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.
This show was awesome! So addicting! I want more!! And have for months now!!!
Personally I think FOX screws up their programming lineup. The most frustrating part about Lie To Me was the fact that during Season 3, they would randomly skip a week or a few between airings. The excitement for the show would die down after a missed week. I personally loved the show, and it was actually one of the reasons I started reading up on deception, leading me to going to school for psychology. They didn’t screw this up as bad as they did with Firefly, but I’m starting to lose faith when they cancel the shows I love and… Read more »
Can’t believe that they are canceling one of the best shows. You never knew what was going to happen from one show to the next it was the great thing about it. I looked so forward to Lie to Me every week. It was actually one show that my husband and I would watch together.
I am so mad.
Fox set lie to me up to fail. I mean the 3rd season didnt even air in 13 weeks, they took a huge break then the “season finale” wasn’t even that, it wasnt advertised as that or anything. Not that I saw, yet I worked during the show so I watched it on hulu. Oh thats right ratings to take into account the people who use Tivo or watch on Hulu or Netflix. Get with the times you dipshits, People have to work or they have lives, so they watch shows the day after or later that night. Seriously figure… Read more »
No! it shouldn’t have been canceled it was a phenomenal show and the plot was fantastic!!! I think for sure that fox should bring it back…I understand business is business but this show has some serious potential! How many shows can you say that about these days… Well all I can say is that LIE TO ME will be greatly missed!!!! and I think all fans of the show will defiantly think twice before lying I know I will!!!
I am so sad to hear this show has been cancelled. This has been one of my favorites since it first aired. It is becoming harder and harder to find good shows on tv. Fox needs to bring this one back!
I really love this show. FOX must renew this show for a 4th season. There are very few shows like these.
This makes me so sad, I loved this show! I’ve been watching it on Netflix now… FOX really needs to bring it back!
I agree i also have been watching it and what a great show it is! on netflix
This show rocked, and it sucks soooo much that they took it off :C
Lie to me was an awesome show. It was in my top 10 if not top 5 favorite shows all time. It is true that good shows get cancelled and crappy ones stay on. Lets all write fox and let them know that they made a mistake.
ssdd. cancel intelligent shows that challenge the mind while most of america drools in front of american idol and the rest of its reality tv brethren. idiocracy in the making…
wow, can’t believe they are cancelling two of my favorite shows. Lie to Me, and Human Target. I just can’t fathom that intelligent programming disappears and we get pure crap to fill in for it. Then again, it’s just as well, I will be devoting more time to watching the presidential election season just getting into startup mode. Fox, you lose. And I might even go back to reading more. That’s what intelligent people do. But, FOX only cares about the demographic that likes mindless garbage like reality TV, and stupid “bobby flay”-egotistical’ food shows. That man is insufferable. As… Read more »
You absolutely said it!!
I guess America (and Industrial Corporate America) cant handle intelligent programming. It was an amazing show, and one of the few that I set the DVR to record.
I guess it’s time for me to stop watching FOX.
Numbers are numbers, and business is business. Unfortunately there’s less entertainment than industry in the entertainment industry. All that remains is a handful of washed up dramas, and the one unique idea that captivated so many is tossed aside. Leave it to Fox to cut out real entertainment for material more reminescent of JERSEY F***ING SHORE.
Low ratings? TV is dying as a form of content delivery. I don’t even own a TV, I watch tall the shows online, so how you figure the numbers? To cancel such a smart and unique show is simply MORONIC!
And FRINGE get to stay over LIE TO ME? Are you out of your FOXing mind?!
I’m very dissapointed in Fox. This was one of my all time favorite tv shows.
I hope Fox will re-consider….I’m going back to the Discovery and National Geographic channels.