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.
Another excellent show tragically canned in favor of garbage like X-Factor and the like. I can’t stand most of television, except for rare shows like “Lie to Me.” I am emphatically sorry to see it end, especially with the character developments being so fresh and interesting. The dialogue was fantastic and of course, the burgeoning affection between Cal and Gill highly compelling.
Tim Roth is an incredible actor and Lie To Me is clever ,brilliant and fascinating!Bring back the show. I have watched all three seasons on Netflix because keeping track on Fox was tough because cable tv is not my thing, but I would definately watch a fourth fifth sixth seventh….bring it back!!!
Lie to Me would have been a much bigger hit if Fox would have gave it a chance and advertised it more. I mean look at CSI, CBS advertised that show non-stop and it became quite popular and raked in loads of money. Lie to Me would be a hit if it was just advertised more and put back on air!!!! Bring it BACK!!!
Lie to me is my absolute favorite show; it’s beyond brilliant. Ive watched all three seasons on netflix & i reallllly hope they renew the show & start with the fourth. It was hands down fox’s best show.
Please bring it back
please keep it on
Lie to Me one of the most captivating shows I’ve had the pleasure of viewing. I watch tv less than 2 hours a week. I found Lie to Me on Netflicks. Would watch it on tv for seasons.
It’s disappointing to see a series with a lot of potential cancelled on behalf of poor ratings, especially after three seasons of great suspenseful performances . I’ll be the first to admit that i haven’t seen the show on Fox, however, i’ve seen all three seasons via Netflix. The cast works well together and the direction is healthy. Understanding Fox’s decision to cancel the show, i must protest due to a high volume of supporters and fanatics. “Lie To Me” is an accomplished series with potential for more; I’d like to see it.
In all truth I blame Fox for the low ratings of the show. They only did advertising for the show for it’s debut a few years back. After that moment they stopped and expect viewers to keep on watching it when it is rarely promoted? For example House, it is a great show I truly love it and would easily put it in the top five shows currently airing, however it is unjust that per day one will see 4-5 Ads on it, where as Lie To Me would not even have 1 a week. It is true House has… Read more »
I started watching on netflix and I am currently addicted. At the time it was aired I didnt hear much about when and where, not to mention a lack of interest in television in general. I have no idea if there was an another reason than ratings, but I truly love the show and would look foward to the furthrr developments. 😀
I really enjoyed watching the series on Netflix. I am truly sorry to see it go.
**** you fox this is the best show on your network
YES!!!!!!!!!!excellent show, very well put together, very clever, and intresting. And it was just getting gooood!:( Please bring the show back, people have been making videos on youtube of how devestated they are. This show has actually inspired me to learn more about microexpressions and body language.
FOX blows compared to ALL networks! cant get the news right, with continuous garbage spewing from execs! Lie To Me* should take their show to another network such as A&E, CBS, USA or anyone else other than fox!
This was the only show that EVER made me feel normal as a person in my entire life. I have no real special talents in life, but one. Knowing when people lied to me. It has been to demise and to my fortune. I never really knew how to explain it to anyone, and certainly NOBODY EVER understood what I meant when I tried to explain it. I wasn’t even aware that there was a science to it until this show. It means everything to me, and well, now, I just refer people to watch Season One, Episodes 1-4, specifically… Read more »
Wow, I’m truly shocked that this show got cancelled. I don’t watch much TV but this…this was a great show. I’m really hoping another network picks it up. This was an awesome show!