Multitalented actor Tim Roth will make his television series debut in Lie to Me, a one-hour drama with a 13-episode commitment.

Roth is set to Dr. Cal Lightman, a scientist who pioneered the field of deception detection (whatever that means.)

The doctor is a human lie detector, skilled at reading the human face, body and voice to uncover the truth in criminal and private investigations. The fact that the character can apply the same skills to his personal life complicates his relationships. The science in the show is genuine, based on the work of Dr. Paul Ekman.

The pilot will begin shooting in August.

Roth was pursued for three months to play the character.