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.
Awwww…….This makes me so Sad! I love this show and i never miss an episode…… 🙁
Lie to me was a great show.
Unfortunately, obviously too many people thought otherwise.
Too bad.
I think it hurts possible future viewership of new shows as people may not watch some shows for fear of it being cancelled.
There is no forethought.
Lie To Me should have been renewed.
I’m really disappointed at the fact that FOX has cancelled Lie to Me. It is such a good show with interesting story lines and great chemistry between the characters. After the season 3 finale I thought that one final season would be a very high possibility but clearly FOX had different ideas. One of my favourite shows and I am sad to see it go 🙁
This is sad sad news.
I can only think the decline in viewers boils down to the new direction the series had taken, a much less sophisticated and stimulating watch than Season 1, focusing more on ‘shoot em up’ scenarios than the extraordinary science it was suppose to be based on.
What are fox thinking??????? Have I read this right?????? Did fox just cancel one of the only original series ever which is thought provoking, demands loyalty from fans abd cleverly combines the leads characters nearly romance into a scientific/crime drama. Big mistake fox. Can’t believe they came to that descision. Disappointed in the network and ver upset with them. I was really looking forward to season four because after being so patient I think cal and Gillian were going to explore a relationship. This series still had lots of twists and turns and plenty of mileage in it. Is there… Read more »
This is so crazy. I normally do not say anything about these kind of things, but I have reached the end of my rope with FOX. They went ahead a canceled another one of the shows that I get attached to. I loved 24 and that got canceled. That I could understand, because there are only so many ways for Jack Bauer to save the world. I wonder if these broadcast companies know how many people DVR shows and watch them later. People can not always watch a show as it is happening. I am a full time college student… Read more »
Typical Fox for ya. The list of great shows canceled by brainless Fox executives grows even longer.
SMH, why do they always cancel the great shows…….
This is what has made me very weary of watching any shows created by FOX. They must be mascochists to continue to cut shows that are original, intelecutally stimulating, and worthy for viewers who want to escape the sea of reality shows and redundant cop dramas.
Why would they do this!!!? Lie to Me was the BEST show on Fox! The only reason I turned to that channel! This is insanity!!! Cal and Jillian were getting so close!!! Darn it!!
I cannot believe that FOX cancelled the best series I have seen yet in their latest program offerings. I could hardly wait for Season 4 and now I am so let down. Lie To Me was always interesting, informative, thought provoking and intellectually stimulating. I think you made a big mistake shutting down this show. I truly hope that another network picks it up. I only watch TV for Lie to Me and Criminal Minds, both are equivalent in depth of content and the synchonicity of the actors roles. Fictional? Sure, but highly believable real life scenarios!! Someone (networks) please… Read more »
Huge MISTAKE FOX!!! I’m SUPER DISAPPOINTED 🙁 We loved, loved, love this show!
Let’s hope another network picks it up!!! I was looking forward to a possible Lightman&Foster relationship. I think Fox really missed a chance to develop QUITE the storyline.
Everyone I introduced this show to, loved it. What a great premise, the show was never stagnant, I hope somebody else picks up the show.