Image courtesy of TMDB
Discover How to Watch 'Life on Mars' in Japan: A Complete Guide

Discover How to Watch 'Life on Mars' in Japan: A Complete Guide

Anthony Penner
Anthony Penner
August 01, 2023

Ready to travel back in time to 1970s New York City? Get your detective hat on because we're about to delve into the gripping world of "Life on Mars"! In this crime drama series, things take a mind-bending turn when Detective Sam Tyler finds himself transported from present-day New York to 1973. With a touch of thrilling suspense, a pinch of science fiction, and a dash of police procedural, this show has it all.

In this article, we'll explore the various ways you can stream "Life on Mars" right here in Japan. Whether you're already a fan or curious to experience this critically acclaimed series for the first time, we've got you covered. But that's not all—stick around to discover a nifty little trick that might just let you watch it using your existing streaming subscriptions and the power of ExpressVPN.

Set in the gritty streets of 1970s NYC, "Life on Mars" follows the journey of detective Sam Tyler, portrayed brilliantly by Jason O'Mara. After a freak accident, Sam wakes up in a different time period, surrounded by a familiar yet foreign landscape. With New York as his backdrop, Tyler must navigate a world of rotary phones, typewriters, and a unique brand of policing, all while trying to unravel the mysteries of his situation. Joined by a talented cast including Harvey Keitel, Jonathan Murphy, Michael Imperioli, and Gretchen Mol, "Life on Mars" has garnered praise for its premise, acting, and attention to detail in recreating the 1970s atmosphere.

Image courtesy of TMDB

Streaming "Life on Mars" in Japan - Available Now on Hulu

If you're a proud subscriber of Hulu, your detective journey starts here! Just open up your Hulu app, search for "Life on Mars," and you'll be transported to the captivating world of Sam Tyler in no time. With Hulu, you have the convenience of streaming at your fingertips, so there's no need to wait. Get ready for a gripping crime drama right at your fingertips.

But what if you don't have a Hulu subscription? Don't despair just yet! We have a little trick up our sleeve that might just unlock "Life on Mars" for you on your favorite streaming platform. Keep reading to find out how ExpressVPN can work its magic and give you access to this enthralling series, even if you don't currently have a Hulu account.

  • Hulu

Discovering "Life on Mars" on Netflix in Japan...

If you're a Netflix enthusiast eagerly searching for "Life on Mars," I have to be the bearer of bittersweet news. Unfortunately, this mind-bending crime drama isn't available for streaming on Netflix in Japan or any other country worldwide. But fret not, as there may be other streaming services where you can catch this captivating series. So, hold tight and read on as we explore different avenues to satisfy your "Life on Mars" cravings.

Stream "Life on Mars" on Amazon Prime in Japan

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it seems that "Life on Mars" isn't currently available on Amazon Prime in Japan. While it may be a bummer, it's not all doom and gloom. Sometimes, certain shows and movies belong to other streaming providers, and unfortunately, this happens to be the case with "Life on Mars."

But don't lose hope just yet! Remember, we mentioned earlier that there might be other streaming services that you already have which offer this fantastic series. So, keep reading to find out where else you can witness the time-traveling adventures of Detective Sam Tyler.

HBO Max: A No-Go for "Life on Mars"

If you were hoping to catch "Life on Mars" on HBO Max in Japan, I've got some bad news for you. As of now, the show isn't available on HBO Max in any country worldwide. But fear not, my time-traveling detective enthusiasts, there may still be hope. So, don't hang up your fedora just yet!

Sometimes, the rights to a show like "Life on Mars" might belong to another streaming provider, leaving it unavailable on HBO Max. But before you give up on your interdimensional crime-solving dreams, make sure to check out the other sections in this article. You never know—another streaming service you already have might have your ticket to this captivating series!

Streaming "Life on Mars" on Disney+

Unfortunately, detective enthusiasts, "Life on Mars" is currently not available for streaming on Disney+. Now, before you go into full detective mode searching for this hidden gem, stay with us. While it may not be available on Disney+ or any other streaming platform in Japan, there might be another streaming service that can satisfy your craving for some time-traveling crime-solving action.

Fear not, fellow fans! We'll guide you through other avenues where you can stream "Life on Mars" in Japan. So, keep reading and get ready to embark on a journey through other streaming platforms that might just hold the key to unlocking this captivating series.

Where to Buy or Rent "Life on Mars" in Japan

As much as we would love to give you a list of streaming services where you can rent or buy "Life on Mars" right here in Japan, we have to be honest with you—there are currently no streaming options available within the country. But fear not, we've got a solution for you that will let you watch this captivating series from the comfort of your own home using your favorite streaming app.

  • No streaming options for rent within the country
  • No streaming options for purchase within the country

If you already have a subscription with a streaming service, you can simply open up their app, make the payment, and start watching the gripping episodes of "Life on Mars." But wait, there's a little secret we need to share with you that could expand your streaming options exponentially.

How to watch Life on Mars in Japan today

Sign up for ExpressVPN and watch Life on Mars in Canada in 3 quick steps

Laptop Icon

Step 1

Install the ExpressVPN app and create an account.

World Icon

Step 2

Choose an ExpressVPN server in a country with the movie/show

TV Icon

Step 3

Open your usual streaming app (Netflix, Disney+, etc) on your device and enjoy your show!

Image courtesy of TMDB

Unraveling the Time-Slipping Mysteries

In the exhilarating world of "Life on Mars," Detective Sam Tyler finds himself caught between two eras, juggling the demands of modern-day police work with the eccentricities of 1970s New York City. After being struck by a car, Tyler wakes up to a shocking sight—he has been transported back to 1973. Dressed in period clothing and equipped with a vintage car, Tyler must adapt to the outdated technology, cultural norms, and hard-hitting detective work of the time. But there's more to his situation than meets the eye. As Sam delves into his new reality, he faces mind-bending experiences that blur the lines between past and present, leaving him questioning the very nature of his existence.

Sam Tyler's journey through time is filled with mysterious visions, cryptic phone calls, and surreal encounters. As he grapples with the challenges of working alongside a hardened group of detectives led by the enigmatic Gene Hunt, Tyler also uncovers unexpected connections between his 2008 and 1973 realities. With each passing episode, he navigates the treacherous waters of crime-solving while searching for answers about his circumstances. Along the way, viewers are treated to thrilling police procedurals, thought-provoking twists, and exceptional character development.

The series masterfully combines elements of thriller, science fiction, and police drama, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they piece together the puzzle of Tyler's time-traveling adventure. Will he discover the truth about his predicament? Can he find a way back to his own time? Prepare to be captivated by the riveting storytelling, impeccable acting talent, and immersive 1970s atmosphere that make "Life on Mars" a must-watch series for any fan of mind-bending mysteries and gripping television.

Behind the Scenes: The Creation of "Life on Mars"

The journey to bring "Life on Mars" to our screens was a wild and fascinating one. Initially developed by David E. Kelley, the creative minds behind the show decided to take a detour from the original British series and give it their own unique spin. Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, and Scott Rosenberg, the masterminds behind the critically acclaimed drama "October Road," took over production and brought their own vision to the table.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the show's production was the decision to relocate the setting from Los Angeles to the gritty streets of New York. This move not only took advantage of the city's iconic backdrop but also allowed the production team to benefit from the generous tax credits offered by the state of New York. It was a win-win situation that ultimately enhanced the authenticity of the series and breathed new life into the storyline.

The script underwent a major overhaul, transforming the ambiguity of Sam Tyler's story into a mystical and enigmatic journey. With the permission of the original creators, the writers crafted a deeper mystery that captivated audiences. This mythological element added another layer of intrigue and kept viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn in the series.

The response to "Life on Mars" was nothing short of remarkable. From its premiere following the ever-popular "Grey's Anatomy" to its dedicated international fan base, the show made waves in the television landscape. The decision to order four additional episodes mid-season demonstrated the network's faith in the compelling narrative and outstanding performances of the cast.

Cast

Jason O'Mara as Detective Sam Tyler
Detective Sam Tyler is the protagonist of "Life on Mars." Portrayed by the talented Jason O'Mara, Sam Tyler finds himself transported from 2008 to the year 1973. O'Mara is known for his roles in "The Man in the High Castle," "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

Harvey Keitel as Detective Gene Hunt
Detective Gene Hunt is a fellow detective in the 125th Precinct. Played by the legendary Harvey Keitel, Gene Hunt represents the tough and no-nonsense attitude prevalent in 1970s New York. Keitel is recognized for his roles in "Reservoir Dogs," "Pulp Fiction," and "The Grand Budapest Hotel."

Michael Imperioli as Detective Ray Carling
Detective Ray Carling is another member of the 125th Precinct and a loyal colleague to Sam Tyler. Michael Imperioli, famous for his iconic role as Christopher Moltisanti in "The Sopranos," brings his acting prowess to "Life on Mars." Imperioli has also appeared in "Goodfellas" and "The Lovely Bones."

Gretchen Mol as Annie Norris
Annie Norris is a female detective who plays a pivotal role in Sam Tyler's journey through time. Gretchen Mol breathes life into this character with her captivating performance. Mol is known for her work in "Boardwalk Empire," "Manchester by the Sea," and "The Notorious Bettie Page."

Jonathan Murphy as Detective Chris Skelton
Detective Chris Skelton is a young and eager member of the 125th Precinct. The talented Jonathan Murphy brings his energy and charisma to this character. Murphy has also appeared in "The Good Wife" and "The Blacklist."

Time-Travel Thrills and Vintage Cops: Life on Mars Will Transport You!

Buckle up, folks, because "Life on Mars" is one heck of a ride! With its masterful blend of gripping crime drama, mind-bending time travel, and a cast that brings the 1970s back to life, this show deserves all the stars in the galaxy. Strap on your bell-bottoms and get ready to journey through the mean streets of 1970s New York City.

Critics may have had their reservations, but let me tell you, "Life on Mars" is a gem waiting to be discovered. While the show faced its fair share of obstacles, including a mid-season hiatus and a sudden timeslot change, it managed to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline and top-notch performances. Jason O'Mara's portrayal of Detective Sam Tyler is nothing short of outstanding, and the chemistry among the cast is electric.

So, why am I giving this show a glowing review even if it faced cancellation after just one season? Well, sometimes the greatest stories are the ones that leave us wanting more. The ambiguity surrounding Sam Tyler's time-travel predicament adds an extra layer of intrigue, and the show's ultimate revelation will leave you reeling. Plus, the attention to detail in recreating 1970s New York City is impeccable, from the fashion to the music - it's like stepping into a time capsule.

If you're eager to experience the thrills of "Life on Mars" but can't find it on your streaming services in Japan, fear not! ExpressVPN has got your back. By using ExpressVPN, you can unlock a whole new world of possibilities and stream your favorite shows and movies from anywhere. Sign up now and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through time and crime. Don't miss out on this cult-favorite series, trust me, your future self will thank you!

Other news that might interest you

Always know what’s new on Netflix

Bookmark us as your source of the latest Netflix content.