FOX has followed up yesterday’s renewal of The Mick with a second season pass for fellow freshman Lethal Weapon.
“Lethal Weapon continues to fire on all cylinders,” said Fox Entertainment president David Madden. “Every week, it delivers a big, fun roller-coaster ride, but also remains touchingly human and genuinely emotional, and that’s due to the chemistry that’s developed not only between Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford, but the entire cast.”
The renewal of Lethal Weapon comes as no surprise, given the show’s steady (and quite solid) ratings performance this season. Debuting with a much reduced Empire lead-out, Lethal Weapon has been a clear improvement over last year’s time slot resident Rosewood, with the absence of Empire only having a minor impact on its ratings. FOX needs this type of stout, durable procedural if they hope to rebuild their schedule, so Lethal Weapon has been immensely valuable to them and should find itself a new home next season so that it can grow a night on its own. With this renewal, FOX has Bob’s Burgers, The Simpsons, Lucifer, Empire, The Mick, and Lethal Weapon on its slate for 2017-18, while the network’s lone remaining WB-produced drama Gotham currently finds itself in limbo.
Developed for television by Matt Miller (Forever), Lethal Weapon follows Los Angeles cops Murtaugh (Wayans) and Riggs (Crawford) as they navigate a new partnership while keeping the streets safe. While reckless former Navy SEAL Riggs is dealing with residual grief from the loss of his wife and child, by-the-book Murtaugh has rejoined the force after a near-fatal heart attack, meaning that the two have found one another at vulnerable times in their lives. Subsequently, their working (and eventually personal) relationship helps begin the healing that each needs if they hope to move forward.
In addition to Crawford and Wayans, Lethal Weapon stars Keesha Sharp (Girlfriends), Jordana Brewster (The Fast and the Furious), and Kevin Rahm (Mad Men).
Lethal Weapon airs Wednesdays at 8:00 on FOX.
