The cult police drama Life On Mars is set for a long-awaited return, according to its creator Ashley Pharoah.
The cult police drama Life On Mars is set for a long-awaited return, according to its creator Ashley Pharoah.
Marking 20 years since its groundbreaking debut on BBC One, the iconic time-travel series—starring John Simm as the disoriented modern cop Sam Tyler and Philip Glenister as the larger-than-life, politically incorrect DCI Gene Hunt—is stirring back to life. The show, which blended gritty 1970s policing, supernatural mystery, and razor-sharp humor, ran for two explosive seasons from 2006 to 2007 before spawning the acclaimed spin-off Ashes to Ashes.
Fans have long clamored for more, especially after plans for a third chapter titled Lazarus—a David Bowie-inspired sequel that would reunite Tyler and Hunt—emerged during the Covid lockdowns. Co-created by Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah, the project promised to push boundaries once again, but it was shelved in 2023 due to insurmountable financial hurdles, not creative ones.
Now, in fresh comments reported across media outlets like The Sun, Pharoah has reignited hope with a tantalizing tease: “Something is stirring in the Life on Mars world. I’m sworn to secrecy but the Cortina isn’t ready for the scrapyard just yet.” He expressed genuine puzzlement over past rejections, noting, “It really puzzled us that no one wanted to make Lazarus—the fans certainly did. We had always planned to do three series, not two.”
Here are some classic shots of the legendary duo, Sam Tyler and Gene Hunt, in action:
The red Ford Cortina—Gene Hunt’s roaring symbol of 1970s bravado—remains front and center in the hype:
Despite the excitement, the BBC has firmly shut the door on any revival through their channels, stating: “There are no plans for Life on Mars to return to the BBC.” This echoes earlier concerns about “reliving past glories” and budget issues, leaving the door open to speculation about streaming platforms, independent production, or even alternative formats.
John Simm and Philip Glenister have repeatedly voiced enthusiasm for reprising their roles, and their on-screen chemistry—captured in reunions and past projects—continues to thrill fans:
Pharoah’s cryptic words suggest behind-the-scenes developments are underway, potentially bypassing traditional broadcasters. Whether Lazarus finally roars back with Sam and Gene tearing through 1977 Manchester or evolves into something new, the legacy of Life on Mars endures as a bold, boundary-pushing classic that still feels fresh two decades later.
For now, fans can rewatch the originals on streaming and hold out hope that the Cortina’s engine is revving once more. The 1970s might just be calling again—testify!