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.
What the even heck!!! I’m so bummed this is over. I know this is like way late but I just finished it on Netflix. I was so excited to see where this went. And what makes it worse is that y’all left it on a cliff hanger. We all wanted Cal to go for Gillian.
It seems to me that, something so important can be cancelled without real reason is just not good enough. The public are not to blame here. This show and the quality of it shine, although when the light was shone, it was at the wrong times. If Fox read this they will undoubtedly know exactly what i’m referring too. Season 4 is a no-brainer and the time to push the boundaries of what Fox can do with surprise and intrigue in re-instating the show is now. Just like many shows have fallen by the wayside and the blameput on ratings… Read more »
Great and intelligent show. Cannot believe there are just 3 seasons. Would love to see more.
Totally loved the show. .hope they will bring it back…best show my husband and I watched. .
Me and my husband LOVED this show, it was one of the few things we’d sit and watch and have in common. After we watched the end of season 3, we adored it and it’s characters SO much we decided to look up season 4, only to find, after watching loving three whole other seasons, it had been cancled. It reminded us of a more badass House. Even though we love that series as well. f they never make a season 4 i want the cast and writer to know it changed our marriage and it was an amazing honor… Read more »
Just finished watching season 3
I need more episodes of Callian;-;
This show was great, I can’t believe they would end a show that good! I never even knew this show existed until it came on Netflix. It kind of makes you not want to watch tv series anymore.
I so agree. Every time I truly enjoy television content, they have to go and ruin it by taking such an awesome show off…….thank you Netflix…..BOOOOOOOOOOO to you television……whomever makes these decisions are IDIOTS.
I loved the show…it was very interesting, and without a bunch of vulgar crap that finds its way in so many other series!!
This was a great show. I too just finished watching all 3 seasons on Netflix. I was hooked after the first show. I never did hear about this show until this year. In my opinion, the marketing of this show was non existent. It would be great if Fox or even Netflix brought the show back for season 4.
Fox tv sucks, “Lie to me” is a great and entertaining series. Should have kept it you plonkers.
Finished on Netflix. Great show. Bring it back!!!!
Finished season 3 a minute ago on Netflix… Fox, you plonkers should’ve never cancelled this series.. such a waste 🙁
I just finished season three. I love this show… .How could you just leave it like that……there’s so much more potential. What happens to cal and Gillian? Does Ria and Eli date? And Emily how does she developed further? I really enjoy this series. I wish it would continue
I just finished season 3 too. I hope there will be season 4 in the future.
Fox, you guys are stupid; along with every other network. All you think about is ratings and the consequent money. Don’t you realize TV will never be the same again; the days of Friends, MASH, Cheers are over; there is simply to much competition via the different mediums of entertainment. Why not focus on developing a coral of solid shows that create the vibe that ‘FOX produces substantive material and one should just tune into them because they always have good stuff.’? They may not always be the cash cow, but you’ll develop a solid and loyal following. This was… Read more »
The show was and still is amazing on so many levels. Please bring it back.