Life (2007)

:

Season 1
  • 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. Positive: 206 out of 253
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 253
  3. Negative: 41 out of 253
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User Reviews

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  1. DDub
    Nov 22, 2007
    10
    Interesting premise well executed. Crews' zen bits, and slowly revealed histories of the main characters is compelling. Also, stealing anyone they can get from the Deadwood cast can't be a bad play. It is so good that I fear for its survival.
  2. MartinS.
    Nov 28, 2007
    7
    I was predisposed to hate this show. Franklly I couldn't see Damian Lewis as an ex-con or an ex-cop but it seems to work.
  3. PaulaG.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    The only tv series this season that i look forward to each week. smart, offbeat and 2 plots at the same time that keep you thinking throughout the show. would like to see "easeley" back in cameo role. even my 13 year old is hooked.
  4. MarkM.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    "Life" is an ingenious show that has an Emmy and Golden Glober worthy performance from star Damian Lewis. What sets this show apart from all of the run-of-the-mill police procedurals, detective shows, or Law and Order is that "Life" has a bigger story arch to tell with Detective Charlie Crews trying to solve his wrongful imprisonment. It also doesn't hurt that Crews is a "Life" is an ingenious show that has an Emmy and Golden Glober worthy performance from star Damian Lewis. What sets this show apart from all of the run-of-the-mill police procedurals, detective shows, or Law and Order is that "Life" has a bigger story arch to tell with Detective Charlie Crews trying to solve his wrongful imprisonment. It also doesn't hurt that Crews is a interestingly bizarre character as he has become one with the world through Zen.… Expand
  5. KenF.
    Nov 29, 2007
    10
    This is one of the best Police shows in recent times. Fresh, that is to say not a cookie cutter mold of CSI, Law & Order. I do hope they can keep it going.
  6. Ashp
    Oct 13, 2007
    9
    One of the best new shows of the season--both smart and fun! Damian Lewis is sensational in the lead role and I'm already caught up in the mystery of who framed his character.
  7. JohnB.
    Oct 15, 2007
    9
    Great show! Definitely different approach to the cop show/police procedural.
  8. toml.
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    not a fan of 'cop' shows but thought i'd give it a try because of lewis. this is not a cop show. like the cast. the dialog is very good, have to pay attention. i like paying attention. it's nice to have a thoughtful show to watch.
  9. RobertG.
    Oct 19, 2007
    9
    GREAT new show. The lead actor is excellent as a cop who's been changed by being locked up in jail for years and then freed and awarded millions of dollars in compensation once he's proven innocent. Both he and the actress who plays his partner have charisma to spare and the balance of humor and drama really works. Each show has gotten better as the viewer learns more about the GREAT new show. The lead actor is excellent as a cop who's been changed by being locked up in jail for years and then freed and awarded millions of dollars in compensation once he's proven innocent. Both he and the actress who plays his partner have charisma to spare and the balance of humor and drama really works. Each show has gotten better as the viewer learns more about the injustice done to this cop and his mission to find out who really killed his partner.… Expand
  10. LisaJ.
    Dec 14, 2007
    10
    Great acting by Damian Lewis -- the show just keeps getting better and better. I hope they don't cancel the series!
  11. SteveE
    Dec 19, 2007
    10
    The best thing on TV for many years - hooked from the start, great plot, great characters. The Zen stuff fits in well. Some of the critics are way off base on this one........PERFECT
  12. AnnaN.
    Dec 22, 2007
    9
    Intriguing series -- a detective show within a detective show with a new perspective. I love the character development and the interaction between individuals with past scars coming together in unusual ways.
  13. RussellS.
    Dec 3, 2007
    10
    Best new show on television!!!
  14. JanetP.
    Oct 25, 2007
    10
    Life is a 10 out of 10. Damian Lewis is the best. The storyline intrigues. Even though there's a dark side to the series, there are plenty of light moments. Those of us who have watched each episode can only hope NBC will keep this show, advertise it more and maybe put it on the schedule at an earlier time (EST). Let's hope that the writers don't camp things up too much. Life is a 10 out of 10. Damian Lewis is the best. The storyline intrigues. Even though there's a dark side to the series, there are plenty of light moments. Those of us who have watched each episode can only hope NBC will keep this show, advertise it more and maybe put it on the schedule at an earlier time (EST). Let's hope that the writers don't camp things up too much. Don't go Monk-weird on us. Crews is more complicated and more interesting than most quirky t.v. characters.… Expand
  15. KevinN.
    Dec 5, 2007
    10
    wow this show is amazing. Damian Lewis is an amazing acotr and is perfect for the role of Charlie Crews.... I'm definitely buying all the seasons when they come out on DVD so i can see it all over again
  16. AdamG.
    Dec 5, 2007
    10
    This show is well written with great acting. Finally an interesting character!
  17. HawthorneA.
    Dec 6, 2007
    9
    Original story line, great characters, just right pacing. What's not to like?
  18. PeterC.
    Dec 7, 2007
    10
    Excellent - great acting - very good characters - more than just another "cop" show - will develop and get stronger as the 'sub-story' is filled out, more and more, each week. Keep it, NBC!
  19. KevinL.
    Sep 26, 2007
    6
    Great Television Series! The pilot of "life" was not so glamourous. It wasn't so well paced and pulled together. The premise is quite interesting with a intruging and talented lead actor. The performances are somewhat strong. The pilot wasn't so entertaining, but it picks up very much after the second episode.
  20. BJG
    Sep 27, 2007
    10
    I thought it hit on every cylinder. Lewis as the lead is brilliant and the underlying tones of conspiracy should be enough to keep the audience intrigued for weeks to come.
  21. AndrewH
    Sep 27, 2007
    8
    I loved the pilot, and while at first Crews' quirky demeanor seemed like the lame overdone wit used so much in the past two years, his personality actually has meaning behind it, rather than just something to sound 'edgy'. The supporting cast is all right, but Lewis is definitely the highlight of the show.
  22. C.B.
    Sep 29, 2007
    9
    Damian Lewis is great. I'm excited about this show.
  23. StevenT.
    Feb 19, 2008
    10
    Awesome show. Love the storylines and Charlie's character. Please bring it back!!!
  24. JackS.
    May 15, 2008
    10
    Great show. I will watch all new episodes for many seasons!
  25. Chris
    Jul 31, 2008
    10
    Great show! Give it time and it will be a hit.
  26. 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.
  27. JosephG.
    Nov 15, 2007
    7
    It's.... good. Not as good as many think but good! I love the writing for the main character, but I despised the writing for the the rest of the characters as their reactions did not seem appropriate. the main character just felt out of place like he was placed in as an after thought.
  28. A.Jordan
    Nov 15, 2007
    10
    Terrific new show! Crews is reminiscent of Lord Peter Wimsey, another apparently lighthearted detective with a galloping case of post traumatic stress disorder and an iron will toward revenge. The Buddhist motes scattered through the show make it that much more intriguing. Catch it quick before the writers' strike kills it!
  29. Elana
    Dec 11, 2007
    10
    The plot and characters really grew on me. Life has a terrific soundtrack too. Great plot twists every week!
  30. RafaelM.
    Dec 12, 2007
    10
    I must say one thing before I share my comments: "I don't watch TV" I have not found a single sign of intelligence in TV for as far back as can remember. But the show "LIFE" changed all that. It must be one of the BEST (if not The Best) shows in TV. Interesting, catchy, engaging. Unlike many of today's 'police' shows, which are so predictable, "Life" and its main I must say one thing before I share my comments: "I don't watch TV" I have not found a single sign of intelligence in TV for as far back as can remember. But the show "LIFE" changed all that. It must be one of the BEST (if not The Best) shows in TV. Interesting, catchy, engaging. Unlike many of today's 'police' shows, which are so predictable, "Life" and its main characters bind our attention to the soft-flowing drama of the show yet it keeps its viewers alerts, not knowing what will happen next. Crews embodies his role wholy; He is an amazing actor. He almost lead me to assume that his character and the actor are one and the same in real "Life" His sidekick/partner Sarah Shahi, who plays Detective Reese is one hell of "hot babe" I first experience her acting in the show "L-Word" and preceived her to be an incredibly 'passionate' woman. Seeing her in her new role in "Life" took me a few episode to get use to it, but she definetely has my vote as a versatile actress. Great job NBC! Keep up the good work. have a hard time discerning whether… Expand
  31. loh.
    Dec 14, 2007
    10
    This show is different as far as cop shows go, and the pairing of Damian and Sarah is perfect. Plus Damian is still awesome post Band of Brothers
  32. JeanD.
    Dec 21, 2007
    10
    Except for "Boston Legal" it's the only intellegent show on TV. The cast especially the male and female leads are great.
  33. RobQ.
    Dec 28, 2007
    10
    I love it. My new favorite show. I've liked Seinfeld, The Office, and now this.
  34. 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.
  35. blendurr95
    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.
  36. bob516
    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.
  37. sjeppell
    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.
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Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best TV Season of 2007
7
#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2007
26
#26 Most Shared TV Season of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 4 out of 21
  1. Variety
    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.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Barry Garron
    80
    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.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    60
    Mildly satisfying, but pretty formulaic.
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