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 show should never have a break……the chemistry of the characters in this show just flow so great. This show needs to be another law and order. And have a 12 season run. I know that is a lot of writing/acting but with the money it will make it will all be worth it. You know it will.
It may not get great ratings in the USA, but it’s popular in lots of countries. Like I’m in New Zealand and it’s very popular here.
Yes, definitely keep the show. Do not delay it. I think they should keep it for a third season also. I like the relationships in the show. It’s a very nice twist on the general crime show. It’s also nice to have a tv show that is not too sexed up, like most. The acting is great.
Reality shows are really boring. The drama etc is so predictable.
I love Lie to Me! don’t cancel it! It’s one of the best shows on TV! I hate reality TV shows!
Love this show – move it to a new slot and do not put in hiatus – give it a real shot. The acting is great – the recurring J Beals and T Roth characters are fun and real – all the characters have something interested to contribute if allowed to let them grow. I don’t know how ratings work, but seems to me everyone I know loves this show.
Great show. Do not cancel it. We need more dramas like this one, and less of the so called “reality show” “Dance shows” etc.
Please, please, please do not cancel this show. It is my favorite show as well as my son and daughter’s favorite. The writing is both creative and intelligent. Most of today’s shows are filled with so much trash – but this show is a breath of fresh air. I love the characters and the chemistry between all of them. It would be a waste of pure talent and creative genius to cancel this show. Please reconsider and keep this show going for the rest of this year and into next season as well. I hope to be watching this show… Read more »
I think moving to another night rather than hiatus would be preferable. I think it is engaging and moves so much more interestingly than many many of the other shows available… “House” in fact, is boring and stilted! “The Cleveland Show” is a ridiculous spin off with nothing to offer. I am shocked that with such a stunning cast of characters and Tim Roth at the head of the actors, that FOX is shallow enough to think about cutting this show short. Or is that the kind of ‘short-sightedness’ we can expect???
This is my favorite show, FOX can’t cancel it!
It is so refreshing to watch a show that is based on the ever developing human sciences.
It is because of this show that I have started to seriously research facial expressions, I even purchased some training packages from Paul Eckman’s website.
You guys cannot cancel this show. After all they went through to get Tim roth to accept being the lead actor, and him doing a BRILLENT job at it. there is so much more this show has to offer and so much potential behind it…
please DONT CANCEL
I absolutely love Lie to Me!!! It is a major bummer that we have to wait until the spring to see new episodes! If Fox was smart, they would keep it where it was and continue with a full season from fall to May!
I just discovered this show and am now hooked! Canceling this show would be a big mistake! I think the show needs to marketed more/better to fully realize its ratings potential! Tim Roth is brilliant!
I love this show and was very sorry to hear it was leaving for a while. YES, PLEASE put it on another night, rather than putting it on hiatus. I love the characters, and enjoy the plots. Tim Roth is terrific!
Lie to Me has overtaken House as my favorite show on TV. With Numb3rs about to be pulled, there will only be 3 shows (NCIS is the third) that make me want to stay in to watch TV
This show is excellent. I don’t understand why anyone who watches House wouldn’t enjoy Lie to Me. It’s got the same blend of science and drama, and Tim Roth is absolutely wonderful as Cal Lightman. DO NOT CANCEL THIS SHOW!!