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.
You need to, this was a GREAT ONE! Great cast, great everything! Come on! But do it a twist, make the guy become CIA again. He lacks power, give him more legit power you know what i mean fox exec?
I think its a shame. With all the “who done it” crime shows, and forensic crime drama shows tring to mirror our society, this was a fresh spin on a “real” show. What a shame we watch “Dancing with the Stars’, or or Ghost Hunters, and ratings soar, and a great quriky show like Lie To Me gets the axe. Figures. I’d rather watch re-runs of Miami Vice.
I personally liked the show even though i only recently found it. I watched all the seasons and i find it hard to believe it is over. They really should give it another try, this show is different to everything out there right now.
Sigh… but i guess they have already made their decsion and at this point a few thousand comments and votes won’t make a difference.
I think with a series after 3 seasons there should be some sort of closure for viewers. A season 4 that satisfies where the characters lives will end up would be nice as well as leaving a possibility for any future episodes should the need arise.
Maybe FX can pick the show up
Wow this was a good one … One where both my husband and I would watch together.
NOOOOOOOOOOOO our family loves this show!!!
I love lie to me so much!!! Is there a way to get it back?
Bring it back… Lie to Me is a great show! Bring it back, bring it back! Please…
I have to admit that I would check the web play just to see if a new show was out… I have been waiting since January… and was sad tonight when I goggled ‘Lie to me’ and canceled was the first suggestion.
I admit the only time TV is watched at our house is evenings. There are VERY few shows I consider worth my time to sit down and watch. Lie to Me was one of those shows. I had no idea it was not doing well. I only know I saw it every chance I got. It had a great concept and wonderful cast. Tim Roth was awesome and Hayley fit perfectly as his daughter. It was great to see a young woman acting like she had a brain for a change, and showing her concern for her fathers work. I… Read more »
I LIKE THIS MOVIE, IT IS ONE OF THE BEST SERIES..
I like lie to me, this serial.. Please don’t cancel it!! 🙁 give it back to us..
this is outrageous. were just suppose to go back to cop shows ,lawyer shows,trauma and hopital shows? god forbid we have something interesting to watch with a little sarcasm and wit. bring the show back!!
This has been one of my absolute favorite series, I’ts so sad.