FOX has decided to renew its action drama seriesLethal Weaponfor a third season, but it’s not exactly that cut and dry. Word broke last week that starClayne Crawford, who plays Martin Riggs,was in line to be firedfrom the series owing to “bad behavior” on set. Indeed, FOX announced today thatLethal WeaponSeason 3 is happening, but Crawford will no longer be part of the show. Instead,Seann William Scotthas been cast as “a new character who folds into a partnership with Murtaugh (Damon Wayans)," leaving thisLethal WeaponTV series without a Riggs.
The is the first series regular role for Scott, who first broke out as part of theAmerican Piefranchise but who has shown considerable range through films likeRole Models,The Rundown, andGoon.
Lethal Weaponwas something of a bubble show for a renewal, averaging a 1.7 rating and a multi-platform audience of 8.6 million, but the series does well internationally.Kate Arthur of Buzzfeedreports that one of the reasons FOX opted to renew the series without Crawford was to “make the point that bad behavior will get you fired.” Arthur cites sources close to the show who say Crawford was “abusive to his cast and crew” and once had an outburst in front of children, for which he was reprimanded and docked pay. Apparently the “bad behavior” continued, and FOX made the decision to remove the actor from the series entirely.
This marks the next dramatic development in what’s shaping up to be an eventful upfronts season, as FOX on Thursdaycancelled three of its main comedies:Brooklyn Nine-Nine,The Last Man on Earth, andThe Mick. Fan outcry was so intense thatBrooklyn Nine-Ninehas now beenpicked up by NBC, but FOXalso axed its drama seriesThe ExorcistandLucifer, upsetting fans even further.
We’re only just getting started as this week the networks will begin to unveil their new lineups this week. Stay tuned…
For a full list of shows that have been renewed and cancelled,check out our TV Lifeline.
