Life

Life centers on Charlie Crews, a detective who returns to the force after years in prison for a crime he did not commit. He carries a calm, almost spiritual outlook that reframes investigations as puzzles of perception rather than routine duty. His unorthodox approach often jars his colleagues yet opens new paths to evidence and human insight. Crews teams with Dani Reese, a determined detective who is wary of his quirks but respects his stubborn honesty. As he probes the case behind his own conviction, Crews confronts a world of hidden loyalties and corrupt corners. The series follows how memory, trust, and a vow to do right can shape each crime scene and every fragile alliance. His colleagues challenge him, yet his methods gradually gain trust.

Created by Rand Ravich, Life is an original NBC drama that premiered in 2007. The series pairs Damian Lewis as Charlie Crews with Sarah Shahi as Dani Reese, delivering a crime drama that blends noir mood with character driven intensity. The show ran for two seasons on NBC.

Life earned recognition at major award ceremonies for its performances and craft, with nominations noted by critics for its acting and production values. The show was praised for Lewis and Shahi's chemistry, and for weaving philosophy and humor into a tense crime narrative. Its nominations highlighted the show as a standout of its year.

While it lasted, Life left a mark as a prime example of a detective show that foregrounded psychology and personal redemption. Its dialogue about memory and justice resonated with fans who preferred slower, more thoughtful storytelling, and its bold tonal swings inspired later crime dramas. The character dynamics and awkward humor created memorable scenes.

Critics described the series as ambitious yet uneven, noting strong performances and an inventive premise, even as some plots stretched too thin. The core themes center on wrongful imprisonment, forgiveness, and the balance between vengeance and mercy, explored through Crews's patient, human approach to solving crime. Viewers were drawn to the tension between loyalty to the badge and loyalty to people.