Stephen King’s favorite British thriller Life on Mars, a highly praised BBC series, has achieved a remarkable 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, drawing attention from both critics and audiences years after its original broadcast. Known for his mastery of suspense, King publicly celebrated the show in 2020, affirming its compelling impact and unique approach to the crime procedural genre.
A Genre-Defying Success with Enduring Critical Acclaim
Stephen King, who has authored more than 60 novels and 200 short stories—several adapted into iconic films—appreciates storytelling that blends multiple genres with skill. Renowned for folding different styles into his horror works, King’s endorsement of Life on Mars is notable. In a widely shared tweet, he described it as
“One of my favorite shows of all time,”
and highlighted its emotional resonance, calling it
“the kind you go to when you’re feeling sad.”
—Stephen King, Author
Airing on the BBC between 2006 and 2007, Life on Mars was inspired by the legendary David Bowie song, and has consistently appeared on best-of television lists, maintaining its status as a cult classic. This acclaim is reflected in its perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, a testament to its enduring quality among viewers and critics alike. The series stands out as a sophisticated mix of mystery, suspense, and science fiction, all set within the familiar structure of a crime procedural.
Plot Overview: A Detective Trapped Between Time Periods
Life on Mars opens with Detective Chief Inspector Sam Tyler, played by John Simm, who suffers a traumatic car accident and inexplicably awakens in 1973 Manchester. His career in law enforcement remains the only constant, though he finds himself subordinate to DCI Gene Hunt, portrayed by Philip Glenister—a brash superior with a rough edge, echoing classic film antiheroes like Gary Cooper. Sam’s disorientation is palpable: his personal reality is shattered as he struggles to make sense of his surroundings while retaining his investigative instincts.
The narrative thrust is driven by unanswered questions: Is Sam in a coma, dead, or the victim of supernatural circumstances? Has he travelled through time, or is his current purgatory a delusion of his wounded mind? These riddles persist as Sam experiences disturbing phenomena, such as unsettling visions and ambiguous voices. As the series unfolds, Sam embarks on not only solving external crimes but also investigating the puzzle of his existence, seeking avenues home and pondering the consequences of re-writing history.
The Masterful Fusion of Genres and Setting
Life on Mars is celebrated for its seamless integration of psychological suspense and the procedural format, with each weekly case layered with narrative depth and emotional complexity. Sam Tyler’s precarious mental state permeates every case, cultivating an atmosphere of uncertainty that extends to the audience. The show excels in convincing viewers—if only temporarily—to settle into its recreation of 1970s Manchester, while constantly subverting their sense of reality.
What brings the era to life is not mere nostalgia, but immersive production—costumes, vintage vehicles, and detailed, lived-in sets—all of which amplify Sam’s culture shock and highlight the decade’s stark contrast to his previous life. The show avoids glamour, focusing instead on the gritty, sometimes claustrophobic environment of law enforcement in the 1970s. Sam’s upright approach to policing and his conflicts with bigotry—including sexism, racism, and homophobia—exemplify the show’s critical stance. The narrative does not shy away from confronting the toxic culture of the time, even as it indulges in the dramatic conventions of the genre.
Exploring Dark Themes Through a Retro Lens
Although Life on Mars might appear to fit the mold of a cozy procedural, it addresses heavier subjects such as mental health, mortality, abuse, and suicide with sensitivity and seriousness. These themes are not simply episodic embellishments; they drive the arcs and shape Sam’s ongoing emotional struggle. He is subjected to psychological trials that are as intense as any horror scenario, pushing him to question profound philosophical issues about identity and fulfillment. The tension builds steadily, enveloping both Sam and the viewer in a state of palpable unease.
The series maintains this tone through to its close, delivering an ending as startling as its opening, leaving viewers wrestling with a mix of sorrow and closure. While certain mysteries are resolved, much remains open to interpretation, cementing the show’s status as both emotionally and intellectually challenging. The creative team—Matthew Graham, Tony Jordan, and Ashley Pharoah—brought the narrative to a deliberate end after 16 episodes, avoiding unnecessary extension and concluding with a finale frequently cited as one of television’s finest.
Character Dynamics: Growth and Complexity at the Core
The emotional weight and complexity of Life on Mars owe much to its characters and their evolving relationships. The small cast is carefully developed, starting as a group of clashing personalities before evolving into a compelling, unconventional team. The chemistry between Sam Tyler and Gene Hunt, in particular, anchors the show; their fraught partnership is charged with friction, wit, and reluctant mutual respect, creating memorably dynamic television.
“the kind [of show] you go to when you’re feeling sad.”
—Stephen King, Author
Sam Tyler stands out as a protagonist defined by compassion, sensitivity, and vulnerability, while Gene Hunt, his polar opposite, is both off-putting in his prejudices and irresistible for his charisma and occasional flashes of decency. The intense push-pull dynamic between the two propels much of the series’ drama and humor, ultimately forming a detective duo with a depth rarely seen in the genre.
The wider department, portrayed by actors including Liz White and Dean Andrews, further enriches the ensemble, with each character undergoing noticeable development as the show progresses. Their collective journey transforms them from adversaries to an oddly supportive team, unified by increasingly complex bonds that transcend their roles as merely colleagues in the narrative landscape.
The Legacy and Influence of Life on Mars
Life on Mars’ legacy continued with Ashes to Ashes, a spin-off series set in the 1980s and centered on detective Alex Drake, played by Keeley Hawes. Though Ashes to Ashes won its own admirers, it did not capture the same critical highs as its predecessor. Hopes for a further continuation, tentatively titled Lazarus and intended to reunite John Simm and Philip Glenister, ultimately did not materialize. Yet, interest in this universe remains strong among fans, who are drawn to its blend of ambiguity, existential questions, and glimmers of hope.
Life on Mars stands apart as a complete and singular achievement, expertly marrying genre tradition with philosophical investigation, and providing a rare mix of suspense, nostalgia, and character-driven drama. As Stephen King highlighted, the series offers a unique form of comfort and escape, making it a standout in the landscape of British television, as well as casting a lasting shadow over the evolution of crime drama worldwide.
