Glenister is probably best known for his role as DCI Gene Hunt in "Life on Mars" (2006–07), co-starring with John Simm as Sam Tyler, and its sequel "Ashes to Ashes" (2008–10), with Keeley Hawes as Alex Drake. Glenister also worked with Simm on "State of Play" and "Clocking Off" and the 2008 crime film "Tuesday". Upon announcement of the film, Glenister joked that he and Simm were contractually obliged to work with each other once a year.