The American version of Life on Mars takes the place of hit drama True Blood in FX's winter schedule, starting this October. The network channel that brought us Dexter, NCIS and Burn Notice has added Life on Mars to its long list of American acquisitions today, having successfully secured the exclusive UK rights. Gaining a primetime slot in FX's winter schedule, the US re-working of the time-travelling BBC series will replace True Blood when the vampire drama's first season concludes later this year. Relocating the British show of the same name from Manchester to New York, the 17-part series sees original character detective Sam Tyler resurrected and transported back in time to 1973. Tyler, however, is played by American actor Jason O'Mara in the US version. FX's director, Jason Thorp, says: "The original Life on Mars and its follow up Ashes to Ashes have a huge fan base in the UK that numbers millions. We are therefore delighted to be able to bring this version to a British audience." Though not as popular with critics as the original Life on Mars, the American version is only ranked half a point below its British parent show by international users on TV.com. The show was axed after just one series in the States, however, after failing to attract a sizeable audience.
Life on Mars makes its British debut on FX on Friday, October 9, at 10pm
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