Mars (2016)
A groundbreaking National Geographic hybrid series following humanity's first attempt to colonize the Red Planet, blending scripted drama with real-world science.
Mars - Series Information
- Original Title: Mars
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2018
- Created by: Ron Howard, Brian Grazer
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 50 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: November 14, 2016 (United States - TV-PG), November 14, 2016 (Canada - PG), November 14, 2016 (Germany - 16), November 14, 2016 (France - 16), November 14, 2016 (India - U), November 14, 2016 (Australia - M), November 14, 2016 (Brazil - 12), November 14, 2016 (Mexico - AA), November 14, 2016 (Spain - 13), November 14, 2016 (South Korea - 12)
- Networks: National Geographic
- Alternative Titles: マーズ 火星移住計画 (JP), Марс (BG)
- Production Companies: Zak Productions, Imagine Entertainment, RadicalMedia
- Production Countries: United States of America
Mars - Plot
The maiden crew of the Daedalus spacecraft must push itself to the brink of human capability in order to successfully establish the first sustainable colony on Mars. Set both in the future and in the present day, this series blends scripted elements set in the future with documentary vérité interviews with today's best and brightest minds in modern science and innovation, illuminating how research and development is creating the space technology that will enable our first attempt at a mission to Mars.
Mars - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Daedalus crew's historic mission come to life.
Where to Watch Mars
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Mars - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ron Howard
- Brian Grazer
Main Cast
- Jihae
- Alberto Ammann
- Clémentine Poidatz
- Anamaria Marinca
- Sammi Rotibi
- Nicholas Wittman
- Cosima Shaw
- Kata Sarbó
- Ben Cotton
- Roxy Sternberg
Writers
- Paul Solet
- Stephen Petranek
Mars - FAQs
Is Mars based on a true story or real science?
Mars isn't based on a single true story, but it's deeply rooted in real science. The series weaves scripted drama with documentary interviews featuring actual scientists, engineers, and visionaries like Elon Musk and Neil deGrasse Tyson, grounding its fictional mission in genuine research and current space exploration efforts.
Where can you stream Mars right now?
Mars is available to stream on Disney Plus, fuboTV, and YouTube TV. It can also be watched for free on Amazon Prime Video, National Geographic (with ads), and Spectrum On Demand. If you prefer to own it, the series is available to purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies.
Why did Mars get cancelled after two seasons?
National Geographic did not publicly detail the exact reasons for ending Mars after Season 2 in 2018. The series had a dedicated audience but faced the challenge of sustaining its unique hybrid format. The network shifted programming priorities, and no third season was commissioned, leaving the story concluded at 12 episodes.
Who are the main cast members of Mars?
The ensemble cast includes Jihae as the dual role of Hana and Joon Seung, Alberto Ammann as Javier Delgado, Clémentine Poidatz as Amelie Durand, Anamaria Marinca as Marta Kamen, Sammi Rotibi as Robert Foucault, Nicholas Wittman as Oliver Lee, Cosima Shaw as Leslie Richardson, and Ben Cotton as Ben Sojer.
What makes Mars different from other space shows?
Mars stands apart by blending scripted future drama with present-day documentary segments featuring real scientists and innovators. Rather than pure fiction, it constantly bridges what's imagined with what's actually being developed, making the colonization story feel urgent and plausible rather than fantastical.
How many seasons and episodes does Mars have?
Mars ran for two seasons on National Geographic, totaling 12 episodes — six per season. Season 1 premiered in November 2016 and Season 2 followed in 2018. There are also 2 special episodes available, bringing the full catalogue to 14 entries including bonus content.
Is Mars worth watching for science fiction fans?
For fans who enjoy hard sci-fi grounded in real science, Mars is genuinely compelling. Its hybrid format is unlike anything else on television, and the human drama aboard the Daedalus is emotionally engaging. Critics praised its ambition and educational depth, even if the pacing occasionally favors the documentary segments over the narrative.
What real-world experts appear in Mars?
The documentary portions of Mars feature prominent real-world figures including Elon Musk, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Andy Weir, and various NASA scientists and engineers. Their interviews contextualize the fictional storyline with actual research, lending the series a credibility rare in science fiction television.
More About Mars
Explore further details about Mars on these authoritative resources.