Why Was The Lying Game Cancelled?
The Lying Game, a teen drama television series, was cancelled by ABC Family (now Freeform) after its third season in 2014. The show, which premiered in 2011, was based on the novel of the same name by Sara Shepard and followed the lives of four teenage friends who played a game of cat and mouse with a mysterious figure. The series gained a loyal fan base, but despite its popularity, it was ultimately cancelled. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the cancellation of The Lying Game.
Low Ratings
One of the primary reasons for the cancellation of The Lying Game was its declining ratings. The show’s first season premiered to strong ratings, with an average of 1.3 million viewers per episode. However, as the series progressed, its ratings began to decline. The second season averaged around 800,000 viewers per episode, and the third season saw a significant drop to around 500,000 viewers per episode. This decline in viewership made it difficult for the network to justify the cost of producing the show.
Cost and Production Issues
The Lying Game was a relatively expensive show to produce, with a large cast and complex plotlines. The show’s production company, Warner Horizon Television, had to invest significant resources into creating the show, including hiring a large crew, building sets, and purchasing special effects. As the ratings declined, the network became less willing to invest in the show, leading to cost-cutting measures and ultimately, the cancellation of the series.
Creative Differences
Another factor that contributed to the cancellation of The Lying Game was creative differences between the show’s writers and producers. The show’s creator, Charles Pratt Jr., left the show after the second season, and the new showrunner, Bob Levy, brought in new writers and a new direction for the series. However, this change in creative direction was met with resistance from some fans, who felt that the show had lost its way and was no longer faithful to the original novel.
Lack of Merchandising Opportunities
The Lying Game was not a show that lent itself easily to merchandising opportunities. Unlike other popular teen dramas, such as The Vampire Diaries or Pretty Little Liars, The Lying Game did not have a built-in fan base of passionate fans who would be eager to buy merchandise. This lack of merchandising opportunities made it difficult for the network to justify the cost of producing the show, as there were limited opportunities to generate additional revenue.
Table: Comparison of The Lying Game’s Ratings and Viewership
| Season | Episodes | Average Viewers | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | 1.3 million | 0.6 |
| 2 | 20 | 800,000 | 0.4 |
| 3 | 10 | 500,000 | 0.2 |
Fan Reaction
The cancellation of The Lying Game was met with a mixed reaction from fans. Some fans were upset and disappointed that the show had been cancelled, while others were relieved that the show had finally come to an end. The show’s finale was a subject of controversy, with some fans feeling that it did not provide a satisfying conclusion to the series.
Conclusion
The Lying Game was cancelled due to a combination of factors, including low ratings, high production costs, creative differences, and a lack of merchandising opportunities. Despite its loyal fan base, the show was ultimately unable to sustain itself and was cancelled after its third season. However, the show will always be remembered as a unique and captivating teen drama that explored themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of playing with fire.
What Do You Think?
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Key Takeaways:
- The Lying Game was cancelled due to low ratings, high production costs, creative differences, and a lack of merchandising opportunities.
- The show’s ratings declined significantly over its three-season run, making it difficult for the network to justify the cost of producing the show.
- The show’s production company, Warner Horizon Television, had to invest significant resources into creating the show, including hiring a large crew, building sets, and purchasing special effects.
- The show’s creative direction changed significantly after the departure of its original showrunner, leading to resistance from some fans.
- The lack of merchandising opportunities made it difficult for the network to generate additional revenue from the show.