May 07, 2010
Shawn Ryan leaving 'Lie to Me'

Exclusive: If Fox picks up "Lie to Me" for next season, showrunner Shawn Ryan isn't coming with it.

With his plate full with other projects, Ryan has told Fox he no longer wants to run the crime drama, which has struggled in the ratings this season. Ryan is already committed to his upcoming FX private eye drama "Terriers," while his Fox police drama pilot "Ride Along" is looking strong for a fall pickup.

"Lie to Me" wasn't Ryan's show to start with, the talented "Shield" writer-producer was brought in last year to run the drama's second season. The fate of the show seemed in particularly in question when Fox pushed its return from hiatus into the summer.

Along with "Human Target," the procedural is awaiting a verdict from the network. Fox may or may not make a ruling on "Lie" before the network's upfront presentation to advertisers later this month.

Since Fox is in the luxury position of having several pilots it likes and a limited number of slots, there's a also chance the network might not bring back either show, but I suspect "Target" will squeak into a second season.

"Lie" returns June 7 with 12 episodes left and being paired with Fox's new show "The Good Guys."

James Hibberd The Live Feed

Friday, May 7, 2010