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.
This is probably my favorite show on TV, bring it back!!!
Lie to me was addictive TV with great acting and great stories
Not seeing Lie to Me follow House is criminal – Jack Bauer should be investigating the criminal theft of good television – Bring back Lie To Me – It’s better than 24 and that’s the truth, nothing but the truth!
Lie to me … I don’t watch House, I watch this show! And judging from the comments, so do a few other people. Very entertaining, new, fresh … to bad Fox is letting it get away!
NBC did the same thing with Life!
Meant to say that 24 is NOT worth watching
Take 24 off the air. It is worth watching. My whole leaves FOX after House now that Lie to Me is not on.
Well, it’s not often that I like a show but Lie to Me was one I never missed. I find myself back to watching my dvd player, at least I know I won’t be teased in to thinking I will have something worth while to watch.
Lie to Me is original and entertaining and makes you think.
I hope they will continue for many seasons to come.
(I hope someone out there is listening).
i love this program. why don’t you get rid of 24. i hope you don’t drop the program.
you could put it on friday or saturday night. there is nothing on.
There is nothing like Lie to Me on TV. Very original and very good. There are too many reality shows on and not enough shows with originality Like L.T.M. If FOX doesn’t bring back the show it would be a HUGE mistake. The show has so much up swing to it and could possibly be a giant success. Bring the show back and give it a couple of seasons to work out. @4 is truly the same show orver and over and it is never solved in one show. Much like a soap it’s annoying.
Lie to me is (was) the best show on TV – very different, great plot lines. I truly hope they don’t drop it.
I love this show. The hiatus will certainly not help its popularity. Why not try a different night — perhaps Friday when there is nothing to watch!
I think this is a wonderful, original, highly entertaining show. Tim Roth is a fabulous actor. Give it a chance people and tune in. Just because it doesn’t involve a sex or graphically violent scene every 2 minutes, does not mean it is not worth watching. So check it out. It might stimulate your brain, and even cause you to be more aware of human behaviour.
one of the best shows on tv, my family loves it
My favorite crime show when Dexter isn’t around (I miss Dex). Lie To Me is better than CSI, and I would cancel every CSI (except New York) to keep Lie To Me going! This is a show that should survive to see its ninth season like The X-Files.
Screw making way for the return of 24, it is the most boring show Fox ever aired! Bring back Lie to Me instead of that garbage 24!!!!!!