Sometimes the truth hurts — especially when it comes to television ratings. After three seasons, FOX has cancelled Lie to Me.
Starring Tim Roth, Lie to Me revolves around Cal Lightman and members of The Lightman Group. They’re a team of specialists who help law enforcement agencies uncover the truth by using applied psychology. Others in the cast include Kelli Williams, Brendan Hines, Monica Raymund, Hayley McFarland, and Mekhi Phifer.
Last season, Lie to Me averaged a 2.9 rating in the all-important 18-49 demographic and 8.03 million total viewers. That was down from season one and the series found itself on the bubble for renewal. FOX ended up giving the TV series another chance and renewed it for 13 episodes.
Unfortunately, season three didn’t perform nearly as well as season two. It premiered last October to a 2.1 rating in the demo and 5.86 million. Viewership eroded in subsequent weeks and FOX declined to give the show a full season order. Lie to Me then hit a new series low in January, registering a meager 1.5 rating and 5.43 million viewers.
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In its final weeks on the air, viewers seemed to rally behind it and Lie to Me had its best ratings of the season — a 2.5 in the demo and 7.67 million.
Though the ratings had come way down, FOX execs claimed that they still valued the TV series and saw it as a solid utility player. Showrunner Alex Cary said, “Fox has been very clear with us — they know what the show is, they know what it can do. [The ratings bump] shows that people will come watch the show.”
Now, after three seasons on the air, the series is over. FOX has officially cancelled Lie to Me after 48 episodes. All of the installments have aired. Though there are too few episodes for a traditional syndication package, the first two seasons have already been released on DVD.
What do you think? Should Lie to Me have been renewed for season four?
Image courtesy FOX.
I don’t only want but I NEED more lie to me. I don’t know how but bring back at least one more season 🙁
why on earth was this cancelled? I am addicted after completing the series on Netflix.
Chris, I’m with you: I was addicted from the start and just revisited all 48 episodes on Netflix. I hate it that the show is gone. Tim Roth was totally settled in the Carl Lightman role, flinging his body about a lot less (argh, that could be irritating at times), and I was relying on the show as a learning experience, like the original CSI or Numbers. I wish they would bring it back, even if we cannot have the same cast. It’s hard to find intelligent, challenging shows. Oh, I understand that ads pay for the show, and without… Read more »
Please bring back this show!!! it is addicting and probably one of the best shows Ive watched since CSI. I need know more.
PLEASE! For the love of all things breathing…. Bring this back some way some how! I just watched all 3 seasons for the first time and I need MORE! Someone do something, lol.
Sometimes I believe the writers of these shows lose touch. I binged watched this show and watching episode after episode I noticed a big difference in the script. The dynamics of the characters changed and not in a way time changes all relationships. It was more like someone got an idea in their head and tried to ride it out no matter how idiotic it seemed. It was a great show and i guess like most viewers that stopped watching is because something changed. like going to your favorite restaurant for your favorite dish and one day you think to… Read more »
We are finding this series on Netflix, and also wondering why it ended with only 3 seasons!! Unfortunately a sleeper and an pencil point executive. Hopefully Netflix will push this forward and keep it alive, please.
Yes this is a sleeper …and a keeper. Very on point with the world as it is right now with alternative facts. We could sure use this show with the same cast back on TV. It would be great if Netflix continued it.
I have no life.
I have been watching it on Netflix. Just found out it has been cancelled. I am quite devastated. Hopefully with enough comments we can manage to get it picked up from where it left off. ‘MURICA
Point on, Char. I wonder what the site owner(s) do with threads like this: ignore or pass the word? There’s no feedback, so no way to tell. Perhaps contacting Fox directly to make them aware is in order.
We need this show back it is great!!!!
I watched this show on Netflix and I want it Back…it is the best show out there… the writing was great…. And I am going to miss it PLEASE BRING it BACK !!!
Please bring back Lie to Me! We are currently watching the episodes again – after watching it for nth time we will have a break for like 3-6 months then watch it again. Its a very intellectual movie and we learn a lot from it. I really hope you’ll give it another chance.
I think another season to tie up loose ends with everyone. It’s an amazing show I don’t usually watch crime shows but this one is one I have watched
Thank you
I don’t think it should have been cancelled. I loved all the characters and the story lines were good. Why not bring it back for Netflix. Why that’s a wonderful idea! I wish I would have thought of that.
I have just discovered this show on Netflix. It’s my Mentalist and House replacement. I LOVE IT! I realize it was cancelled 6 years ago, but I would really love to see it resurrected. The thing is, the people who love this show are educated, intelligent and not looking for a graphically-disturbing show. Unfortunately, the general masses is uneducated, of average intelligence, and looking for graphically-disturbing content. The masses want Breaking Bad and Sopranos (which are good shows, but very disturbing)–things that upset us. This show is brilliant, fascinating and very well-written without being horrifying. Can there not be a… Read more »
Please renew this tv series its a good show, actually i watch season 2 straight in one day. I just finish watching the whole series now and I felt something was missing cause its not yet done. 🙂
I hope they bring back back the show. If Fox isn’t interrested in giving “Lie to me” another shot, at least bring it back as A Netflix series. Please!!!!!