• Network: BBC-1 , BBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 9, 2006
  • Season #: 1 , 2
User Score
9.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 55
  2. Negative: 1 out of 55

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  3. Characters remaining: 5000 out of 5000

  1. SamuelT
    Jul 25, 2006
    10
    Genius! Amazing performance from John Simm.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. 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!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. JoeI
    Aug 4, 2006
    9
    the best show to come from UK in many years. Highly original and fun
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  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!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. KarenR
    Aug 11, 2006
    10
    We'll be watching a lot more of BBC America shows this season because of shows like this!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  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!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. RebekahH
    Sep 14, 2006
    9
    Very smart, enigmatic drama. I shudder to think how the planned "Americanized" version will ruin it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. BarbaraD
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    love it - please come back
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. 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!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. 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?
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  14. ErickB
    Jan 19, 2007
    10
    Great show! Can't wait for season 2.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  16. 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. 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....
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  19. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. PaulB
    Apr 7, 2007
    10
    Great idea, great characters, great setting. Manchester was grim in the seventies, but it's wonderful for the show
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. paulh
    Apr 10, 2007
    10
    fantastic defo manchester as i remember it in the 70 s brill great superb best ever
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  22. 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
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  23. 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!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  24. 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!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  25. LorneD
    Apr 17, 2007
    10
    Amazingly well conceived and produced. Flawless TV.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  26. 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 :(
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  27. OnyxRocks
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    Loved season 1, when does the US get to see the rest of the series? Please show it soon!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  28. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  29. IanAndrews
    Oct 8, 2007
    10
    Funny, uncomfortable, accurate, addictive. The BBC at its very, very best.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  30. 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.
  31. 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 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
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    90
    Surreal and harrowing.