratings continued to decline, and the addition of Scott was met with mixed reviews from critics.

Budget Concerns

Another significant factor that contributed to the cancellation was budget concerns. The show was reportedly costly to produce, with an estimated budget of around $3 million per episode in its third season. In an effort to cut costs, the show’s producers made significant changes to the show’s production schedule, including reducing the number of episodes per season and introducing more cost-effective filming techniques.

Table: Episode Order and Production Schedule Changes

Conclusion

Lethal Weapon’s cancellation was a result of a combination of factors, including declining ratings and viewership, mixed critical reception, controversies and cast departures, and budget concerns. Despite its initial success and loyal fan base, the show ultimately failed to regain its footing and was ultimately cancelled by FOX after three seasons.