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 have cable or satellite. I found this show by watching Netflix. I rated it with five stars because it was a great show. I also thoroughly enjoyed trying to see if I could spot the liars. I really loved the show. I wish they would bring it back.
Yes! Please make more seasons of lie to me. If it is based on ratings then gets grown up marketing staff so people know it’s on and you will get your ratings. This is one of the best shows to watch on TV. Fox made a mistake to drop this one.
Have just gotten HOOKED on Lie to Me! For a week now, I have neglected my kids after work and neglected my home because I can’t wait to get to the next episode. Only to be let down at the fact that there are only 3 seasons. I never even heard of this show when it was on! The acting is great, stories are interesting, and the threading storyline of thebcharacters is also great. It is a shame that interesting and smart shows are always the ones to go and they keep bringing in more reality crap :/
Love this slow!!
I had never heard of this show before seeing it on Netflix. I don’t know whether it wasn’t advertised well or if I just missed the communication that was put out there . The acting is superb, the storyline is compelling, and I’m sorry to see that it was canceled. Fortunately, I still have a few episodes left the before the completion of the 48. Again to see that it was canceled.
Truly loved the show and the characters. I am also shocked that the series was cancelled. Did not really know about “Lie to Me”, until Netflix aired it, or presented it. I feel this was one of the best series out there. I do hope someone, if not Fox, picks it up where it left off and continue with the series.
YES… this TV serial must continue! its one of the few movies who caught me and my wife prisoners on the couch!
YES! There most definitely should be a season 4 to lie to me!! Why has that ever been a question. You don’t start something and not finish it, no matter what the issue. Be a man and stick it out through the rough, geeze lamest move ever canceling the show, most people didn’t even know it exsisted before it was put on Netflix. It would probably have a real great comeback rating now that Netflix has promoted it. I kno I love the show! And was so angry that it just cuts off, hire a new guy and still have… Read more »
The show is having a rerun on TV in my country. I absolutely love the show! It is brilliant and fantastic. Please bring it back, no matter it is on Fox or other network! I want more Cal and Foster!
This is one of the best programs I’ve ever watched. I’ve never been one to get into crime/drama but with all respects, Lie To Me was incredible. I just finished watching all of the episodes on Netflix and was kind of disappointed when there wasn’t a “finale”, so to speak. Fox needs to bring the show back!!
I absolutely adored this show. So what if it didn’t get the required viewers at times. Most FOX shows rarely even break even yet still carry on! Lie To Me should be brought back for a season 4 in the next few years. It has to be done.
It seems that if you don’t make millions on a t.v. show its gone. Why cant they live with a few million. Take a look at the show, and try to make it better. Threaten the show, then tell them if they don’t do good. They’re gone. Its a shame they cancelled this show. I wonder how many it would take to get it back. 1 million? 5 million? 10 million? 10 is only the start. Apple started with 10. Microsoft started with 10. Everything starts with something.
i love the show!!!
So tied of networks getting rid of wonderfull shows. This is one of the best shows out there.
I’m so extremely disappointed that it got canceled. I’m absolutely in love with this show and would do anything to bring it back. I’m 15 years old and my mom had heard about it but had never seen it, so we decided to start watching it on Netflix, now it’s one of our favorite shows. Please please please bring it back. I’d be VERY grateful.
wyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy