Life (2007)

An exonerated detective navigates LAPD cases and a Zen philosophy while hunting the truth behind his wrongful conviction.

Life - Series Information

  • Original Title: Life
  • First Air Year: 2007
  • Last Air Year: 2009
  • Created by: Rand Ravich
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama, Mystery, Crime
  • Content Rating (US): TV-14
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 2
  • Number of Episodes: 32
  • Status: Canceled
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: September 26, 2007 (United States - TV-14), September 26, 2007 (Germany - 16), September 26, 2007 (France - 16), September 26, 2007 (Australia - M), September 26, 2007 (Brazil - 16), September 26, 2007 (Spain - 12)
  • Networks: NBC
  • Production Countries: United States of America
  • Alternative Titles: Életfogytig zsaru (HU), 重获新生 (CN)

Life - Plot

Complex, offbeat Detective Charlie Crews returns to the force after serving time in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Crews' new lease on life has provided him with a Zen-like outlook, peace of mind and no need for vengeance, an attitude which can be challenging to maintain when someone he cares about is threatened — or when he is investigating the mystery surrounding the murder he was falsely accused of.

Life - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and get a first look at Detective Charlie Crews in action:

TV's most intriguing detective. LA's most unsual crimes.

Where to Watch Life

Looking for where to watch Life?

Life - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Rand Ravich

Main Cast

  • Damian Lewis
  • Sarah Shahi
  • Brent Sexton
  • Adam Arkin
  • Donal Logue
  • Brooke Langton
  • Robin Weigert
  • Jennifer Siebel Newsom
  • William Atherton
  • Jessy Schram

Writers

  • Rand Ravich
  • Marjorie David
  • David Manson
  • Glen Mazzara
  • Bob Colleary
  • Rafael Alvarez

Executive Producers

  • Daniel Sackheim
  • Far Shariat
  • Rand Ravich
  • David Semel

Life - FAQs

Where can you stream Life (2007)?

Life (2007) is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Peacock Premium. It can also be watched on Peacock Premium Plus and The Roku Channel. Digital purchase options are available through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on Xumo Play.

Why was Life cancelled after only two seasons?

Life was cancelled by NBC in 2009 primarily due to declining ratings in its second season. Despite a devoted fan following and strong critical appreciation for Damian Lewis's performance, the show struggled to maintain a broad enough audience to justify renewal, leading NBC to end it after 32 episodes.

Who are the main actors in Life (2007)?

Life stars Damian Lewis as Detective Charlie Crews and Sarah Shahi as his partner Dani Reese. The supporting cast includes Adam Arkin as Ted Earley, Donal Logue as Kevin Tidwell, Brent Sexton as Bobby Stark, Brooke Langton as Constance Griffiths, and William Atherton as Mickey Rayborn.

Is Life (2007) based on a true story?

Life is not based on a specific true story. Creator Rand Ravich drew inspiration from real-world cases of wrongful conviction and the psychological aftermath faced by exonerees. The show's themes of wrongful imprisonment and reintegration into society reflect documented real-life experiences, lending the series a grounded, authentic feel.

What is Life (2007) about?

Life follows Detective Charlie Crews, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent years in prison before being exonerated. Reinstated to the LAPD, he tackles eccentric cases with a Zen-inspired philosophy while quietly investigating the conspiracy behind his false conviction. Critics praised its quirky tone and Lewis's compelling lead performance.

How many seasons and episodes does Life have?

Life ran for two seasons on NBC, totaling 32 episodes. Season 1 consisted of 11 episodes and aired in 2007, while Season 2 expanded to 21 episodes and aired in 2008–2009. The series also includes 3 special episodes available separately.

Did Life (2007) receive positive critical reviews?

Life earned generally positive reviews from critics, who highlighted Damian Lewis's charismatic and nuanced portrayal of Charlie Crews. Reviewers praised the show's blend of procedural crime-solving with a serialized conspiracy arc and its distinctive Zen-infused tone, though some felt the procedural elements occasionally overshadowed the deeper mythology.

What is the content rating for Life (2007)?

Life is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating it contains content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series includes mature themes such as violent crime scenes, murder investigations, and complex moral situations. Parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers.

More About Life

Explore further details about Life on these authoritative reference sites.

Help Us Keep Our Content Accurate.

Report an Error