ITV Bringing 'Lethal Weapon' Series To The UK In Primetime Slot

ITV has bought the rights to broadcast new US series ‘Lethal Weapon’, the TV reboot of the popular eighties and nineties movie franchise which starred Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. The series, which will premiere in October, will be given a primetime slot by the channel and is ITV’s first US purchase for primetime in three years.

The series stars Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans as police partners Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh, the roles made famous by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. It will also feature ‘Mad Men’s’ Kevin Rahm and Fast And The Furious actress Jordana Brewster.

‘Lethal Weapon’ follows LAPD Detective Roger Murtaugh (Wayans), who returns to work after a near fatal heart attack and is paired with ex-Navy SEAL-turned-detective Martin Riggs (Crawford), who has just moved to California looking for a new start.

Speaking about the acquisition, ITV’s Kevin Lygo 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 primetime.”

More: Fox Planning 'Lethal Weapon' Reboot For The Small Screen

The last time ITV acquired a US series for a primetime slot was in 2013 when it purchased the rights to air ‘The Americans’. However ITV dropped the show in 2015, deciding not to acquire its third season.

Speaking to The Sun, an insider said: “This is a significant move and shows how competitive ITV is getting. It is going for whatever works and 'Lethal Weapon' is an exciting show that has the potential to draw in large amounts of viewers.”

“People are watching these huge US shows on streaming services Netflix and Amazon, so why shouldn’t ITV show it in an evening slot?" the insider added. "Buying the rights for American shows in the past has worked well.”