Life on Mars (2006)
A time-bending British crime drama that asks one unforgettable question: is Detective Sam Tyler mad, in a coma, or has he truly travelled back to 1973?
Life on Mars - Series Information
- Original Title: Life on Mars
- First Air Year: 2006
- Last Air Year: 2007
- Created by: Matthew Graham, Ashley Pharoah et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 9, 2006 (United States - TV-14), January 9, 2006 (United Kingdom - 15), January 9, 2006 (Germany - 12), January 9, 2006 (France - 18), January 9, 2006 (Australia - MA 15+), January 9, 2006 (Brazil - 14), January 9, 2006 (Spain - 16), January 9, 2006 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: Life on Mars: Gefangen in den 70ern (DE), huoxingshenghuo (CN), חיים על מאדים (IL), Χρονοπαγίδα (GR)
- Production Companies: BBC, Red Planet Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Life on Mars - Plot
A detective chief inspector from 2006 is investigating a serial killer when he is knocked over by a speeding car. Waking up, he finds himself mysteriously transported back in time to 1973. Initially struggling to come to terms with his situation, he has to come to terms with the old-fashioned technology and attitude of the day, while figuring out how he came to be trapped in the past.
Life on Mars - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the mystery of 1973 unfold:
Is he mad, in a coma… or has Detective Sam Tyler really travelled back in time?
Where to Watch Life on Mars
Looking for where to watch Life on Mars?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Life on Mars - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Matthew Graham
- Ashley Pharoah
- Tony Jordan
Main Cast
- John Simm
- Philip Glenister
- Liz White
- Dean Andrews
- Marshall Lancaster
- Noreen Kershaw
- Tony Marshall
- Joanne Froggatt
- Rafaella Hutchinson
- Ralph Brown
Writers
- Matthew Graham
- Chris Chibnall
- Ashley Pharoah
- Tony Jordan
- Mark Greig
Executive Producers
- Matthew Graham
- Claire Parker
- Jane Featherstone
Life on Mars - FAQs
What is Life on Mars about?
Life on Mars follows Detective Chief Inspector Sam Tyler, who is struck by a car in 2006 and inexplicably wakes up in 1973. Trapped in the past, he must navigate outdated policing methods and attitudes while trying to understand whether he is mad, in a coma, or has genuinely travelled back in time.
Is Life on Mars based on a true story?
No, Life on Mars is not based on a true story. It is an original fictional concept created by Matthew Graham, Ashley Pharoah, and Tony Jordan. The series blends crime procedural drama with science fiction and fantasy elements, set against an authentically recreated 1970s Manchester backdrop.
Who are the main actors in Life on Mars?
The series stars John Simm as the time-displaced Detective Sam Tyler and Philip Glenister as the brash, old-school DCI Gene Hunt. The supporting cast includes Liz White as Annie Cartwright, Dean Andrews as Ray Carling, Marshall Lancaster as Chris Skelton, and Joanne Froggatt as Ruth Tyler.
Is Life on Mars worth watching?
Absolutely. Life on Mars earned widespread critical acclaim for its inventive premise, sharp writing, and outstanding performances — particularly from John Simm and Philip Glenister. It holds a strong reputation on both IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, praised for balancing gritty crime drama with compelling science fiction mystery across its two tightly crafted series.
How many seasons does Life on Mars have?
Life on Mars ran for two series on BBC One, comprising 16 episodes in total — eight episodes per series. Series 1 aired in 2006 and Series 2 concluded in 2007. The show was deliberately designed as a complete, self-contained story with a definitive ending.
What does the ending of Life on Mars mean?
The finale reveals that Sam Tyler had been in a coma in 2006 all along, with 1973 existing as a vivid construct of his unconscious mind. Choosing to return to 1973 — the world that felt most real and meaningful to him — Sam leaps from a rooftop, leaving viewers to interpret whether he found peace or simply chose belonging over survival.
When did Life on Mars first air?
Life on Mars first aired on January 9, 2006, on BBC One in the United Kingdom. The series ran until 2007, when its second and final series concluded. It was subsequently broadcast internationally and has since become available on streaming platforms including BritBox via Amazon Channel.
Where can you stream Life on Mars?
Life on Mars is available to stream on BritBox via Amazon Channel in the United States. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming, rental, and purchase options available in your region, JustWatch provides a comprehensive overview of all current viewing options.
More About Life on Mars
Explore further details about Life on Mars through these authoritative sources.