Life on Mars_
EMMY WINNER
"Is he mad, in a coma… or has Detective Sam Tyler really travelled back in time?"
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.
Created By
Matthew Graham, Ashley Pharoah
Network
BBC One
Episodes
16
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
Prime Video
FREE
3 countries
BritBox Amazon Channel
3 countries
1
10
FREE
1 country
ITVX Premium
1 country
BBC iPlayer
FREE
1 country
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Overview
Life on Mars has 2 seasons with 16 episodes spanning 2006-2007.
John Simm →
Rating
With a 7.8/10 rating from 299 votes, Life on Mars is considered highly rated.
Year context
Life on Mars first aired 20 years ago in 2006.
CAST (6)
SEASONS (2 seasons, 16 episodes)
SEASON 1Series 1
01
Episode 1
After a car accident in 2006, Sam Tyler wakes up in 1973. Sam's 21st Century attitudes make him a fish out of water in this…
02
Episode 2
Sam decides he has to embrace this world - for now. But then he discovers Gene is planning to plant evidence to secure the conviction…
03
Episode 3
When Sam responds to a fatal stabbing at Crester's Textiles he's shocked to discover that it's the converted mill where he lives in 2006. Sam…
04
Episode 4
Gene believes that local gangster Stephen Warren and the police can co-exist and that the streets are safer as a result. But Sam knows that…
05
Episode 5
Sam and Gene go undercover in a local pub to solve the murder of a local Manchester United fan. As Gene looks like he's set…
06
Episode 6
When his mother's voice bleeds through from 2006 and he hears her say goodbye to him, Sam is desperate - he's alive and determined to…
07
Episode 7
Sam demands a transparent investigation into the death-in-custody of small-time drug dealer Billy Kemble. He believes that if the police don't police themselves, the public…
08
Episode 8
Sam is finally accepting of this world - until he comes face to face with his 29 year-old dad, Vic. Vic Tyler is a small…
SEASON 2Series 2
01
Episode 1
Tyler has visions of someone disrupting his life support system in 2006, and encounters who he thinks is the same assailant in 1973, running a…
02
Episode 2
After collecting a career safe breaker from prison for further questioning, Tyler, Ray and Chris are attacked by armed men enabling the escape of the…
03
Episode 3
The team receives a warning, claiming the IRA has planted a car bomb in Manchester. Sam realises the warning doesn't conform to IRA techniques. However,…
04
Episode 4
The body of a young woman is found on wasteland. The investigation takes the team to suburbia, where a local car dealer is throwing private…
05
Episode 5
The team investigates the abduction of a young woman and her daughter, who are being held prisoner by somebody who wishes the team to release…
06
Episode 6
As heroin hits the streets of Manchester for the first time, CID and DCI Hunt want culprits for the smuggling, the dealing and ensuing violence,…
07
Episode 7
A water-tight court case fails to put away a local gangster. Unable to cope with a guilty man walking free, DCI Hunt turns to alcohol…
08
Episode 8
Sam learns that an operation is to be conducted upon him in 2006 to try and revive him from his coma. However, he believes that…
SERIES INFO
2
Seasons
16
Episodes
60 min/ep
Per Episode
Ended
Status
CREW
Creator
Matthew Graham
Creator
Ashley Pharoah
Creator
Tony Jordan
NETWORKS (1)
BBC One
AWARDS (1)
G
International Emmy Award for best drama series
2006
WON
DETAILS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Life on Mars about?
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.
Where can I watch Life on Mars?
Life on Mars is available on Prime Video, BritBox Amazon Channel, 10, ITVX Premium, BBC iPlayer. Availability varies by region.
How many seasons does Life on Mars have?
Life on Mars has 2 seasons with 16 episodes total.
Who created Life on Mars?
Life on Mars was created by Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah and Tony Jordan.
Who stars in Life on Mars?
The cast of Life on Mars includes John Simm, Philip Glenister, Liz White, Dean Andrews, Marshall Lancaster.
What is the rating of Life on Mars?
Life on Mars has a rating of 7.8 out of 10 based on 299 votes on TMDB.
Is Life on Mars still running?
Life on Mars has ended. The final episode aired on .
GENRES (4)
Crime
Drama
Mystery
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
