Life on Mars Revival Sparks Frenzy: Iconic Duo Philip Glenister and John Simm Set for Epic Comeback After 20 Years

In a bombshell that’s sent shockwaves through British television fandom, the groundbreaking 2006 series Life on Mars is poised for a dramatic resurrection. After two decades of cult adoration, co-creators have dropped tantalizing hints that the time-travelling police drama could return for a long-awaited third series—potentially under the title Lazarus—with stars Philip Glenister and John Simm reprising their legendary roles as DCI Gene Hunt and DI Sam Tyler.

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John Simm reunites with his Life on Mars co-star Philip Glenister …

Recent reports from January 2026 reveal co-creator Ashley Pharoah teasing fans amid the show’s 20th anniversary: “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.” That line has ignited speculation, with multiple outlets like The Sun, Daily Mail, and Radio Times confirming plans for Lazarus are back in motion after being shelved in 2023 due to “financial hurdles.”

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Inside Life on Mars’ EPIC return for third series after 20 years …

First broadcast on BBC One in January 2006, Life on Mars blended hard-hitting crime drama with surreal sci-fi. John Simm starred as Sam Tyler, a modern-day detective who, after a car accident, awakens in 1973 Manchester. There, he clashes with the rough-edged, politically incorrect DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister), whose “by any means necessary” policing style horrified—and captivated—audiences.

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The show’s electric chemistry between Simm and Glenister powered its success, turning it into one of the most influential British dramas of the century. It won International Emmy Awards and spawned the sequel Ashes to Ashes. The magic lay in its ambiguity: Was Sam’s journey real time travel, a coma dream, or a psychological breakdown? Episodes mixed weekly cases with existential mystery, sharp humour, and emotional depth. Glenister’s portrayal of Hunt—boozy, bullish, and endlessly quotable—became iconic, while Simm’s Tyler grounded the surreal elements with vulnerability.

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Plans for a third series, Lazarus (another David Bowie nod), surfaced years ago but stalled. Creators Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah had envisioned a trilogy from the start. Now, with fresh momentum, insiders report the project is “back in motion.” Both Simm and Glenister have expressed enthusiasm for returning—Simm once admitting he regretted not pushing for more episodes.

But here’s the twist: The BBC has stepped back. A spokesperson confirmed, “There are no plans for Life on Mars to return to the BBC.” This opens the door for a new platform—potentially a streaming service or independent producer—to unleash a bolder, “darker” revival. Sources describe it as having a “much darker, twisted edge,” possibly addressing modern sensitivities while staying true to the show’s anti-establishment roots. Some fans even hail it as an “anti-woke” classic for its unfiltered 1970s authenticity.

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The electric on-screen partnership between Glenister and Simm remains the biggest draw. Their banter—Hunt’s “You’re a ponce!” jabs versus Tyler’s procedural outrage—drove the show’s heart. Recent reunions, like their DNA Journey ancestry series on ITV, proved the chemistry endures.

While some reports mention a separate stage play “reimagining” the universe (unrelated to Lazarus, as confirmed by Graham), the TV revival buzz dominates. Pharoah’s teases suggest the Cortina could roar again soon. “This changes everything,” one insider whispered—echoing fan excitement.

As negotiations continue, the question lingers: Will Gene Hunt and Sam Tyler finally close the loop? Two decades on, Life on Mars still feels fresh, bold, and unpredictable. If this comeback happens, it won’t just be a nostalgic trip— it’ll be a seismic return for British telly’s most unforgettable duo.