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 found this show recently on Amazon prime and watched every episode within a few days!! I have always been a big fan of Tim Roth and love the character he plays on the show. I can’t believe this show was canceled! Every person that I have turned on to this show is as addicted as I am (I am currently watching season 3 again!)
I say Fox or even another network needs to try again!!!
I just want to say that I recently found this show because my to-be-sister-in-law was watching this on Netflix. Immediately, I was captured by the quirks of the cast and the fact that it was so different from any show I’ve ever watched. I’m still watching it on Netflix and I absolutely love it. My attention hasn’t wavered from episode to episode. I rather wish that Fox hadn’t canceled this show. I agree with some people on here – that with the right ads and placement, this show could have had so many more viewers. This show was amazing –… Read more »
This was an intellectually stimulating show, proving to set itself apart from a myriad of “good” shows coming out. I actually wanted to learn more about the subject after watching which rarely ever happens. Had there been more advertisement or at least had it been showcased in the right places, more people would have discovered it.
Perfectly cast, cleverly played out, and held my interest enough to throw things at my screen when I read it was discontinued. Bad move Fox.
The must educational and interesting show ever on fox.
It has character, carisma, psychology, etc
Shaun on fox
Seriously? this is such an awesome show!! It teaches us alot of things for God’s sake!!! I can’t believe fox could do that 🙁 so much disappointed
I’m not easily captured, I tend to lose interest if quality drifts – as it often does when a show continues year after year. But this series has been interesting all the way through, no where slipping and always renewed in the best possible sense. So yes, please renew the series and let us all enjoy the magnificent faces of Tim Roth and Kelli Williams again and again and again.
PLEASE bring it back!!! it s such a good show!! & i need Jillian and Cal kiss ULTIMATELY !
I cant believe they stopped this show! you don’t understand what this meant to me. I was overseas and gave birth to my daughter. we had lots of complication I ended up in an Italian hospital for 2 weeks I was not able to do anything could barely move. My husband brought season 1 into the hospital anytime I was awake I watched it. it helped me want to be awake. not many people were ready for a show like this. but It should come back it was just getting good! This show meant so much to me please bring… Read more »
bring it back, fox. Just think about it, maybe people got bored in 2011 (which is very very weird), but now, if it will come back in 2014, everyone will be surprised , ratings will come up really fast, believe me!
So disappointed, this was the best tv series for many years. We loved watching it in the UK. Shame on you !!!!!!!!
awesome show
have watched the whole series on netflicks
I’m pissed they cancelled the show with the set up that they had. Adding a new character AND Cal finally admitting to being in love with Gillian. Had they gone for another season, Cal and Gillian would’ve finally ended up together. They couldn’t even end the show with a kiss from them for the fan…. What a downer. But, I guess, all in all, the show was great and I’m really upset that it wasn’t viewed as much as it deserved.
Yes – cliff hangers allowed IF factored into the next season. But why this one was axed is beyond me!!!
I love Lie to Me! Tim Roth and the rest of the cast had great chemistry and the story lines were awesome. I hate the show has been cancelled. It has been one of my favorites thus far.
All the Way from Greenland – I simply SIIIIMPLY need season Four as soon as possible. I cant be right, that it stops that Way – plz peeps
are you in thule Greenland?
Bring lie to me back please….wth!!
exactly!!!