The Lethal Weapon television series brought the iconic buddy cop franchise to the small screen with a talented ensemble cast that captivated audiences from 2016 to 2019. Based on the blockbuster film series created by Shane Black, the Fox drama reimagined the beloved characters of Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh for a new generation while maintaining the explosive action and heartfelt camaraderie that made the original movies so memorable. Over three seasons spanning 55 episodes, the show delivered high-octane entertainment through the performances of its skilled cast members, who breathed new life into these legendary characters.
Developed by Matt Miller and produced by Warner Bros Television, the series premiered on September 21, 2016, quickly establishing itself as one of Fox’s most successful new dramas. The show combined intense action sequences with character-driven storytelling, exploring themes of loss, redemption, partnership, and family dynamics. The casting choices proved crucial to the show’s success, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. From the leading duo to the supporting cast members who portrayed family, colleagues, and recurring characters, the Lethal Weapon TV series assembled a remarkable group of performers who made the show resonate with both longtime franchise fans and newcomers alike.
The Lead Detectives: Riggs and Murtaugh
The heart of the Lethal Weapon series rested on the partnership between two contrasting detectives working in the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division. Clayne Crawford portrayed Martin Riggs during the first two seasons, bringing intensity and vulnerability to the role of a grief-stricken former Navy SEAL struggling with the tragic loss of his wife Miranda and their unborn child. Crawford’s interpretation of Riggs captured the character’s dangerous unpredictability while revealing the pain beneath his reckless behavior. His performance earned praise from critics who appreciated his ability to balance action-hero bravado with genuine emotional depth.
The character of Martin Riggs lived in a trailer on the beach, having relocated from El Paso, Texas, to Los Angeles following his devastating personal loss. Crawford effectively portrayed Riggs as someone teetering on the edge, diving headfirst into dangerous situations with a death wish lurking beneath his brave exterior. His chemistry with co-star Damon Wayans became one of the show’s defining features, creating a dynamic partnership that honored the legacy established by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in the original films while carving out its own identity.
Damon Wayans took on the role of Roger Murtaugh, the veteran detective returning to active duty after recovering from a near-fatal heart attack. Wayans brought his considerable comedic timing to the role while never losing sight of the character’s dramatic elements. As a by-the-book officer who preferred to play things safe, Murtaugh found his carefully structured life upended by his partnership with the volatile Riggs. Wayans portrayed Murtaugh as a devoted family man living in Sherman Oaks with his wife Trish and their three children, balancing the demands of his dangerous job with his responsibilities as a husband and father.
The character’s arc throughout the series saw Murtaugh growing from a cautious officer focused on self-preservation into someone willing to take risks alongside his partner. Wayans’ performance captured the character’s evolution from someone who constantly reminded everyone he was “too old for this” to a detective who found renewed purpose through his partnership with Riggs. His portrayal emphasized Murtaugh’s wisdom, experience, and dedication to both his work and his family, making him the emotional anchor of the series.
Major Cast Change: Seann William Scott Joins the Team
Following the controversial departure of Clayne Crawford after Season 2 due to on-set behavioral issues and conflicts with cast and crew members, the production faced the challenge of continuing without one of its lead actors. The decision was made to kill off the Martin Riggs character rather than recast the role, addressing his fate in the Season 3 premiere. Seann William Scott joined the cast as a new character named Wesley Cole, a former CIA operative and Army veteran who becomes Murtaugh’s new partner.
Scott, best known for his role as Stifler in the American Pie franchise, brought a different energy to the partnership dynamic. His character Wesley Cole was introduced as someone with extensive international experience, having worked in dangerous locations around the world before transitioning to life in Los Angeles. The show’s creative team deliberately avoided simply replacing Riggs with another troubled character, instead crafting Cole as someone with his own distinct personality and background. Scott’s performance demonstrated his range beyond comedy, showing he could handle the dramatic and action-oriented demands of the role while maintaining the buddy-cop chemistry essential to the show’s formula.
The transition proved challenging for both the production and the audience, as viewers had become invested in the Riggs-Murtaugh partnership over two seasons. Scott approached the role with professionalism, creating a character who could stand on his own merits rather than attempting to replicate what came before. His chemistry with Wayans developed over the course of Season 3, though the show struggled to recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle dynamic that had defined its early success.
The Supporting Cast: Family, Friends, and Colleagues
Keesha Sharp delivered a standout performance as Trish Murtaugh, Roger’s supportive and strong-willed wife. Sharp took over the role from Golden Brooks, who portrayed Trish in the pilot episode. As a successful professional in her own right, Trish served as the emotional center of the Murtaugh family, balancing concern for her husband’s safety with understanding of his dedication to his work. Sharp brought warmth and authenticity to the role, portraying Trish as more than just “the cop’s wife” but as a fully realized character with her own agency and perspective.
Sharp’s performance earned her recognition including a nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series at the NAACP Image Awards. She effectively conveyed Trish’s evolution from someone worried about her husband’s health following his heart attack to a partner who came to accept and even appreciate the positive changes his friendship with Riggs brought to their lives. The actress also contributed behind the camera, directing episodes of the series and showcasing her multifaceted talents within the entertainment industry.
Jordana Brewster portrayed Dr Maureen Cahill, the police department’s psychologist who treated Detective Riggs and occasionally other officers. Brewster, widely recognized for her role in the Fast and Furious franchise, brought intelligence and compassion to the character. Dr Cahill served as Riggs’ therapist, helping him process his grief while maintaining professional boundaries that were sometimes tested by their undeniable connection. The character appeared as a series regular in the first two seasons before transitioning to a guest role in Season 3.
Brewster’s performance added depth to what could have been a one-dimensional role, portraying Dr Cahill as someone genuinely committed to helping Riggs heal while dealing with her own concerns about becoming too emotionally involved with a patient. The actress successfully navigated the delicate balance between professional objectivity and personal care, making Dr Cahill an integral part of Riggs’ support system throughout his journey toward healing.
Kevin Rahm brought authority and complexity to the role of Captain Brooks Avery, the commanding officer who supervised Riggs and Murtaugh while dealing with the constant headaches their unorthodox methods created. Rahm portrayed Avery as a principled leader who genuinely cared about his detectives while maintaining the discipline necessary to run an effective department. The character often found himself caught between supporting his officers and managing the chaos they sometimes created, requiring Rahm to balance exasperation with underlying respect and affection for his team.
Captain Avery’s character arc included his decision to step down from his position to pursue political office, with Murtaugh eventually promoted to replace him. Rahm’s performance emphasized the character’s integrity and dedication to law enforcement, making him more than just an authority figure but a mentor and friend to the detectives under his command.
The LAPD Team and Recurring Characters
Johnathan Fernandez portrayed Bernard Scorsese, a forensic pathologist who worked closely with the detectives. Initially introduced in the pilot episode, Fernandez was promoted to series regular when the show received its full season order. His character provided comic relief while offering crucial forensic expertise to help solve cases. Scorsese’s quirky personality and enthusiasm for his work made him a fan favorite, with Fernandez bringing energy and humor to every scene.
Michelle Mitchenor played Detective Sonya Bailey, a member of the LAPD who worked alongside Riggs and Murtaugh. Bailey represented the hardworking detectives who formed the backbone of the department, and Mitchenor brought professionalism and strength to the role. Her character provided additional investigative support and occasionally offered different perspectives on the cases the team pursued.
The Murtaugh children were portrayed by talented young actors who brought authenticity to the family dynamics central to Roger’s character. Chandler Kinney played Riana Murtaugh, the teenage daughter navigating the typical challenges of adolescence while dealing with having a police detective for a father. Dante Brown portrayed Roger Murtaugh Jr, known as RJ, the middle child who appeared in various episodes throughout the series. The younger Murtaugh child completed the family unit, representing the responsibilities and joys that motivated Roger’s desire to stay safe and come home to his loved ones.
Thomas Lennon made recurring appearances as Leo Getz, a character inspired by the role Joe Pesci made famous in the original film series. Lennon brought his trademark comedic energy to Leo, portraying him as an endearing if occasionally exasperating friend to both Riggs and Murtaugh. While showrunner Matt Miller expressed interest in making Lennon a series regular, the actor remained in a recurring capacity throughout all three seasons, appearing when the story called for his character’s particular brand of chaos and assistance.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama and Cast Departures
The Lethal Weapon series became infamous for significant behind-the-scenes turmoil that ultimately contributed to its cancellation after three seasons. The most publicized controversy involved Clayne Crawford’s departure following the second season. Reports emerged of multiple incidents involving alleged bad behavior on set, including complaints about emotional abuse and creating a hostile work environment. Crawford received two formal reprimands from Warner Bros Television during the second season.
The situation reached a breaking point during an episode Crawford was directing, when co-star Damon Wayans was struck by shrapnel during a stunt sequence. Wayans subsequently posted videos and images on social media documenting incidents involving Crawford before deleting his Twitter account entirely. Crawford later addressed the situation in a lengthy podcast interview, claiming he had been set up to fail and providing his perspective on the conflicts that led to his termination. Warner Bros Television ultimately determined they could not continue producing the series with Crawford attached, leading to his firing in May 2018.
The drama didn’t end with Crawford’s departure. In October 2018, Damon Wayans publicly announced his intention to leave the show after completing the initial thirteen episodes of Season 3. The 58-year-old actor cited health concerns related to his diabetes and the demanding sixteen-hour workdays required by the production schedule. Wayans expressed frustration about missing important family moments, including surgeries for his mother and daughter, due to his work commitments. He famously stated he needed to “find my smile again,” echoing his character Murtaugh’s signature line about being “too old for this.”
Following Wayans’ announcement, production officials worked to accommodate the actor’s needs by adjusting his shooting schedule and providing specialized diabetic meals on set. Wayans agreed to complete the full fifteen-episode order for Season 3, and reports indicated the on-set atmosphere improved significantly with these changes. Executive producer Matt Miller described Wayans’ initial announcement as “a cry for help” and praised the actor’s professionalism once accommodations were made to address his health concerns.
Critical Reception and Cast Performance
Critics offered mixed reviews of the Lethal Weapon series overall, but consistently praised the cast’s performances, particularly the chemistry between the lead actors. For the first season, review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported a 67 percent approval rating, with critics noting that the show’s “overly polished production values and tired narrative are somewhat overcome by solid chemistry between its two leads.” The second season received more positive reviews, earning a 100 percent rating from critics who appreciated the show’s development and the deepening of character relationships.
The third season, despite the major cast change, also received positive critical reception with a 100 percent rating from the five critics who reviewed it for Rotten Tomatoes. However, audience response proved more challenging, with viewership declining significantly throughout the season. The show averaged approximately 3.06 million viewers with a 0.70 rating in the key 18-49 demographic during Season 3, down substantially from Season 2’s 4 million viewers and 1.0 rating, and even further from Season 1’s 6.5 million viewers and 1.57 rating.
The Show’s Legacy and Cast Careers
Fox officially cancelled Lethal Weapon on May 10, 2019, bringing the troubled series to an end after three seasons. Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier described the cancellation as one of several “tough choices” made “in the quest to be number one.” While declining ratings played a role in the decision, the behind-the-scenes drama and cast changes proved insurmountable obstacles for the show’s long-term viability. The network subsequently shifted away from adaptations of movie franchises, focusing on original programming instead.
For the cast members, the Lethal Weapon series represented different points in their careers. Clayne Crawford continued acting in various film and television projects following his controversial exit, though the public nature of his firing created challenges. Damon Wayans took time away from television before returning to scripted content in 2024 with the CBS sitcom Poppa’s House, which reunites him with his son Damon Wayans Jr. Seann William Scott continued his career in both film and television, having demonstrated his dramatic range through his Season 3 performance.
The supporting cast members leveraged their Lethal Weapon experience to advance their careers. Keesha Sharp expanded her directing portfolio, helming episodes of numerous television series including Black Lightning, Charmed, Bel Air, and Found. Jordana Brewster continued her successful film career while taking on various television roles. The series provided valuable exposure for younger cast members like Chandler Kinney, who went on to other acting opportunities in television and film.
Impact on the Buddy Cop Genre
Despite its tumultuous production history, the Lethal Weapon television series demonstrated that the buddy cop formula pioneered by the original films could still resonate with modern audiences when executed by talented performers. The cast’s ability to recreate the magic of the Riggs-Murtaugh partnership while making it their own showcased the enduring appeal of well-developed character dynamics in action-oriented storytelling. The show proved that even familiar franchises could find success on television when the casting choices honored the source material while bringing fresh perspectives.
The series also highlighted the importance of workplace culture in television production. The behind-the-scenes conflicts that plagued the show served as cautionary tales about the consequences of toxic work environments, even when a production appears successful from the outside. The cast and crew’s experiences underscored how interpersonal dynamics can make or break a series, regardless of its creative potential or commercial success.
Conclusion
The cast of the Lethal Weapon television series brought together established stars and emerging talents to recreate one of cinema’s most beloved partnerships for the small screen. From Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans’ initial pairing through Seann William Scott’s arrival in Season 3, the lead actors delivered performances that honored the franchise’s legacy while establishing their own interpretations of these iconic characters. The supporting cast, including Keesha Sharp, Jordana Brewster, Kevin Rahm, and others, created a rich world around the central partnership, portraying family members, colleagues, and friends who added depth and emotional resonance to the action-packed storytelling.
While behind-the-scenes drama ultimately contributed to the show’s premature conclusion, the talent and dedication of the cast cannot be denied. They delivered compelling performances across 55 episodes, creating memorable moments that entertained millions of viewers. The Lethal Weapon TV series stands as a testament to both the possibilities and challenges of adapting beloved film franchises for television, with its cast members playing crucial roles in both its successes and struggles. Their work demonstrated that great casting remains fundamental to television success, even as it revealed how interpersonal conflicts can undermine even the most talented ensemble.
