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.
Lie to me is awesome!!!!!!!!!! They really need to bring it back.
I love lie to me. This is why people don’t watch new shows anymore. You know they gone get cancelled right when u get hooked. I don’t know what im gone do. Im watching the last season on Netflix now. Ugh. Posss off.
I thought it was one of the best in a long time. along with Crossing Lines which was also cancelled. It is funny how an intelligent show gets low ratings but something like King of the Hill or Family Guy gets top ratings. I truly believe that AMERICAN TELEVISION is in the Toilet, and the executives in charge are more interested in the Almighty Dollar then quality TV that makes you think. I have never seen so much garbage on TV. Watching naked people survive in a jungle and watching chefs getting yelled at and belittled, is considered entertainment in… Read more »
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!! There needs to me another season!!!!!! Please please.
Yes ofcourse, I love tim toth
I love this show.I live in Kazakhstan and I watch it every day.I hope that FOX will release 4 season.I really love the actors and this show!!!
Love Tim Roth, love the show. So disappointed that it was cancelled.
Seriously, Lie to Me is one of the best – if not THE best show I’ve ever watched – and there have been many, given my longevity. Poor advertising and distribution around the world, along with very poor, myopic decision making is what led to this outstanding show’s demise. I cannot understand how total garbage comes back series after series, but a brilliant show like this is axed after such a short run. Which morons make these decisions? I won’t even go there about the non-existent promotion, marketing and advertising! Every character played are all award-winners. The script is well-written,… Read more »
I was disappointed when I found out lie to me was getting cancelled. I absolutely loved that show, specially when you try and watch for the subtle body language the way the show did
You should go and look up how much traffic you got on netflix, and then reconsider.
CBS almost did it again. They strongly considered canceling The Mentalist this season as they did with Lie To Me in 2011. So we are not a ” Nielson family” and that means you don’t hear directly what we think, but can’t you realize when you are giving your viewers a show that is informative, has top-notch acting, superior content and writing. There were never shows like Lie To Me and The Mentalist before that upstaged my routine and got my full attention and support, and have been none since. So, as I await the final season of The Mentalist,… Read more »
I LOVE Lie to Me. So bummed I missed this show when it was on TV. Definitely should have had a season 4+. Why do all the intelligent shows get creamed by crap like the bachelor or everybody loves Raymond?
How did I miss this terrific show when it was on FOX, especially since I’m an admitted TV addict and avid consumer of entertainment reporting. I have to guess that the network failed to promote or develop word of mouth. It is astounding that FOX acquired Brit Pack member Tim Roth, who’s talent and bankability is compared with Oscar winning Colin Firth, Oscar nominated Gary Oldman, and three-time Oscar winning Daniel Day-Lewis but failed to put the full weight of their promotion machine behind the extremely talented actor, Tim Roth. After binging on “Lie to Me”, FOX’s failure is apparent;… Read more »
I am thoroughly disappointed that this show ended in 2011. I am so angry. It is amazing.
It needs to come back. I hope it does with the same cast.
Please FOX Bring it back for us.
TIM ROTH and his charm just make the show even better for an all American Series.
how do we get this show back, this is the dumbest decision fox has ever made. netflix or abc show pick it up