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 loved this show! The original Criminal Minds! This show was AWESOME and with its cancellation it just left me wanting for more. Guess it’s all about ratings which sucks to all the loyal fans out there who really enjoyed it sooooo on that note, thank you FOX for leaving me with nothing to watch but reruns and reality tv (ughhh)!!!!!
Just finished all 3 seasons of this show on Netflix….i was riveted, couldn’t get enough. I think this series had criminal minds popularity potential. Fox what were you thinking??!!
It was a great to series. Shame series 3 let it down. FOX need to run it again and beef up the scripts a little. The earlier series worked so well because there was more than one story per episode. Series 3 broke away from this.
I want “Lie to me to renewed” why do they made a drama series that there is no ending,, that’s bu____it!
fox are a bunch of idiots they just wish they could hit ratings like the walking dead and game of thrones get? If ratings dropped on episodes GET better writers. Lie to me was brilliant and tim roth made the show, brilliant actor. Fox are pathetic little moany girls. Fox Yr the problem not the shows. Fox must stand for. Fading Old XXXX 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and am very surprised and disappointed to find out that it was cancelled. I would have loved for it to have continued.
don’t understand why you cancelled this amazing series. Plsssssssss bring it back.
I think Lie to Me was cancelled because ‘we the people’ were learning how to ‘read’ lying politicians.
Omg so true hahahaha
Please bring this show back. It is a great show. Don’t understand why all the good shows are cancelled and we are left with mindless junk.
Producers don’t care whether you like the show.. ratings are fabricated and it’s all about sponsors and money.
Producers don’t care whether you like the show or not.. it’s about sponsors and money. Tim Roth is exceptional as always.
Pleaseeeee I need a new season of this amazing show! Continue it, please D:
My wife have me hook on this show I can’t stop watching it please bring it back for another season…
My husband and I loved this show we found it on Netflix. At the time it was airing live we were in the midst of family events and never heard of it then. Please bring it back. Outside of Once Upon a Time this is the best show we have watched in a long time. It has so much to offer in today’s world. Offers us themes that matter to all ranges of people’s life’s character, integrity, trust, morality, children’s issues, teen dilemmas ,so many others. BRING IT BACK. PLEASE
Season one and two were great! I think the misstep was failing to continue with the recipe that worked in season 2, Zoe. You need a love interest. I just watched all three seasons on Netflix. It’s difficult to watch a series show on the networks because their quick to cancel a good story. The reality shows are mindless chatter. Give me something that bites and I’ll make the choice to watch you. Even without cable.