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.
Great show! Now that House has ended, this show could be a strong replacement. I think they should bring it back.
Just discovered this shows a few weeks ago and binged watched all 3 seasons. Amazing show, love it. Too bad it was cancelled!
Me to Steve me too
Why in the world would this show be cancelled? Stop worrying about viewers, and create the show that you intended to create and see it through. There was a wonderful cast, wonderful plot, and a terrible ending. If you are going to break the hearts of the people that watch the show at least end it with more than a line saying, “I don’t have an answer for that one, love.” Shows have their ups and downs when they are airing live, but this is one that people will continue to watch on Netflix or DVD wanting more. This wanting… Read more »
Bring it back!!! Please, dear fox people (for the love of all that is good in the world), bring it back! I loved this show so much, and have actually learned a few things from it, unlike most of the modernly droll things that parade about on our TV screens. Lie To Me was so amazing, and had I known about it before, I would have recommended it to every passing person. I only discovered this show about a week ago, and resolved to marathon it in my spare time between work, kids, and general life. It deserves to be… Read more »
This show needs to be put back on. It was an amazing show and should never have been canceled.
I think that Lie To Me needs some more episodes. It should never have been cancel. Lie To Me was an interesting show. Knowing the different signs of expressions on a person face and what they stand for is very educational. The year of 2016 Lie To Me needs to return. I could watch it every day.
I started watching Lie to me two weeks ago, and I just finished season three. Im so disappointed, there should definitely be a season four. Really loved the show, and sad for not seeing it sooner.
Netflix gives you the opportunity to watch as many as you want when you want. Once a week just doesn’t cut it for most people who have busy schedules. That’s why Netflix makes these series so worth while and enjoyable so we can view them on our own time. Bring it back Netflix!!!!!
I just discovered this show on Netflix and cannot stop watching it. The characters are wonderful and it really is a good story
I would consider the reason it failed is because it aired on FOX. I never watch that station. They don’t appeal to the masses. If it had run on a major network like ABC, CBS , NBC or a Netflix exclusive not to mention other networks IT would have succeeded. Bring it back but someone substantial needs to carry it.
i find it interesting that Fox has cancelled so many great shows like lie to me, firefly, gracepoint, arrested development, drive, brimstone, the list is staggering. i wonder if the shows are the problem, or maybe is fox the problem…
I watched this show when it originally aired and recently watched all the episodes again turning my kids and mom onto it. Netflix, this would be an awesome pick up for you.
I have watched this series 4 times now and still get disappointed when it finishes come on Netflix make more of these
I love this show I’ve all three seasons on Netflix it has changed my life it has taught me so much. I think that there should be more seasons lie to me should be back on the air
Never heard of this show until I saw it on Netflixs. I love it!! I want to see more!
I don’t think fox must’ve done much of a job promoting this well written well acted series! I’ve just discovered it on Netflix and can’t believe its not on the air!! Good grief, a show with real family relationships, street smarts, the science the faces of people in the news…its to good!!!