• Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 26, 2007
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 253 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 41 out of 253
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User Reviews

  1. Dec 21, 2013
    10
    Zen philosophy in a prime-time network show, what a great concept. The police procedural simply serves as the framework to explore Damian Lewis' character, and how he deals with the world. Lewis and Shahi play their parts so well, and with the sharply written dialogue, it is a pleasure to watch and listen to.
  2. Mar 13, 2013
    10
    The writing is great, the pacing is great, the character development is fantastic, the camera work is engaging. This is a thoroughly entertaining show. As I came upon the last episode, I worried that it would end in medias res. But in fact, they wrap the whole thing up beautifully and you are left with a satisfied sense of having read through a long and wonderful novel.
  3. Jan 2, 2012
    10
    Fantastic show! Contains just the right amount of drama, hilarity, and everything in between. The characters are pretty much all fantastic as well. I'd highly recommend it.
  4. RichardD.
    Apr 10, 2009
    10
    well written. very good character profiles, good acting and entertaining story lines, realistics gray line between police and criminal characters.
  5. MarkL
    Mar 31, 2009
    10
    Life is an absolutely brilliant series. It
  6. NaomiH
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    Witty, intelligent - able to hold interest without insulting simple sexuality stuff: i.e - without relying on what seems like the cheap degrading allusions to sex that so many shows seem to need to include just to get ratings.
  7. JeffS.
    Feb 13, 2009
    10
    Best new show on TV. Good writing & cast. The new boss in season two is much better than the first season.
  8. JackC
    Feb 9, 2009
    10
    I really like this show. I don't want to see another CSI type show anyway. Isn't this venue all played out? Crews and Reese play well off each other and make for a fun watch. I'd like to see more of Reese's dark side though.
  9. eedeeddedd
    Nov 23, 2008
    10
    By choice, I don't have access to TV in my home. This is because 99% of television is crap. This show is different though. I found it online and I think it's great.
  10. DulcieM.
    Sep 13, 2008
    10
    My husband and I LOVE this show!! What a nice change of pace from all the other cop shows. This is the ONLY show I put my life on hold for!!
  11. Chris
    Jul 31, 2008
    10
    Great show! Give it time and it will be a hit.
  12. ChristinaS.
    Jul 28, 2008
    10
    This show is AWESOME! I love it and I hope CBS does not pull the usual lame excuse for getting rid of it for no good reason. It is witty, sarcastic, and just plain fun to watch. Not mention that Mr. Lewis has this underlying sex appeal that makes it all the more fun to watch!
  13. KyalB
    Jul 9, 2008
    10
    Joins The Wire and The Shield as one of the best cop dramas on television.
  14. JayawiP.
    Jun 21, 2008
    10
    I have seen all LIFE episodes and am looking forward to see more!! ! On the other hand I find CSI MIAMI and predominantly Horatio unbelievably phony and irritating to watch. People DO NOT act like that, he is just too unruffled, pathetically so with his sunglasses and attitude. I have never bothered with Law and Order, as it also seems like more American rubbish - bad acting, bad dialogue I have seen all LIFE episodes and am looking forward to see more!! ! On the other hand I find CSI MIAMI and predominantly Horatio unbelievably phony and irritating to watch. People DO NOT act like that, he is just too unruffled, pathetically so with his sunglasses and attitude. I have never bothered with Law and Order, as it also seems like more American rubbish - bad acting, bad dialogue and bad story line. LIFE may not be realistic but at least the acting is good and the story line different and enjoyable - and by many more than just me! Expand
  15. MarhadiashaK.
    Jun 10, 2008
    10
    I love both of the characters (Crews and Reese). I love Crews' philosophies, "robotic" movements, oh this is my favorite show.
  16. SarahJ.
    May 27, 2008
    10
    Love this underrated show. it was a pleasant coincidence when i caught it while flipping channels. people need to see this - better then most of the new shows.
  17. JackS.
    May 15, 2008
    10
    Great show. I will watch all new episodes for many seasons!
  18. AltonS.
    Apr 17, 2008
    10
    I usually don't vote ten and was going too vote nine. I couldn't find any faults too justify anything but 10. Good characters, interesting stories, quirky approaches with a great kind of comedy. Then throw in the darker elements of the show and.... you get life. Much better then most shows out there.
  19. GeoffreyM.
    Mar 28, 2008
    10
    Refreshing. Revives my faith in network shows. Need more like this. Lewis is brilliant.
  20. ElaineD.
    Mar 25, 2008
    10
    loved the plot and the complexity of the character. also deep in philosophy unlike the other "sex" hungry and teenage pregnancy shows on TV right now.
  21. MO
    Mar 1, 2008
    10
    This was the best show going prior to the writers strike. I'm glad to hear it will return in the fall.
  22. KurtisT
    Feb 22, 2008
    10
    Best show in years, I look forward to thursday nights. I canty wait for next season!
  23. StevenT.
    Feb 19, 2008
    10
    Awesome show. Love the storylines and Charlie's character. Please bring it back!!!
  24. JennetP.
    Feb 15, 2008
    9
    Interestingly, the critics who like the show are from the newspapers that intellectuals and artists read, whereas the negative reviews are all in provincial rags. In addition to the virtues already well-attested, LIFE is rich in philosophical complexity, asking questions about the nature of humanity, experience, time, etc, rather than either ignoring them or passively accepting the Interestingly, the critics who like the show are from the newspapers that intellectuals and artists read, whereas the negative reviews are all in provincial rags. In addition to the virtues already well-attested, LIFE is rich in philosophical complexity, asking questions about the nature of humanity, experience, time, etc, rather than either ignoring them or passively accepting the Judeo-Christian-humanist consensus. All this and a killer soundtrack, too! Goes to show that, just because you have a big ol' brain, don't mean you can't dance! Expand
  25. TH
    Feb 9, 2008
    10
    The quirky nature of the lead is so well played, and surrounding actors play off the lead perfectly. This show needs to continue. The scene cuts are very well done as well, it keeps you guessing and wanting more. Fortunately there are normal people in this world that aren't paid to be 'Critics', because the 'Critics' obviously don't have a clue with just a The quirky nature of the lead is so well played, and surrounding actors play off the lead perfectly. This show needs to continue. The scene cuts are very well done as well, it keeps you guessing and wanting more. Fortunately there are normal people in this world that aren't paid to be 'Critics', because the 'Critics' obviously don't have a clue with just a 64avg rating, shameful. I picked up this show on the 4th or 5th episode and was hooked. Fortunately for the technology/internet, I was able to view the previously episodes and catch up. Now if the 'writers' come back, maybe we'll see how this season ends. Expand
  26. vladm.
    Feb 4, 2008
    10
    One of the best shows I've ever seen. being different from the others this movie stands out and totally sucks you in.
  27. RobS.
    Feb 4, 2008
    10
    Never seen a TV Series like this before. It's so refreshing, be it the funny dialogues or charlies strange but still wonderful perspectives he has on everything. And the last episodes proofed that it has the potential to build up high tension. I find some of the bad critics way out of touch. Can't wait to see more.
  28. HeatherS.
    Feb 4, 2008
    10
    Damian Lewis is gorgeous. His facial expressions and dialect are spot-on for the character he plays- Charlie Crews... he is a profoundly talented actor that deserves an Emmy for his performance. I laugh myself to tears he is so funny. Can't wait for new episodes to come!
  29. MarciaR.
    Feb 2, 2008
    10
    I like the acting, the clever dialogue, and the plot. I sure hope it comes back.
  30. NealJ.
    Jan 21, 2008
    10
    What a great show, well written, well acted great soundtrack. Just goes to show how out of touch some critics are. It's a winner.
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Negative: 4 out of 21
  1. Reviewed by: Laura Fries
    80
    Crews quirky mannerisms don't overwhelm the plot, and the show does strikes a nice balance between whimsy and its much darker backstory.
  2. It's an entirely different vibe, further enhanced by a charismatic and quirky central character who is both unpredictable and impossible to pigeonhole. Given a chance to develop, Detective Charlie Crews could someday take a place with the likes of Kojak, Columbo and Monk.
  3. 60
    Mildly satisfying, but pretty formulaic.