Dive into a journey through time and nostalgia as one of the most iconic British television series makes its way to streaming platforms. If you’re ready to embrace the 70s with open arms, then Life on Mars is the perfect show for you.
This groundbreaking series follows Sam Turner (played by John Simm), a dedicated police officer from Manchester who finds himself transported back to 1973 after a tragic car accident. As he navigates the unfamiliar world of the past, Sam must figure out whether he’s dead, in a coma, or truly time-travelled. The real intrigue lies in his complex relationship with his new commanding officer, DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister), whose gruff personality and unorthodox methods make for compelling viewing.
Created by Matthew Graham, Tony Jordan, and Ashley Pharoah, Life on Mars first premiered on BBC One in 2006 and ran for two seasons. The show was an instant hit, receiving widespread critical acclaim. SFX’s Steve O’Brien praised it as a “monster hit on its hands,” while The Daily Telegraph called it a “thumpingly enjoyable piece of television.” Both seasons have received a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, proving that the show resonated with both critics and fans alike.
On Google, over a hundred users have shared positive reviews of the series. One viewer, Steve Bowness, wrote: “This drama is simply magnificent! It’s so well written, the casting is superb.” Another fan, Damian Boyce, added: “Simply put, ‘Life On Mars’ is one of the greatest and cleverest TV shows EVER produced for British Television.”
The show also captured the attention of audiences beyond the UK. Scotland, a viewer from the region, remarked: “Oh wow! This is the best British drama I’ve seen in years. Keeps you guessing all the way through.” Life on Mars even earned international recognition by winning the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2006 and 2008.
Despite its success, the show did face challenges when it came to a US remake. While the adaptation received positive reviews, it was unfortunately cut short after just one season due to unexpected circumstances.
In the UK, however, the popularity of Life on Mars led to a sequel titled Ashes to Ashes. This follow-up series followed another cop, Alex Drake (played by Keeley Hawes), who was sent back to 1981 after being shot. Like Sam, Alex found herself working with Gene Hunt, but this new series explored different aspects of the character, adding depth to the story.
Although Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes brought Gene’s story to a close, there have been whispers of a potential reboot in recent years. A project named Lazarus was reportedly in the works, but funding issues prevented it from moving forward. Despite this, fans remain hopeful that Sam and Gene might return one day.
Life on Mars is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering the show for the first time, this series offers a unique blend of mystery, drama, and nostalgia that is sure to captivate viewers.
If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, you can reach out to the entertainment team by emailing [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145, or visiting the Submit Stuff page. We would love to hear from you!
Comment now
Add as a Preferred Source on Google
Add as preferred source
Want to get bespoke updates on the TV shows you love? Sign up to our TV newsletters and tell us which ones you can’t get enough of.
