: The show’s protagonist, Dr. Cal Lightman, is a fictionalized version of Paul Ekman , who spent decades documenting how brief, involuntary facial expressions reveal suppressed emotions.
: Much of the series' procedural logic is based on Ekman's book Telling Lies and his research into "leakage"—nonverbal cues that contradict a person's spoken words. Series Overview Lie to Me (2009–2011)
: Although the show claimed to be "rooted in actual science," Ekman himself noted that the speed and certainty with which Lightman spots lies were often exaggerated for television. : The show’s protagonist, Dr
You can find more detailed critiques of the science in each episode on Paul Ekman's official website, where he blogged throughout the show's original run. Lie to Me (TV Series 2009–2011) - Full cast & crew - IMDb Series Overview : Although the show claimed to