7. Life on Mars(2006-2007) /Life on Mars (2008-2009)
There are lots of science fiction on television and lots of police procedurals, but not many that combine both classic genres. With a title taken from the David Bowie 1973 song, both
Life on Mars shows were about a modern day cop, who after a car accident, wakes up in 1973. The British original ran for two series on BBC One, was a big hit with critics and audiences, and was nominated for numerous BAFTA awards and winning various others. The only reason the show ended after 2 years was because the producers felt it was a finite story and did not want it to drag on unnecessarily. When the show moved to America in 2008 it not only took the acclaimed premise, but enhanced it with a terrific cast, including Harvey Keitel, Jason OMara, Michael Imperioli, Lisa Bonet, and Gretchen Mol. Originally slated in the cushy post-
Greys Anatomy timeslot, the new show premiered to decent ratings but good critical acclaim all positive factors for a unique new show to find an audience. But then TV executives do what they do and ruined a potentially good thing by forcing a two month hiatus and changing it to a less desirable timeslot, thus effectively losing its audience.