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.
 Loading ... |
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.
Such a good show – terrible the way it ended. No closure
It wasn’t a terrible ending because that wasn’t the ending. It got canceled ):
I am kind of addicted to “Lie To Me”. Would love to see the season 4. Pleaseeeee❤ in my real life I am a kind of Dr. Lightman
Lie to me is AWSOME! Bring it back!
I watched every episode with enthusiasm to learn more. I loved it. I only heard about the show after it was canceled. Seems to me it was a marketing blunder. I hope they reconsider and continue the show.
Same here. It was cancelled before I saw it. It’s an amazing show though.
This show needs to come back on and pick up where it left off. Except Emily should be either in college or Cal teaching his grandson or granddaughter a few tricks.
I have watch all seasons 3 twice already
WHYYYYYYYY?!
Loved this show! Was waiting to see the progression of Lightman and Foster but it just ended in a cliffhanger?! 🙁 I’m in withdrawal now. It was just the right mix of humor and drama and action. This show definitely should have been renewed. At least let it have a proper ending – there was so much unfinished business.
Why would they cancel a show that doesn’t have as many ratings as other shows. what about the percentage of people who actually watch it? There left in disappointment coming to find out that “Lie to me” is no more. Y’all left a lot of fans very disappointed.
Please renew, this show is so unique and characters are amazing!
I loved every episode. Tim Roth is a genius of an actor. I couldn’t believe it when I found out it was cancelled. That’s one of the dreads a show-lover faces when watching a series is when it ends. But cancelled?!?!? Lie to Me was inspirational to me and I know I”m not alone on this. Please bring this show back to the people. The intensity of events in every episode and how each character linked to the next so smoothly made me fall in love with the show. I was hooked after the first episode started and kept coming… Read more »
They should definitely re think this decision. I love this show, so sad to find out it got cancelled…
This was probably my favorite show.It inspired me in so many ways and it upsets me that it was cancelled. i would love for it to be renewed.
So sorry this was cancelled. Great show, likeable interesting characters, with a chemistry between multiple characters that kept the audience interested in , not just the episodes story line but the characters lives. Adding the newest character in the final episode , who promised to add another dimension and side to Cal ‘a character was refreshing. Too bad the series ended there, no closure, and so much more that could have been done. Would love someone to pick this up and carry on, any chance net flicks could revive it? Is that even possible?
One of the best shows ever made – on par with West Wing! The creators should consider bringing it back – maybe on Netfix!!
I picked up the show a few weeks ago and plowed through it on Netflix. I didn’t realize that there were only 3 seasons in total and was distraught upon finding out that I will not be able to watch any more of this enticing show! It would make my life to have more episodes of Lie to Me, there are so many loose strings! And it’s true that there is no other show like it.