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.
What bugs me when they cancel these great series based on ratings is that.. ratings do not fully show how good a show is, or how well its loved, this is an incredible show but i haven’t heard of it until it popped up on netflix in the UK, which brings me to my point as to why ratings are flawed. Channel hopping, Time of airing, Channels owned, Popularity of those channels, where the series is advertised, What regions, what target audience, the list is endless and all of these and more effect initial ratings. How well is the series… Read more »
Hard to believe its canceled.. I really would like to have known what could have been with Lightman and Foster.
Just finished watching Season 3 of Lie to Me and disappointed that the show was cancelled. It’s an amazing show, We love all the characters, we hope you will reconsider and bring the show back for Season 4.
Please continue the series. I just finished watching it on Netflix. Love it!
Terri
My whole family loved this series. Many of our friends also watched it.
Please bring it back.
I just discovered this on Netflix. I think it’s great and sincerely hope fox renews. I won’t miss an episode
I would really like for this show to be brought back. It was interesting and you find yourself almost believing in the “science”. Please bring it back! There is nothing good on anymore.
The ‘science” is real it is based on Paul Ekmans work and he even consulted on the show. When they showed the segment of the friend of OJs demonstrating the micro expression of disgusts – u can see that on u tube if u put in Paul Ekman micro expression of disgust – not even sure if u need to put in more than his name. I have several of his book and when they show a clip of the emotion as a test that does exist – u can pay a small fee and have it on ur computer.… Read more »
It is “science ” – I went into detail about Paul Rkman and it rejected me saying duplicate comment. Utube his name etc
Seriously. You will keep the kardashian ***** on, the “medium” from New Jersey, and all the other trash and cancel a show that is entertaining and intellectual? Exactly what idiot runs the “entertainment” industry?
Omg why 🙁 bring it back please
I feel like Netflix has brought a lot of publicity to the show and a 4th season would be successful!! It’s an amazing show and should definitely be aired for another season
I am so SICK of TV companies cancelling decent, intellectual and well acted shows…We are not ALL airheads and teenage zombies that can’t do without our hourly fix of moronic, pointless, base mentality reality shows…Some of us want to be entertained, educated and left feeling uplifted from society’s durge. Lie to me was one of those shows…and should be brought back ASAP! It, along with warehouse 13 were the perfect balance of fun, good acting, decent storyline and topics that had decent, moral messages for all ages. Let’s ditch the trash and go back to quality!! Tim Roth Rocks!!
I totally agree. We loved this show it was so interesting and my husband and I have been since watching it on netflix. Please bring it back
Please bring back lie to me as soon as possible. Who cares about TV ratings??? What about international fans? In Germany we ALL love Lie to me and especially Tim Roth. Give yourself a treat and start shooting again.
PLEASE BRING THIS SHOW BACKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!
return the Lie To Me!
I want it back even though this show was a while ago!!