7.5
Where can I stream Life on Mars legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Life on Mars fingerprint
Masterful craft, immersive world.
Energy
Tense
- Tension7
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Nostalgic and profoundly sad
- Nostalgia10
- Melancholy9
- Pathos8
Humor
Some sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Dark Humor5
- Cringe Humor4
World
History, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability9
- Ambiguity8
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting10
- Direction9
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout score, cinematography, and editing
- Music Composition9
- Cinematography8
- Editing8
Energy
MediumTense
Life on Mars is tense.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and profoundly sad
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, profoundly sad, and moving.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia10Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
World
HighHistory, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history, crime, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity8Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
Very highStandout performances, direction, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, direction, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference8Allusions to other works.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout score, cinematography, and editing
Look and sound: the score, cinematography, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
A modern day cop in a 1973 world.
After a car crash, police detective Sam Tyler mysteriously finds himself transported back to 1973 and still working as a detective.
Neo-Noir Detective DramaTime-Slip MysteryDeeply Melancholic AtmosphereStellar Ensemble Cast1970s British Cultural TexturePsychological Character StudyIntricate Procedural PlottingHaunting SoundtrackAmbiguous RealityEmotionally Resonant Finale
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Life on Mars
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Life on Mars worth watching?
73
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 7.5 and Metacritic 73). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Life on Mars rated?
ViolenceStrong languageDrug useDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence, strong language, drug use, and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does Life on Mars have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 17 episodes.
Do critics and audiences agree on Life on Mars?
Critics73
Audiences78
Yes. Critics average 73 and audiences 78 out of 100, so both groups see Life on Mars much the same way.
When did Life on Mars air?
S1
It ran from 2008 to 2009 and has ended.
What language is Life on Mars in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Life on Mars?
7
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Life on Mars in 7 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Life on Mars use?
Cryptic ConversationMotifsLocked in a RoomCelebrity StarTime TravelAll Just a DreamNot Named in Opening CreditsIt Will Never Catch OnBy-the-Book CopModesty BedsheetCalling the Old Man OutHollywood Atheistand 37 more
TV Tropes lists 49 storytelling tropes for Life on Mars, including Cryptic Conversation, Motifs, Locked in a Room.