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 need to start watching senseless shows. Seems as though every time I invest in one of these quality shows they go off the air. Nice job FOX, I can honestly say your channel will never be turned on in my household again.
Superb programme and cast how disappointing and sad surely a poor decision!
With so much inane, scatological teenage humor type programming on, how can you cancel such a well performed, intriguing and thought provoking show? It was a suitable addition to Dexter and 24. It says something about the board at FOX!
PLEASE!!!! Bring the show back!! I love that show!!!
This is REALLY disappointing. I could hardy wait for the next show. Hope someone else picks it up!!! Fringe is another good show. Back to watching documentaries!
One of only 3 shows I watched regularly; Chicago Code (also canceled) and Body of Proof. Will really, really miss Lie to Me- am watching again on Netflix. Getting rid of Mekhi Phifer was a big mistake. At least they gave the 3rd season a shot, FOX was considering canceling after season 2. Bringing it back would be great but a long shot. So many have tried with so many shows: I’m still getting over the cancellation of Legacy after a hard fight years and years ago!!
WTF is wrong with you fox,one o the best shows of all time and you cancelled it?Shame on you!!!There are MILION OF FANS around thw world and they are very disappointed.Bring it back,do justice to the people who love the show.
Two and a half men fired Charlie Sheen,Lie to me got cancelled wtf is next World War 3?
LIE TO ME NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS SHOW ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BRING IT BACK
Why oh why do the truly unique and witty shows have to be cancelled so soon? This to me was one of the best, clever and entertaining shows out there. I bet you Cal could take House in 2 rounds. But I’m just outside you demo so I know my opinion doesn’t count. Sad. Sad. Sad. This show reminds my of the clever shows of the past like Mission Impossible. That took time to catch on too but when it did? Can you say great movies and syndication. Common guys, have a heart bring it back. Say it ain’t so.… Read more »
Fox cancelling this show is an absolute shame. Lie to Me and House are the only shows Fox had/has going for it. To get rid of intellegent entertainment is a total disgrace. I hope another network jumps on the chance to snatch it up. Fox’s loss is some other networks gain. Hopefully someone else picks it up.
Reality shows are for air-headed shallow dumb asses who can’t tell from acting and truth – ‘Reality’ shows are hardly ‘reality’. “Lie to Me” was well thought through and had great script. Unfortunately the lack of views means the lack of intelligence in the television-watching community.
MONICA RAYMUND IS A BABE. I LOVED WATCHING HER. AND, BY THE WAY, IT WAS A FANTASTIC SHOW AS WELL. 🙂
BRING THE SHOW BACK! PLLEEEEAAAASSEEEE!!! This show made me decide what to do with my life, I’m currently studying psychology, 1st year, with intent to specialize in this field. I talk about this show all the time when explaining what I want to do with my career life. PLEASE bring it back! I learn so much from this show, we need more!!!
jUST DISCOVERED LIE TO ME ON NET FLIX. LOVE THE SHOW. IT OBVIOUSLY DID NOT GET ENOUGH SUPPORT FROM FOX NETWORK PREVIEWING THE SHOW. SHAME
no way one of the best american show that was on and not like the other crap fox has