Don’t Keep Fans Waiting Until the Eleventh Hour, Fox – Pick Up the Back 9!
1 September 2010 at 7:16 pm
NOTE: If you don’t have time to read through the whole article but want to “sign” this petition by leaving your name in the comments, please do.
So here we are again… back in that familiar territory known as “Lie to Me’s pickup limbo”. This is now the fourth time “Lie to Me” fans have had to face this. It started back in season one, when a second season pickup came in the 11th hour. That pickup, it should be specified, was only for 13 episodes. Come to waiting game two: “Will ‘Lie to Me’ be picked up for a full second season?” That was the question on many a fan’s mind. The answer, fortunately, was yes. Of course, this too was in the 11th hour. Fast forward to the more recent decision to renew “Lie to Me” for a third season. But, wait for it… it’s only for 13 episodes. Not this again! So, that brings us now to waiting game number four: Will “Lie to Me” be picked up for a full third season?
Why It Should Be
Starting in more recent history: “Lie to Me” is the highest rated scripted show of the summer. It’s performed very solidly over the summer, never losing the audience in the second half hour of its slot, but, instead, gaining viewers. “Lie to Me” has really proven to be a tough show. It endured several time slot changes in its first season alone. I don’t know about you, but spreading a show’s mere 13 episodes over several time slots is a bit confusing. Despite that, “Lie to Me” miraculously managed to build a solid, if somewhat small, fan base. However, it has, for the most part, held onto that fan base, even amidst some extremely tough time slot competition. (Add to this the 6 month long hiatus… don’t even get me started on that!) Much like the airing of its episodes, however, “Lie to Me” has built on what it started with. Its fan base has continued to grow over time.
Now, a brief case study: A somewhat humorous pickup occurred recently on the cable channel TBS: they picked up the show “Are We There Yet?” for 90 more episodes. That’s right: 90. Clearly this network sees something in the show that works, and that they feel can work for them. So why won’t Fox do the same? The fans aren’t even asking for 90 episodes… just 9… to start.
Another important reason Fox needs to water “Lie to Me” and help it grow is their own stable of shows has diminished. Fox has one long time action drama that’s ended (24), another drama that’s aging (House), and not too much hope of anything big in the very near future. But what they also have is a solid drama with a solid fan base that’s proven, not only are they loyal, but there’s huge room for growth among them.
I hesitate to say something negative about Fox. After all, they have a track record of being a very patient network. And, truth be told, they could’ve pulled the plug on “Lie to Me” long ago. But, I dare say they also could’ve been promoting it… long ago. All that being said, however, it’s important for everyone to keep in mind that promotion, while certainly helpful, isn’t in and of itself a guarantee. (Case in point: “The Good Guys”, another Fox drama.) And, Fox has been very careful about where they place “Lie to Me”. Up until now they’ve managed to avoid relegating it to Friday or Saturday night. I do feel Fox has some faith in the show… or else it wouldn’t be on. But what we’re asking for now, Fox, is to show that faith. Pick up “Lie to Me” for a full third season. And, while you’re at it, promote it… even a little. It’s a solid bet. Honest.
Now for the fun part… If you would like to see “Lie to Me” picked up for a full third season, leave your name below. Also feel free to share why you think it should stay on the air, how long you’ve watched, and whatever else you feel is relevant. (Only one entry per e-mail address, please. It will be monitored, and duplicates removed.) Be heard, “Lie to Me” fans!!!
Also, if you’re on Twitter, join the act.ly petition for @FoxBroadcasting. Follow the icon/link below…
Category: Misc
Tags: Original, Renewal, Season One, Season Three, Season Two
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