Riggs and Murtaugh coming to ITV

ITV has acquired the new US TV series Lethal Weapon, based on the hit films of the same name.

Acquired from Warner Bros. International Television Distribution, Lethal Weapon and set in modern-day Los Angeles, the series follows classic LAPD cop duo Riggs and Murtaugh (played by Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans respectively), who are paired together to work LA’s crime-ridden beat.

Family man and by-the-book LAPD Detective Roger Murtaugh (Wayans) is back to work after a near fatal heart attack – and his doctor has told him he needs to keep his stress levels under control. That might not be so easy given that he’s been paired with ex-Navy SEAL-turned-detective Martin Riggs (Crawford), who has moved to California for a new start at the LAPD.

During their first case, hot-headed Riggs drags conventional cop Murtaugh on a freeway chase and into a shootout with drug dealers; despite his protests, the older cop feels more alive than he has in years. Meanwhile, Riggs gets a glimpse of why Murtaugh is so determined to get home safely at the end of each day – he has a family and a newborn baby. And Murtaugh finds out what happened to Riggs’ marriage, that he sadly lost his young wife and unborn child, and his devil-may-care-attitude hides his grief.

By the time their investigation ends, Riggs realises he may have found something worth living for – a partner and friend in Murtaugh. Even Murtaugh figures this arrangement might just work out after all. If only Riggs doesn’t get them killed first….

The drama also stars Kevin Rahm (Mad Men), Jordana Brewster (The Fast and the Furious), Keesha Sharp (Are We There Yet?), Dante Brown (Mr. Robinson), Chandler Kinney (Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street) and Johnathan Fernandez (Upright Citizens Brigade).

Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Director of Television, said: “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 UK viewers.”

ITV’s Head of Acquired Series, Sasha Breslau, said, “Lethal Weapon was a standout drama from this year’s Screenings, superbly rebooting a beloved franchise with the perfect mix of action, heart, humour 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.”

Lethal Weapon is a Lin Pictures and Good Session Productions in association with Warner Bros. Matt Miller (Chuck, Forever) write the pilot episode and executive produces the series alongside, Dan Lin (Sherlock Holmes, Forever), Jennifer Gwartz (Veronica Mars, Forever) and McG (Supernatural, Nikita) who also directs the series.

Lethal Weapon is due to premiere in the US this Autumn on Fox. The series will air in a primetime slot on ITV.

Watch a trailer below…