Life on Mars

Life on Mars

A modern day cop in a 1973 world.

Ended First aired 09/Oct/2008 United States English 3 season(s) 42 episode(s)
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.

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TimeScore 33% Skip It
Binge Meter 48% Slow Burn
Episode Pulse Quiet 40% activity score
Drop Rate 0% Very Low

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Seasons & Episodes

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Season 2 · Series 2
8 episode(s) · Air date: 13/Feb/2007
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Season Overview

Sam learns that an operation is to be conducted on him in 2006 to try and revive him from his coma. However, he believes that to return to the twenty-first century, he has to betray his colleagues in 1973 — but can he regard them as imaginary, or are they real - at least for him?

Season Overview

Sam learns that an operation is to be conducted on him in 2006 to try and revive him from his coma. However, he believes that to return to the twenty-first century, he has to betray his colleagues in 1973 — but can he regard them as imaginary, or are they real - at least for him?

S2E8
Episode 8
Air date: 10/Apr/2007 · Time: 21:00 · Runtime: 60 min
Summary

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 to return to the 21st century, he has to betray his colleagues in 1973 - but can he regard them as real or imaginary?

Summary

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 to return to the 21st century, he has to betray his colleagues in 1973 - but can he regard them as real or imaginary?

S2E7
Episode 7
Air date: 03/Apr/2007 · Time: 21:00 · Runtime: 59 min
Summary

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 but soon finds himself in a spot of bother. When it appears as though Hunt may have killed someone, it's up to Sam, torn between Gene and his replacement - a DCI who actually uses Sam's modern police techniques and vocabulary - to help him out.

Summary

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 but soon finds himself in a spot of bother. When it appears as though Hunt may have killed someone, it's up to Sam, torn between Gene and his replacement - a DCI who actually uses Sam's modern police techniques and vocabulary - to help him out.

S2E6
Episode 6
Air date: 27/Mar/2007 · Time: 21:00 · Runtime: 58 min
Summary

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, which becomes difficult when Annie is kidnapped by the smugglers. As Sam tries to get to the source of the influx of this deadly drug, he finds himself intractably drawn to a beautiful young woman who was witness to a heroin-related shooting - and who, he later realises, is the future mother of his 2006 girlfriend. At the same time, Sam's 'visions' reveal that his girlfriend has decided to stop visiting him in hospital, as she can't keep waiting for him to wake up.

Summary

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, which becomes difficult when Annie is kidnapped by the smugglers. As Sam tries to get to the source of the influx of this deadly drug, he finds himself intractably drawn to a beautiful young woman who was witness to a heroin-related shooting - and who, he later realises, is the future mother of his 2006 girlfriend. At the same time, Sam's 'visions' reveal that his girlfriend has decided to stop visiting him in hospital, as she can't keep waiting for him to wake up.

S2E5
Episode 5
Air date: 20/Mar/2007 · Time: 21:00 · Runtime: 59 min
Summary

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 a prisoner arrested on a murder charge a year ago. At the same time, Sam faces a life or death situation in 2006 when he thinks he has accidentally been given an overdose. As the deadline draws closer, Sam collapses into a deeper coma, leaving his colleagues to tackle the mystery on their own - albeit using some of his earlier suggestions.

Summary

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 a prisoner arrested on a murder charge a year ago. At the same time, Sam faces a life or death situation in 2006 when he thinks he has accidentally been given an overdose. As the deadline draws closer, Sam collapses into a deeper coma, leaving his colleagues to tackle the mystery on their own - albeit using some of his earlier suggestions.

S2E4
Episode 4
Air date: 13/Mar/2007 · Time: 21:00 · Runtime: 59 min
Summary

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 parties, employing make-up girls from a local company to “help out” when the wife-swapping begins. Posing as married couple Tony and Cherie Blair, Sam and Annie infiltrate one of the parties, only to discover that it isn't as simple as they think.

Summary

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 parties, employing make-up girls from a local company to “help out” when the wife-swapping begins. Posing as married couple Tony and Cherie Blair, Sam and Annie infiltrate one of the parties, only to discover that it isn't as simple as they think.

S2E3
Episode 3
Air date: 06/Mar/2007 · Time: 21:00 · Runtime: 58 min
Summary

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, when Sam's knowledge backfires, nearly killing Ray, the department shuns his line of investigation to focus on an Irish socialist group. Meanwhile, Sam's visions of the future suggest he may have suffered brain damage, affecting his higher reasoning, due to him being in a coma for so long.

Summary

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, when Sam's knowledge backfires, nearly killing Ray, the department shuns his line of investigation to focus on an Irish socialist group. Meanwhile, Sam's visions of the future suggest he may have suffered brain damage, affecting his higher reasoning, due to him being in a coma for so long.

S2E2
Episode 2
Air date: 20/Feb/2007 · Time: 21:00 · Runtime: 58 min
Summary

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 prisoner. Is a local gangster to blame, or was the crime actually arranged by Gene's old mentor? Meanwhile, Sam tries to discourage the first black detective in the department from doing an Uncle Tom act, as he will become Sam's mentor when he first joins the force.

Summary

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 prisoner. Is a local gangster to blame, or was the crime actually arranged by Gene's old mentor? Meanwhile, Sam tries to discourage the first black detective in the department from doing an Uncle Tom act, as he will become Sam's mentor when he first joins the force.

S2E1
Episode 1
Air date: 13/Feb/2007 · Time: 21:00 · Runtime: 59 min
Summary

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 gambling syndicate and protection racket. Recognising the man as a killer he failed to stop in the future, Tyler is prepared to go to any lengths to make sure his life is not threatened and the man doesn't kill his original victim.

Summary

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 gambling syndicate and protection racket. Recognising the man as a killer he failed to stop in the future, Tyler is prepared to go to any lengths to make sure his life is not threatened and the man doesn't kill his original victim.

Season 1 · Season 1
17 episode(s) · Air date: 09/Oct/2008
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Season Overview

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S1E17
Life is a Rock
Air date: 01/Apr/2009 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 43 min
Summary

When Sam Tyler receives a phone call that presents him with three tasks he must perform so he can return to his life in the future, he must weigh his alternatives and decide whether to stay in 1973 or go home.

Summary

When Sam Tyler receives a phone call that presents him with three tasks he must perform so he can return to his life in the future, he must weigh his alternatives and decide whether to stay in 1973 or go home.

S1E16
Everyone Knows It's Windy
Air date: 25/Mar/2009 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 44 min
Summary

Crime hits home after Ray and Chris are shot by a gang member. When the shooter is found dead near a bar, Sam becomes the lead suspect since he has been working undercover as part of the gang. With evidence mounting against him, Sam must search for the real killer before it's too late for him

Summary

Crime hits home after Ray and Chris are shot by a gang member. When the shooter is found dead near a bar, Sam becomes the lead suspect since he has been working undercover as part of the gang. With evidence mounting against him, Sam must search for the real killer before it's too late for him

S1E15
All the Young Dudes
Air date: 18/Mar/2009 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 42 min
Summary

When Sam goes undercover as a gang member, he has to reveal a dark side in order to keep his cover. While undercover, Sam is pushed to the limit when he is ordered to bind and shoot a woman.

Summary

When Sam goes undercover as a gang member, he has to reveal a dark side in order to keep his cover. While undercover, Sam is pushed to the limit when he is ordered to bind and shoot a woman.

S1E14
Coffee, Tea or Annie
Air date: 11/Mar/2009 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 43 min
Summary

When a Pan Atlantic air hostess is found dead, Annie volunteers to go undercover in order to solve a series of homicides. Annie, Sam and Ray, working undercover, are able to find an unlikely suspect.

Summary

When a Pan Atlantic air hostess is found dead, Annie volunteers to go undercover in order to solve a series of homicides. Annie, Sam and Ray, working undercover, are able to find an unlikely suspect.

S1E13
Revenge of Broken Jaw
Air date: 04/Mar/2009 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 42 min
Summary

When the Weather Underground sends the department bomb threats on the anniversary of their leader's death, Lt. Hunt takes the threats personally. As Sam, Annie and Lt. Hunt investigate, they soon find a connection between a student and Pat Olsen, a professor.

Summary

When the Weather Underground sends the department bomb threats on the anniversary of their leader's death, Lt. Hunt takes the threats personally. As Sam, Annie and Lt. Hunt investigate, they soon find a connection between a student and Pat Olsen, a professor.

S1E12
The Simple Secret of the Note in Us All
Air date: 25/Feb/2009 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 39 min
Summary

The detectives at the 1-2-5 investigate the murder of newspaper journalist Joey Conway. Sam is convinced the killer is the same criminal from a case in 2008. He is motivated by flashbacks to the case, which puts him at odds with his coworkers who think someone else is guilty.

Summary

The detectives at the 1-2-5 investigate the murder of newspaper journalist Joey Conway. Sam is convinced the killer is the same criminal from a case in 2008. He is motivated by flashbacks to the case, which puts him at odds with his coworkers who think someone else is guilty.

S1E11
Home is Where You Hang Your Holster
Air date: 18/Feb/2009 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 43 min
Summary

NYC Councilman Bobby Prince shares a secret with Sam after Prince is caught with a hooker during a raid on a motel. The secret leaves Sam with even more questions as well as the realization he has more in common with Prince than he had ever thought. Meanwhile, Gene Hunt locks down the precinct after a shooting, Maria and her father confront each other, and Ray's wife, Denise, adds tension to the drama.

Summary

NYC Councilman Bobby Prince shares a secret with Sam after Prince is caught with a hooker during a raid on a motel. The secret leaves Sam with even more questions as well as the realization he has more in common with Prince than he had ever thought. Meanwhile, Gene Hunt locks down the precinct after a shooting, Maria and her father confront each other, and Ray's wife, Denise, adds tension to the drama.

S1E10
Let All the Children Boogie
Air date: 11/Feb/2009 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 43 min
Summary

When rock star Sebastian Grace receives a death threat, Sam and Chris are exposed to the rock-and-roll lifestyle that includes one of Grace's groupies called "Rocket Girl." Things really get strange when Chris finds Sebastian and Rocket Girl waiting for UFOs in the swampy area of New Jersey known as the Meadowlands.

Summary

When rock star Sebastian Grace receives a death threat, Sam and Chris are exposed to the rock-and-roll lifestyle that includes one of Grace's groupies called "Rocket Girl." Things really get strange when Chris finds Sebastian and Rocket Girl waiting for UFOs in the swampy area of New Jersey known as the Meadowlands.

S1E9
The Dark Side of the Mook
Air date: 04/Feb/2009 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 42 min
Summary

Ray's shady brother may have played a role in the number of recent decapitations in which the squad is investigating. but other suspects pop up too, such as a biker, a Wall Street executive and badly disfigured man.

Summary

Ray's shady brother may have played a role in the number of recent decapitations in which the squad is investigating. but other suspects pop up too, such as a biker, a Wall Street executive and badly disfigured man.

S1E8
Take a Look at the Lawmen
Air date: 28/Jan/2009 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 42 min
Summary

Lt. Hunt's squad and Lt. Nunzio's crew renew their long-standing rivalry due to a bank robbery with a connection to the Russian mob. Meanwhile, Sam is attracted to a pretty, young social worker.

Summary

Lt. Hunt's squad and Lt. Nunzio's crew renew their long-standing rivalry due to a bank robbery with a connection to the Russian mob. Meanwhile, Sam is attracted to a pretty, young social worker.

S1E7
The Man Who Sold the World
Air date: 20/Nov/2008 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 42 min
Summary

When the baby of a prominent family is kidnapped for ransom, Sam Tyler is shocked to discover that his own father, Vic Tyler, may be involved. Sam's discovery leads him to face some deep dark secrets about his childhood.

Summary

When the baby of a prominent family is kidnapped for ransom, Sam Tyler is shocked to discover that his own father, Vic Tyler, may be involved. Sam's discovery leads him to face some deep dark secrets about his childhood.

S1E6
Tuesday's Dead
Air date: 13/Nov/2008 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 43 min
Summary

With a life-and-death hostage situation paralleling own strange circumstances, Sam Tyler is ordered with the rest of the 1-2-5 to diffuse a potentially deadly face-off at a hospital where a crazed gunman is trying to force a doctor to reverse a dangerous operation on the renegade's brother, and the squad are all targeted in the gunman's cross-hairs.

Summary

With a life-and-death hostage situation paralleling own strange circumstances, Sam Tyler is ordered with the rest of the 1-2-5 to diffuse a potentially deadly face-off at a hospital where a crazed gunman is trying to force a doctor to reverse a dangerous operation on the renegade's brother, and the squad are all targeted in the gunman's cross-hairs.

S1E5
Things to Do in New York When You Think You're Dead
Air date: 06/Nov/2008 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 42 min
Summary

Racial tensions run high when a young black girl is killed and a race begins between the cops and the BLA to find the supposed killer. Sam teams up with Fletcher Bellow, a young detective in 1971, who is his captain in 2008.

Summary

Racial tensions run high when a young black girl is killed and a race begins between the cops and the BLA to find the supposed killer. Sam teams up with Fletcher Bellow, a young detective in 1971, who is his captain in 2008.

S1E4
Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing in the Shadows?
Air date: 30/Oct/2008 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 42 min
Summary

Sam finds his mother, Rose, in debt to a local mobster known for killing women that cause him trouble. Sam finds out the cops of the 125 are in cahoots with the mobster and ignore his illegal activities for tips on other mobsters.

Summary

Sam finds his mother, Rose, in debt to a local mobster known for killing women that cause him trouble. Sam finds out the cops of the 125 are in cahoots with the mobster and ignore his illegal activities for tips on other mobsters.

S1E3
My Maharishi is Bigger than Your Maharishi
Air date: 23/Oct/2008 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 43 min
Summary

The murder of a returning Vietnam veteran has Lieutenant Hunt outraged, as he demands a quick resolution to what quickly becomes a complicated and controversial case. As Sam and the squad's team of detectives explore the circumstances surrounding the homicide, Tyler is sent down a mysterious path that may provide clues about his own family's past and why he is back in 1973

Summary

The murder of a returning Vietnam veteran has Lieutenant Hunt outraged, as he demands a quick resolution to what quickly becomes a complicated and controversial case. As Sam and the squad's team of detectives explore the circumstances surrounding the homicide, Tyler is sent down a mysterious path that may provide clues about his own family's past and why he is back in 1973

S1E2
The Real Adventures of the Unreal Sam Tyler
Air date: 16/Oct/2008 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 42 min
Summary

Sam investigates a series of fatal robberies at cash-checking stores while evidence points to someone in the squad being involved.

Summary

Sam investigates a series of fatal robberies at cash-checking stores while evidence points to someone in the squad being involved.

S1E1
Out Here in the Fields
Air date: 09/Oct/2008 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 43 min
Summary

Modern-day NYPD Detective Sam Tyler finds himself suddenly hurtled back to the tumultuous times of New York City in 1973 when he's hit by a car while chasing down a criminal.

Summary

Modern-day NYPD Detective Sam Tyler finds himself suddenly hurtled back to the tumultuous times of New York City in 1973 when he's hit by a car while chasing down a criminal.

Season Overview

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S0E2
To Mars and Back
Air date: 08/Jul/2018 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 43 min
Summary

Journey back to the 70's to see where the show's concept originated and discover hints to figure out where it's headed - Plus the mind-trip reality of living in the 70's on a 2008 set.

Summary

Journey back to the 70's to see where the show's concept originated and discover hints to figure out where it's headed - Plus the mind-trip reality of living in the 70's on a 2008 set.

S0E1
Hit and Run
Air date: 07/Jul/2018 · Time: 22:00 · Runtime: 43 min
Summary

Things aren't going well for Sam Tyler. After a car accident he goes to work to find everything is different. It is no longer 2007, it is 1972. This is an unaired pilot. Most of the cast changed between this version and the version which aired.

Summary

Things aren't going well for Sam Tyler. After a car accident he goes to work to find everything is different. It is no longer 2007, it is 1972. This is an unaired pilot. Most of the cast changed between this version and the version which aired.

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