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 just finished watching all three seasons on Netflix. I tell everyone I know to watch this show. It is great and actually addicting. I am so disappointed that I can’t watch any more episodes. Maybe Netflix will pick up and continue the series since Fox did not. I’d rather watch this on Netflix than the rubbish that’s on tv.
This was such a funny show! I just finished binge watching it this past week. I’m truly disappointed it was not carried on to a fourth season. Tim Roth is absolutely hilarious. I found myself constantly laughing
I have watched Lie to Me from beginning to what someone thought made an end to this series. I bought all 3 seasons on dvd and have watched those in what I just learned was “binge fashion” numerous times. With so much mindless dumpster filler on tv you’d think a series that not only promotes intellect but celebrates it in an individual sometimes rude, abrasive and eminently real character, Cal Lightman would merit a believable end if not a complete run to allow character development and viewers to adapt to a show that isn’t mind candy for the utterly inane… Read more »
Let Netflix pick it up as a Netflix series!! it will ROCK!!!!!!
It must come back! Best show ever!
Please bring it back I just finished binge watching it unaware that I had finished the entire series searched for more episodes and found out it got cancelled I wish it hadnt I loved this TV show…
On Netflix this show has a 5 star rating. I was looking forward to keep watching and am shocked it got cancelled. I don’t understand, it is one of the best crime shows out there!
This is why online streaming services are kicking the crap out of Fox and other broadcasting studios. They care about the show and its stories, not about how many viewers they can attract.
Please bring more seasons. The show is excellent. My whole family enjoyed the show.
I love this show- I’ve watched it from the day it first came out, when it got cancelled and it got on Netflix I binged watched the episodes again, and every chance I get I find myself indulging in the show on Netflix. I’m extremely upset that right when Cal admitted to being in love with Gillian the show was cancelled, as if they didn’t know that every fan was waiting to see how their story would play out due to the amount of love, happiness, and sexual tension between the two. If I had my own tv network I… Read more »
Such a great show. The acting was superb and the story lines were different from most series. I’m highly disappointed that FOX removed it from its playlist. I’d love someone else to pick it up.
LOVE#!! LOVE!!!!LOVE!!!IT!!!!!
They had something great with Lie to Me. It was something new and fresh. Great cast placed perfectly with their characters respectively. Dialogue between all of the characters especially between Lightman/Foster, lightman/lokren or Lightman and his daughter showed each relationship how special they are to lightman and how they keep him grounded. The show ended way too soon with more questions then answers making the series look and feel unfinished which in turn makes us wanting more.
Please, please bring it back! So subtle and intelligent dialogue. Surely Foster has to decide on Cal as her mate!!
I think they should bring it back too! Miss it!