Lie to Me

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 21, 2009
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 181 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 168 out of 181
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 181
  3. Negative: 6 out of 181
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User Reviews

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  1. LindaM
    Aug 1, 2009
    10
    Tim Roth is an amazing actor, one of the best in the business! I love this show, it's far superior to most. I have watched every episode and the reruns. Now I find myself trying to read everyone's body language and facial expressions!
  2. janetp
    Jan 22, 2009
    10
    Fascinating premise...relevant to communicating in "real life". Especially enjoy exposure to many worlds through broad base of clients. Grounded, intelligent, interesting plot twists.
  3. CTOT
    Nov 26, 2010
    8
    Probably ONE of the best procedurals on t.v. Its not just another predictable cop show like csi or ncis, Lie to me has a unique premise, outstanding acting, and a small cast of realistic, likable characters. Now in its third season it continues to bring something new to the table every week.
  4. Reizar
    Jun 4, 2012
    10
    I'd prefer to watch this "Recycled" materal instead of NCIS or CSI any day. Lie to Me is by far THE best drama series i've ever watched in my life.
  5. Loler13gr
    Jul 28, 2012
    2
    I found the show boring , the plot was not at all interesting and I did not like some of the actors.... Also the plot repeats it self after a few episodes...
  6. DocM.
    Feb 1, 2009
    4
    I love the premise of the show but hate the lies of the writers. The distortions (or predjudices) of the truth in the two episodes I have seen are evident. As example in one a character states that all women in the army are "bithces or whores...". Another claims that the armed forces are so hard up that the are forced to use felons and allow them to commit crimes because they cannot get I love the premise of the show but hate the lies of the writers. The distortions (or predjudices) of the truth in the two episodes I have seen are evident. As example in one a character states that all women in the army are "bithces or whores...". Another claims that the armed forces are so hard up that the are forced to use felons and allow them to commit crimes because they cannot get enough recruits. I could list many other forms of misinformation and biased that the show is propagating but the need for the defamation of our soldiers during a time of war by ignorant people in Hollywierd is enough for me to use my right to turn this show off and stop the Lies to Me. (Notice I did not need to get the government to prohibit others to watch this program)… Expand
  7. kenanh
    May 11, 2009
    3
    The pilot was entertaining, but every episode after that seems to be exactly the same to me. There is no way this show is going to survive. Every episode seems to be exactly the same. Tim Roth starts with a case and then there is someone that calls him a freak show or his whole business is stupid. Tim Roth is a genius and so of course he solves the case and then everybody says sorry to The pilot was entertaining, but every episode after that seems to be exactly the same to me. There is no way this show is going to survive. Every episode seems to be exactly the same. Tim Roth starts with a case and then there is someone that calls him a freak show or his whole business is stupid. Tim Roth is a genius and so of course he solves the case and then everybody says sorry to him and he gives some cool/corky remarks and it's happy ever after. It was a good idea, but the show just doesn't do it for me.… Expand
  8. garthm
    Apr 6, 2009
    9
    Given time and the right treatment by the network this show could grow into a gem. It's been getting better episode by episode. The similarities to that other Fox hit (House) are hard to miss. Roth is not Hugh Laurie, but the dialogue is fairly tight (not up to House quality) the stories are interesting and the acting, on the whole is better than what we see on most higher rated Given time and the right treatment by the network this show could grow into a gem. It's been getting better episode by episode. The similarities to that other Fox hit (House) are hard to miss. Roth is not Hugh Laurie, but the dialogue is fairly tight (not up to House quality) the stories are interesting and the acting, on the whole is better than what we see on most higher rated television series. I hope it gets a year to prove its potential.… Expand
  9. GloryM
    Jan 25, 2009
    10
    I truly enjoyed Lie to Me. It was an interesting on a shows premise. I loved the way they showed pictures on real people making the same facial expressions. (Like OJ and others alike). I was excited to see something new.
  10. ElizabethG
    Jan 22, 2009
    7
    I watched this show last night expecting another failure, considering the previews did not appeal to me much (come on, season premiere with a boy from lizzie mcguire?) About 15 minutes in, I came to realize that, being extreme Cold Case, Law and Order, and Without a Trace fans, I thoroughly enjoyed the format of the show, and the well written plot. This would have gotten a 10 from me, but I watched this show last night expecting another failure, considering the previews did not appeal to me much (come on, season premiere with a boy from lizzie mcguire?) About 15 minutes in, I came to realize that, being extreme Cold Case, Law and Order, and Without a Trace fans, I thoroughly enjoyed the format of the show, and the well written plot. This would have gotten a 10 from me, but I do think the show dragged in parts, as most shows with this format (see the ones I listed above) do. Another fun part was learning things about human's body language I never knew before. Decent show overall, I recommend checking it out, especially if you're into shows of this nature.… Expand
  11. EbriamH.
    Jan 28, 2009
    9
    Exciting, Fresh, Innovative. Lie to Me is a breath of fresh air on a stale and repetitive weekly line up of TV shows. i can now say 1 more show is worthy of entering my 8 shows to watch on, my weekly line up.
  12. merwinm.
    Jan 29, 2009
    10
    lie to me is unusual crime drama with a little comedy here and theretim roth is amazing in it and yet again playing a roll that hes known for love it love it love it.
  13. ceebee
    Feb 25, 2009
    10
    The best new show on tv - I thought I was watching cable or something - Please don't pull this one.
  14. drugfreehippyB.
    May 17, 2009
    7
    I think that this show is rly good, but it's been disapointing. I've noticed a growing obsession with singling out minorities and making stereotypes out of them. For example, in the pilot Jehovah's witnesses were portrayed as over protective, stoneaged, and non flexible. What idea does someone who's never met a J.W get at the end of the day? And every time (3 times in I think that this show is rly good, but it's been disapointing. I've noticed a growing obsession with singling out minorities and making stereotypes out of them. For example, in the pilot Jehovah's witnesses were portrayed as over protective, stoneaged, and non flexible. What idea does someone who's never met a J.W get at the end of the day? And every time (3 times in the first 13 episodes already) an arab/muslim was in the frame there had to be an accent and a bomb in the picture. I think there must be some way to layout the whole TRUTH by not putting under spotlight the worst of every minority.… Expand
  15. BettyV
    Jun 20, 2009
    10
    I've seen this show only once; hope the other episodes are as good. That one show made me a believer--that it'll be one of my favorites. It's quite original. I especially enjoyed all the flashbacks to various notables under pressure.
  16. GBK
    Aug 29, 2009
    8
    Fresh new idea. Good to see off-line.
  17. DrakeD
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    This show is absolutely amazing. It has a perfect backdrop, with amazing stories to go along with it. With twists here and there and lovable characters, this show is a keeper. 10/10
  18. JohnH
    Jan 24, 2009
    9
    Tim Roth brings an added bonus to this new idea for a TV show. Hope they can keep it fresh.
  19. HarveyB
    Oct 27, 2009
    9
    a great crime drama about a man that can "read faces" and tell if a person is lying. episodes in the first season were good and entertaining but as season 2 started i can't help notice that the show is losing its momentum as i find myself already guessing who did what crime and so forth. i still recommend it but i hope the following episodes are much more difficult to answer.
  20. KerryF
    Feb 25, 2009
    8
    Interesting show. Needs to have a few episodes to work out the kinks but overall it is enjoyable to watch.
  21. MaomaoZ
    Mar 13, 2009
    10
    This show is awesome! I was drawn to it because of Roth, but actually the rest of the cast is amazing as well. Kelli Williams is such a natural. The premise of the show is entertaining, and they've done a really good job of not only creating an entertaining story every time but also drawing the audience into the lives of the characters, something the producers/directors of series This show is awesome! I was drawn to it because of Roth, but actually the rest of the cast is amazing as well. Kelli Williams is such a natural. The premise of the show is entertaining, and they've done a really good job of not only creating an entertaining story every time but also drawing the audience into the lives of the characters, something the producers/directors of series like CSI and Law and Order haven't done so well. Overall, great! I gasp and sigh during the whole show everytime!… Expand
  22. MichaelT
    Mar 13, 2009
    8
    Lie to me is a great new series, and I like it's individual flavor. The only problem I can see with this series is it's repetitiveness. You can only create these lie crimes for so long before the audience becomes bored.
  23. SharonH
    Jun 16, 2009
    9
    Love it and love the Cal Lightman character!
  24. BlackAcidDragon
    Oct 8, 2010
    10
    this is awesome. tim roth is awesome. the episodes are good to watch and even watch again. i like the characters mostly and the abilities to see and solve thigns the way they do.
  25. IsisLogic
    Sep 2, 2010
    9
    Great show. Interesting premise lends itself to interesting angles. Tim Roth, excellent actor, best part of the show. Good pairing with Kelli Williams, she plays her role very well. Hoping they don't cancel this one.
  26. BrettOwen9
    Nov 3, 2010
    10
    The first season of this show was by far the best, and that season deserved a 10, unfortunately it feels like it's only gone downhill since then. Luckily, the show started at such a high point that it's fallen into a still very good show. I think one of the disappointments for me about the later seasons and episodes is the fact that they've turned away from running two cases per episode,The first season of this show was by far the best, and that season deserved a 10, unfortunately it feels like it's only gone downhill since then. Luckily, the show started at such a high point that it's fallen into a still very good show. I think one of the disappointments for me about the later seasons and episodes is the fact that they've turned away from running two cases per episode, now it's just one for each episode. This causes them to stretch the limits of the characters and plot and sometimes it's a real let down. However, as I said before, it's still a great show and the science behind it is real and absolutely fascinating. As other reviewers have said, I feel like I've learned a lot from the show and I find myself evaluating people's non-verbal cues and body language all the time now!… Expand
  27. JoergH
    Dec 19, 2010
    6
    Lie to me had a spectacular kick-off with an even more spectacular Tim Roth. But in the course of the first season the stories became weaker - as if writers don't know how they could stop writing the same story of deceit detection again and again without becoming an ordinary crime drama that makes Cal Lightman an ordinary investigator.
  28. duhreds
    May 1, 2011
    7
    a good show, well filmed, good char stories and backgrounds. only downpoint is it becomes limited and somewhat obvious as to whats going to happen. a good idea, well pulled off but needs something else to make it great.
  29. megn
    Jul 2, 2011
    10
    One of the most interesting shows on TV. FOX made a mistake canceling this one.
    One of the most interesting shows on TV. FOX made a mistake canceling this one.
  30. DMuhny
    Jul 10, 2011
    10
    Lie to Me is probably the only TV series (besides Lost) to ever have me waiting for more episodes every time I finish one. Great series. Cal Lightman is a very likeable character. The way he moves, talks, and acts will have you interested in him easily. The show is not only funny, but it is also intense with drama and action.
  31. JamesX
    Apr 10, 2012
    9
    A Smart show that is ultimately doomed just like Firefly. One could lament the state of our society when we would pick something like The Bachlor over Dramas. It show is a twist on detective drama with just enough to make it interesting as opposed to repetitious. The cast is great and the character they portrays have a great dynamic. I find it far better than House M.D., which is theA Smart show that is ultimately doomed just like Firefly. One could lament the state of our society when we would pick something like The Bachlor over Dramas. It show is a twist on detective drama with just enough to make it interesting as opposed to repetitious. The cast is great and the character they portrays have a great dynamic. I find it far better than House M.D., which is the show a lot of people seem to compare this with. This comparison is odd since House is really all about House (at least to a layman such as I), while this show puts much more emphasis on each episode's mystery.… Expand
  32. ksatch
    Nov 19, 2014
    6
    Possui uma ótima idéia (inclusive real) que o pioneiro no estudo de expressões faciais (Paul Ekman) fez e escreveu num livro, onde é possível prever alguns emoções através da leitura facial. Com isso, é transportado para o mundo da ficção, à la CSI, que o personagem principal é chamado pra resolver os mais cabeludos casos de crimes, traições ect. Porém, acho que formato de episódio nãoPossui uma ótima idéia (inclusive real) que o pioneiro no estudo de expressões faciais (Paul Ekman) fez e escreveu num livro, onde é possível prever alguns emoções através da leitura facial. Com isso, é transportado para o mundo da ficção, à la CSI, que o personagem principal é chamado pra resolver os mais cabeludos casos de crimes, traições ect. Porém, acho que formato de episódio não relacionados não me prendeu a ponto de não largar mais a série (estilo Lost). Com isso, vi apenas a 1° temporada e desisti.… Expand
  33. paleii
    Jun 21, 2013
    9
    Lie to me is a fascinating show.

    Its not fascinating for its plot or character development because honestly it is nothing special. In fact, it can be said to be down right predictable in most times. What is fascinating about the show is the brush of reality that highlights the show. The focus on non verbal language offers an opportunity to use the videos as a controlled environment    Lie to me is a fascinating show.

    Its not fascinating for its plot or character development because honestly it is nothing special. In fact, it can be said to be down right predictable in most times.

    What is fascinating about the show is the brush of reality that highlights the show. The focus on non verbal language offers an opportunity to use the videos as a controlled environment to practice on non verbal language reading.

    I am not sure how stark in resemblance to reality it is. After all i have only read a few books on this topic. But I hope to apply these techniques in the future after replaying scenes 5xs and try to get a grasp on their expressions.    … Expand
  34. Andremax
    Aug 28, 2018
    7
    A TV series with scientific content which can too much add the watcher's life, and this is the highest series' point, beside its great sense of humor. The problem is repetitiveness, sometimes gives sensation watching the same episode, excluding the fact that 2nd season doesn't needed too many episodes and being so tiring adding the last cited fact. Still worth for science lovers and humanA TV series with scientific content which can too much add the watcher's life, and this is the highest series' point, beside its great sense of humor. The problem is repetitiveness, sometimes gives sensation watching the same episode, excluding the fact that 2nd season doesn't needed too many episodes and being so tiring adding the last cited fact. Still worth for science lovers and human behavior students.… Expand
  35. MaxRiley
    Jul 14, 2014
    10
    The show gets a slightly boring towards the end as the same story is re done with a different plot.
    The only thing that is keeping the show alive is the science behind it. The case of using human lie detectors as polygraphs are quite easy to fool is quite outstanding. Its just brilliant, You learn so much new and its fascinating.
    When Dr. Lightman figures out a person is lying and then    The show gets a slightly boring towards the end as the same story is re done with a different plot.
    The only thing that is keeping the show alive is the science behind it. The case of using human lie detectors as polygraphs are quite easy to fool is quite outstanding. Its just brilliant, You learn so much new and its fascinating.

    When Dr. Lightman figures out a person is lying and then he shows his reasoning behind it your mind is is blown away. Its quite astonishing and keeps the show alive.

    The best thing is that this show is different. All we see now is lots of Crime TV shows.
    Amazing show and love it. -Must Watch-    … Expand
  36. Tui
    Dec 29, 2014
    10
    Based around an eccentric, yet hilarious social psychologist, Lie to Me introduces a new style of TV. Addiction awaits in the very first episode as you are intrigued by the quirky natures of the characters, awe inspiring stories and fascinating insights into human psychology.
  37. alejandro970
    Jul 7, 2019
    8
    The art of how solving crime mysteries with the method of detecting lies. The cynical, machiavellian but resourseful Cal Lightman makes remind sometimes Gregory House, much every chapter is worthwhile.

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best TV Season of 2009
35
#35 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
15
#15 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    67
    Lie to Me is derivative yet well crafted, predictable yet ever-so-slightly novel.
    Read full review
  2. Salon
    Reviewed by: Heather Havrilesky
    80
    OK, fine, so maybe the pilot does wrap up with your typical teary-eyed confession. Otherwise, though, Lie to Me is as thoroughly entertaining and charming as its fine-looking cast of characters.
    Read full review
  3. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    75
    Lie to Me's pilot is brisk anthropological fun.
    Read full review
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