Life on Mars (UK)

:

Season 1
Season #: 2, 1
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7

Critic Reviews

  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jennifer Armstrong
    91
    It's Quantum Leap meets The Streets of San Francisco--with narry a C, S, or I in sight. [28 Jul 2006, p.56]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    90
    Surreal and harrowing.
  3. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Robert Abele
    80
    Don’t mistake the slick-but-not-stupid Life on Mars for brain-bending sci-fi or Austin Powers-style farce. Aside from the psychological stress of its star... this is actually at heart an old-school cops-and-robbers show, with that dash of Twilight Zone to give it 21st-century cachet.
  5. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    80
    Plain wonderful.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    70
    The show is exceptionally well made from top to bottom and pulls you in and pulls you along, owing not least to a host of terrific performances.
  7. Kansas City Star
    Reviewed by: Aaron Barnhart
    70
    It’s an ambitious and ever-shifting examination of the lack of foresight in a culture addicted to rapid change.
  8. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    70
    "Life on Mars" has the makings of an intoxicating treat, proving how far a little atmosphere can go in breathing life into a format that occasionally appears close to flatlining.

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best TV Season of 2006
63
#63 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006
20
#20 Most Shared TV Season of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 84
  3. Negative: 4 out of 84
  1. PolisKanin
    Feb 8, 2014
    10
    John Simm. Need I say more?
    It could just be 6 episodes of John Simm and leave it at that and it would still be at least an 8, but this is so    John Simm. Need I say more?
    It could just be 6 episodes of John Simm and leave it at that and it would still be at least an 8, but this is so much more. I'm sad I can't give this 11/10.    … Full Review »
  2. drlowdon
    Feb 13, 2021
    8
    A response the now endless formulaic cops shows Life on Mars saw Chief Inspector Sam Tyler (John Simm) transported back to 1973 having fallenA response the now endless formulaic cops shows Life on Mars saw Chief Inspector Sam Tyler (John Simm) transported back to 1973 having fallen into a coma following a car accident.

    Once back in 1973 Tyler finds himself working with the politically incorrect police force, including the brilliant Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister), whose methods vary greatly from what he is used to. First and foremost Life on Mars is a thrilling police series that flies along at a cracking pace and the mystery of just why Tyler finds himself in the 70's adds a further layer to the show. It also does a great job of highlighting just how much Britain has changed in the last 35 years both socially and morally.

    One of the best British shows of the last twenty years.    … Full Review »
  3. MattBrady99
    Mar 18, 2015
    9
    Sam Tyler: "I need you to connect me to a Virgin number -"

    Operator: "Don't you start that sexy business with me, young man. I can trace    Sam Tyler: "I need you to connect me to a Virgin number -"

    Operator: "Don't you start that sexy business with me, young man. I can trace this call".

    A lot of people may not know what the TV show "Life on mars" is about and to be honest I didn't too. I over hear people talking about it but I never got a chance to watch it and has years past I forgot all about it, until I FINALLY got a chance to watch it and I'm a bit disappointed with myself for not watching it sooner because this show is freaking excellent.

    Life on Mars gives me that classic nostalgic good cop and bad cop feeling, also taking place in the 70's, this is perfect for a series and how could people over look this brilliant and well made show.

    John Simm plays are main character (Sam Tyler) and John Simm has said the script for this show was "Bonkers", and he was right but my god dose it worked so well in this show. John Simm and the rest of the supporting crew was just terrific and they wasn't that one person who did a terrible job, no they all did terrific. They cast the right people in the right roles and that's just good to see.

    Philip Glenister has (Gene Hunt) was simply brilliant has this mean, bad cop who wants the case done badly, which makes him a lot of fun to watch. Sam and Gene back and forward was just TV gold.

    The 70's soundtrack used in the show was also terrific and I listened to those tracks about loads of times now. The story was great and interesting, the cast has I said before was great and the writing as well was fantastically well written.

    Now this isn't going to get the perfect rating of 10/10 because it isn't up to that level, but it still get's a strong rating of 9/10.

    P.S. If you haven't see this show then... well, watch it please.    … Full Review »
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