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.
Bring it back!!
This is my absolute favorite show, the only show that’s not mind numbing!! They should definitely make a 4th season!!!
I loved the show. The concept was great, reminded me of when CSI just started; getting to know about forensics, and here we were learning about face expressions.
The powers that be always seem to cancel the shows that teaches you things for the ones that show idiots behaving badly, rich folks showing us how we can never live like them, or shows selling sex appeal. Some of us what to watch things other than that but we’re probably in the minority. I hope Fox or someone else decides to bring the show back. PLEASE!!!
Make the 4 th reason!!! It’s an awesome show
This is def. the best show I’ve seen. It needs to come back asap. Every episode was different and it kept you completely focused. I really wish they bring it back..
It’s sad really, that this magnificent show was cancelled. I must say that I was quite upset with the choice of that being so. Very, very disappointing it is.
This was a exciting and wonderful show!! I feel Season 3 should continue and not leave us hanging!! I was rooting for Lightman and Foster to get together because I really enjoy their chemistry,,, and so did Emily. It’s not right to take this show away and I think it should on a lot more seasons and have an ACTUAL ending. PLEASE BRING THIS BELOVED SHOW BACK!!!!!
BRING IT BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wish you didn’t cancel it. It wasn’t finished, not resolved. The relationship between Cal and Jill was left hanging, as was his two employees.
This show should definitely not have been cancelled. It’s SO good!
I was absolutely gutted to find out there isnt going to be a season four , this series is one
of the best ive seen , tim roth is brilliant as cal lightman and the rest of the cast all bounce
off one another superbly even my partner who was a little cynical was totally hooked. Come on somebody pick up this briliant series.
I my humble opinion i think that what the viewer thinks or wants is for those big networks not interesting. If they can make more and more money it is okay then, but when viewers drop like flies, like they(the network people) say, then it is simply over. It’s all about that ***** money, everytime, everywhere…
I am not an inveterate tv viewer; my husband controls the remote and his tastes and mine do not coincide. I use my computer and netflix or xfinity to view shows that catch my fancy. Consequently I cannot count as ‘the viewing public’ for any polls that might have kept “Lie to Me’ on the air. I am despondent that I have watched all episodes in the series and know that no more are forthcoming. Could not an entity other than Fox have picked up the show and continued to bring joy to those of us who are fans?
I agree with this 100%. The show shouldn’t have been cancelled. Someone else could have picked them up.
Totally concur!!
beautifully worded and descriptive. absolutely 100% agree. seriously, Netflix, consider picking it up and continuing the series. i guarantee you’ll get better viewer-ratings than Fox did.
This show is amazing! It’s funny, witty, thought provoking, and all of the characters are dynamic and interesting. Fox should renew Lie to Me for season 4!
I loved Lie To Me when it aired and am now watching it again on NetFlix.! It’s superb and interesting and well written. I love the characters and how they have developed them especially Lightmans daughter. I wish there was a season 4!!!