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.
Great series. Only discovered it recently. Am limiting myself to just one episode per night as there are only three seasons to enjoy. The chemistry between the main characters is bang on. It’s too bad that another network didn’t pick this up and run with it.
Lie to Me was a great show. I enjoyed it when it was on regular television and now on Prime. I recommend it to everyone. I wish there were more than 3 seasons. I have actually taken notes on the lie signs! LOL. They are sooo true. It’s a shame they ended it. Try it again and give The Lightman Group another chance!!!!!!!!
I really enjoyed lie to me I binged it in like a week and loved all of it. I really think the show had something going and I can’t believe that they didn’t continue it.
Hello. I didn’t watch the show Lie to me* while it was on television but I’ve heard of it. I didn’t think it would interest me. Then I found it on Hulu and read the description, so I decided to watch it. Lie to me* is one of the best shows I’ve binge watched; I mean it’s up there with Arrow on the CW(wish that didn’t get canceled as well). It’s very interesting and, to me, it appeases to the comedy, drama, action, suspense, and a bit of romance here and there. I loved the back and forth smart*** yet… Read more »
Fox is the Network that cancelled Firefly, Arrested Development, Keen Eddie, and Futurama. Possibly some of the best shows in their categories EVER. If anyone at FOX programming knows anything about quality I’m the Sultan of the Inner Planets.
Fox and every other network out there cancel shows because the ratings go downhill and/or they’re too expensive to make. This show went from being fun, interesting and promising to a slide downhill with relationships coming to a standstill and in season 3, Lightman’s character became a caricature of the guy he was in the first two seasons. Decent (not great) writing went to crap. The characters outside of Lightman got duller and slid off into the shadows — all IMHO. Could’ve been so much better and stayed on the air.
I just found this show and cannot stop watching it, I love it I’m just finishing season one. Heard it’s only 3 seasons definitely wish it was more
I cannot believe there is no season 4 to Lie to Me. Absolutely gutted, I know it was back in 2011 when it ended but I really think FOX need to get the crew back together. I think it was before its time and now with the access we have to streaming today it definitely needs to come back pronto
I would very much to see a season 4 of Tell me Lies. I came late to the series but have really enjoyed all three series, it’s great television.
why is it that fox would end a show without giving it a true ending? In the end Cal should have at least confessed his love but they end it with Claire asking him if he’s really in love and the addition of a new character just episodes from the show being cancelled. I will always remember the last episode and feel like I was low-balled and my time was wasted i hate it when shows just abruptly end. It only shows that all fox cares about is ratings and yes they are important BUT for a show this interesting… Read more »
Should continue. It got better every season. As you made the characters connect more I liked it more. Hated the way you ended it.
My Son just turned me on to Lie to Me. wish it didn’t end. they should do a season 4
Fox should contact the original cast and get the show renewed pronto such a brilliant interesting complicated show definitely worth a few more seasons
My husband and I really enjoyed this series and were so disappointed that it was canceled. Yes, we would love for it to comeback. It feels so incomplete.
This is one of the greatest series that haven’t had a chance for an ending and left people hanging. Bring this show back!
This will always be one of my favorites. Season 3 screwed up when they took out Mehki and replaced him with the lady detective. We didn’t even get a reason that I know of for taking him out. I’d love to see how the team has changed and Emily all grown up. The show could have a major turnaround.