Life on Mars (UK)

:

Season 1
Season #: 2, 1
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

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User Reviews

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  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 much more. I'm sad I can't give this 11/10.
  2. janb
    Feb 13, 2007
    10
    We had a hard time waiting for the next week's episode. Absolutely brilliant. Different plot, strong characters with an eerie twist. A mixture that kept us completely hooked. Can't wait for the dvds to be released in the States and for Series 2 to come on over here.
  3. PaulB
    Apr 7, 2007
    10
    Great idea, great characters, great setting. Manchester was grim in the seventies, but it's wonderful for the show
  4. SheenaW
    Aug 3, 2006
    10
    Geat show! Totally original! Yes, a well-worn genre but with a great new twist. Can't wait for each episode.
  5. JoeI
    Aug 4, 2006
    9
    the best show to come from UK in many years. Highly original and fun
  6. MancAL
    Aug 5, 2006
    10
    Having watched the whole series in the UK, it doesn't start to make any sense during the first season. Still, cracking performances and based in England's best City!
  7. TeriY
    Jan 2, 2007
    10
    A terrific show. There is a theory that those who go into a coma and heal are prone to handle illnesses by coma again. Perhaps a third season?
  8. AnniR
    Feb 9, 2007
    10
    i want to give this programme 10+ 'tis the best thing i have watched. love the un-pc pc's. hopefully Sams relationship with Annie progresses
  9. TinaS
    Sep 6, 2006
    10
    I don't normally watch many cop shows, but this one has a very original twist to it. It's fun to watch and makes you wonder if or when he will go back to his real life. Can't wait for the next episode!
  10. IanAndrews
    Oct 8, 2007
    10
    Funny, uncomfortable, accurate, addictive. The BBC at its very, very best.
  11. SheilaB
    Feb 6, 2007
    10
    The show is one of the best things I've ever seen on the small screen. The cast is sublime. It works on so many levels. My only complaint is that theres so few episodes a season, and only two seasons total being made.
  12. Honey
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    This show is absolutely gripping. While it's based on ideas we're familiar with, it puts into question the nature of our subconscious, dreams, imagination, and reality. The acting is superb, and I've been pleased with every episode. Another ace program from the BBC....
  13. paulh
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    fantastic defo manchester as i remember it in the 70 s brill great superb best ever
  14. PatN
    Jul 26, 2006
    9
    Superb show. I have seen the entire first series (when it aired in the UK) - and really enjoyed it. Original, witty, fish out of water drama. You know that a poor american knock off is only months away!
  15. BarbaraD
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    love it - please come back
  16. ErickB
    Jan 19, 2007
    10
    Great show! Can't wait for season 2.
  17. KimF
    Jan 2, 2007
    10
    I absolutely love this show, but I always end up having to use on-screen text due to the heavy English accents!
  18. MarkD
    Apr 11, 2007
    9
    Part cop drama, part time travelling sci fi, part satire and social commentary. This is simply the best thing the BBC has done in years and years. Gripping, subtle, witty and original and the best thing is, series 2 is even better. Oh and Gene Hunt is a legend!
  19. CatherineM
    Apr 11, 2007
    10
    Just fantastic. Watched final episode last night. Absolutely brilliant in all aspects. Will really miss the show. The acting of all cst members and writing superb, Keep the great dramas coming BBC
  20. LorneD
    Apr 17, 2007
    10
    Amazingly well conceived and produced. Flawless TV.
  21. MalR
    Apr 4, 2007
    10
    A ridiculous premise for a series, but an absolute joy to behold. Makes me proud to see we can still produce drama series that match the best American output.
  22. OnyxRocks
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    Loved season 1, when does the US get to see the rest of the series? Please show it soon!
  23. JanG.
    Jul 17, 2007
    10
    Absolutely brilliant! I grew up in Manchester in the 70s and they did a fantastic job with this show. I can't wait for BBC America to show season 2. I'm sad to hear there's only 2 seasons of this awesome show.
  24. SamuelT
    Jul 25, 2006
    10
    Genius! Amazing performance from John Simm.
  25. MattM
    Jul 31, 2006
    8
    Impressive acting and good stories. The twist is a little bit annoying to me - couldn't it take place just fine in the present-day? But, aside from that, the twist adds a psychological element that adds to the rather harrowing nature of the main character's situation.
  26. KarenR
    Aug 11, 2006
    10
    We'll be watching a lot more of BBC America shows this season because of shows like this!
  27. markb
    Aug 13, 2006
    9
    This show presents an interesting combination of both sci-fi and cop show. It is fun experiencing this 21st century detective suffering the frustrations of dealing with the 70`s technology (lack of?) for solving crimes and interecting with his fellow officers. Plus, Liz White is a babe in her constable uniform.
  28. RebekahH
    Sep 14, 2006
    9
    Very smart, enigmatic drama. I shudder to think how the planned "Americanized" version will ruin it.
  29. MarcusR
    Apr 11, 2007
    10
    I expected to be mildly interested by the sci-fiesque elements, but these combined with the cop-show format and excellent character development for a really well rounded show. I envy people who haven't seen the entire 2-series run in full - you've got such a treat in store!
  30. MadBob
    Apr 19, 2007
    10
    Well I have had the series taped and been trying to find time to watch it. I was honestly worried about the ending.... but no need it was superb! I live in Manchester and loved the series being based there and how rough and none PC the cops where. only bad thing is it's over :(
  31. Kandraa
    Oct 8, 2010
    9
    I love the UK version way better than the US. A brilliant idea and a great cast. I loved the plot but and it keeps you wondering about what happens in the end. One of the most interesting cop shows I've ever seen. It's a Uk show so it's only 2 seasons, so it goes by fast. I'd say watch it, it's brilliant.
  32. TheSpacePope
    Jan 19, 2011
    10
    There are few shows that completely take you by surprise and not only deliver on your expectations but completely blow them out of the water. For me, Life on Mars was one of these rare masterpieces of modern television. I mean, the premise is so out there that it makes you wonder how someone could come up with such an idea and makes you mad you didn't think of it first. I simply loved thisThere are few shows that completely take you by surprise and not only deliver on your expectations but completely blow them out of the water. For me, Life on Mars was one of these rare masterpieces of modern television. I mean, the premise is so out there that it makes you wonder how someone could come up with such an idea and makes you mad you didn't think of it first. I simply loved this show and consider it and it's follow up series, Ashes to Ashes, amongst the greatest TV shows ever conceived. If you haven't seen them, do yourself a favor and check them out. You won't regret it.… Expand
  33. 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 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    A 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.    … Expand
  34. 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 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    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.    … Expand

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
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  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    90
    Surreal and harrowing.
    Read full review
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