Though its performance hasn’t been stellar, FOX has finally ordered a full season of Lie to Me. What does this mean for the sophomore drama’s future?

Lie to Me follows Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth), a human lie detector, and his team of experts who help law officials solve their most difficult cases. The cast also includes Kelli Williams, Brendan Hines, Mekhi Phifer, and Monica Raymund.

The dramatic series is currently in a plum spot on the FOX schedule, sitting behind successful House on Monday nights. Unfortunately, it doesn’t hold onto much of the Hugh Laurie show’s audience. This past week, for example, House was first in the 18-49 demographic (4.6) and second in total viewers (11.95 million), opposite the Dancing with the Stars finals. Lie to Me shed 40% of the lead-in audience in both areas, attracting a 2.7 and 7.16 million.

Despite the so-so ratings performance, FOX has finally given the drama a full season and ordered nine additional installments. The decision comes several weeks after the decision to order more episodes of other shows like Glee and The Cleveland Show.

It will be some time before viewers see these episodes of Lie to Me however. The drama will be leaving the airwaves in mid-January, making way for the return of 24. FOX has indicated that Lie to Me will return at some point in the spring.

Unfortunately, the full season order is more likely of an indication that FOX anticipates they’ll be needing more original programming than their being satisfied with Lie to Me’s performance. What’s more, the show being put on hiatus isn’t likely to help the ratings.

At this point, Lie to Me looks like it will be firmly “on the bubble” come May. A third season isn’t assured and the show’s future will likely be decided by the strengths or weaknesses of FOX’s pilots for the 2010-11 season.

What do you think? Is Lie to Me worth watching or do you think FOX could do better? Would you move it to another night rather than put it on hiatus?

Image courtesy FOX.