New Lethal Weapon Series Clinches U.K. Slot

LONDON: The U.S. series Lethal Weapon is headed to ITV, marking the return of acquired content to the channel’s prime-time schedule.

The new series, which is licensed by Warner Bros. International Television Distribution, is based on the hit movie franchise of the same name. It stars Clayne Crawford (Rectify) and Damon Wayans (My Wife and Kids, In Living Color) as a cop duo working in modern-day Los Angeles. The show will make its U.S. debut on FOX this fall.

Kevin Lygo, ITV’s director of television, said:  “We’re absolutely delighted to be bringing Lethal Weapon to our main channel. It’s rare that we find an acquisition with that sweet spot potential—the best production values and hugely entertaining drama, that we think can appeal to the biggest and broadest audiences and take up a place in ITV prime time. We saw Lethal Weapon and were immediately excited by what it could add to the ITV schedule, and we’re really looking forward to bringing the series to U.K. viewers.”

Sasha Breslau, ITV’s head of acquired series, said, “Lethal Weapon was a standout drama from this year’s Screenings, superbly rebooting a beloved franchise with the perfect mix of action, heart, humor and terrific chemistry between Wayans and Crawford as the iconic cop duo. I’m thrilled and excited to see the show take its place alongside ITV’s popular homegrown dramas.”