‘Lethal Weapon’ Season 4 Renewed or Canceled?; Show’s Future, Damon Wayans’ Return Hang in the Balance

A TV show's most recent viewership statistics and ratings are, frequently, the biggest factors that a network considers whether they would renew or cancel a series. However, in the case of “Lethal Weapon” season 4, the show's future likely depends on Damon Wayans’ decision to return or not.

A few months ago fans of the comedy-drama cop series were shocked when Wayans announced he will be leaving the show after season 3. Ultimately, it raised questions on whether Fox will consider ordering “Lethal Weapon” season 4 if its two original main characters will no longer be around.

In a previous interview with Eurweb.com, Wayans said, “I’m going to be quitting the show in December after we finish the initial 13.” The actor then added he was not aware of the plans for the show at the time, but that he knows “Lethal Weapon” season 4 is not part of his 2019 plans.

“I’m a 58-year-old diabetic and I’m working 16-hour days,” Wayans further explained possibly explaining why he is not up for “Lethal Weapon” season 4. “I’m done. Like Murtaugh said, I’m too old for this.”

The main point of the series is the adventures of buddy cops. Originally, Wayans’ Murtaugh was paired with Clayne Crawford's Martin Riggs until the latter was written off the show following the actor's controversial exit. As a result, Murtaugh was introduced to a new cop partner named Wesley Cole played by Seann William Scott. Though Cole's addition worked, it is obviously a big challenge if “Lethal Weapon” season 4 will have to introduce another new main character.

Fox and the bosses of the show have yet to confirm if Wayans exit is already a done deal. However, if “Lethal Weapon” season 4 is going to happen it would be difficult not to have Wayans on the set. When asked about having Wayans again in “Lethal Weapon” season 4, executive producer Matt Miller can only say in early February that “it's going to be a conversation [and] a negotiation.”