Is the clock finally running out for Jack Bauer? According to Kevin Reilly, Fox Entertainment President, this season may be the last for Kiefer Sutherland’s oft-tortured hero.
At the recent TV Critic’s summer press tour, Reilly told iFmagazine that the upcoming season is the last one under the show’s current contract. And while Sutherland remains committed to the show, Reilly is unsure of its future.
“It’s our last contractual season of 24,” Reilly said. “There are a lot of moving parts, so we’re not sure what will happen after that.”
He continued, “We haven’t made any decision whether it’s back or not [after this upcoming season]. The producers are passionate, Kiefer is passionate and we don’t have any of them looking to jump ship. It’s a show we’re really proud of.”
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Reilly concluded that, “It’s going to come down to a business decision. It’s not an inexpensive show on the network books and we also want to finish strong. This is not a show we want to prop up. It will be a whole creative and business discussion and something we’ll have to deal with over the next few months.”
Admittedly the show’s numbers have slipped a bit in the last couple seasons — from a high of 13.78 million in season five to 12.62 million in season seven — but did place 20th in overall viewers this year. In the end, it may be just too expensive for the network, especially considering that the contracts are up for renewal. Though the commercials for 24 are, next to American Idol, the most expensive in primetime, the network’s ad sales are also down about 16% from last year.
Reilly maintained that the show might still continue after next year but his initial comments align with the plans of 24 Executive Producer Howard Gordon. He wants to take Jack Bauer and company to theaters and, earlier this year, Gordon said, “My hope is to go [shoot the feature film] after the eighth season. That’s sort of what we’re aiming for. I think that a big-screen 24 will be a fitting send off for Jack.”
What do you think? Is it time for Jack to say goodbye to the small screen? Would you realistically pay to see a 24 movie?
Image courtesy FOX.
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24 is without a doubt the best show on tv. There should be a few more years left for the show. Season 7 was great, I hated to see Bill Buchanan get killed off though. If the show must end…Please bring back Audrey somehow into the story line. Keep the storyline fresh, and 24 would have no problem lasting several more years. In the end, it all boils down to money. Please keep 24 on as long as possible. Its a Top 20 series if you didnt know.
Please don’t end 24. It is the only show that we make a point to sit down as a family and watch. My husband gets the popcorn ready and as soon as our son walks in from work we hit play.
I’m starting to think it’s a mistake to even do season 8… I mean the ending of season 7 was TOO PERFECT. This is exactly why I don’t want Christopher Nolan to make a third Batman movie.
I do not watch series but I watched all season 7 for 10 days running. Best series ever made
I started watching 24 (season 7) this year. I loved it so much I went and rented all the seasons. I got 3 other people hooked on it and they did the same.
When does 24 start????
Best SHOW HANDS DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I agree bringing audrey back could extend this great show for another year. Lets atleast make it to 10 and then call it a day. I would definately pay to go see a 24 movie
24 is the best TV show ever! I started watching regularly in season 7. Of course, I didn’t know the show history and background, but I was so intrigued, I bought seasons 1-7 and the 24 Redemption 2-hour show. I have now watched the complete series and I can’t wait for season 8! PLEASE keep it going. I would definitely pay to see a 24 movie. I also plan to purchase season 8 as soon as it’s available. My co-workers heard me talking so much about the show (and Jack) that they started watching. During lunch, we have lively discussions about each episode! I believe the audience is growing now due to people like me who started watching late but recruited friends and family members to watch the greatest TV series ever! In today’s world of turmoil, it is refreshing to forget reality for one hour a week and count on Jack and CTU to keep us safe from all manners of danger.
I’ve been a fan of the show since season 5 (I haven’t yet been able to afford to buy all the previous seasons) and have enjoyed all seasons except for season 7. Killing off CTU, James Morrison (Bill) and bringing Tony back from the dead just made it complete bull crap. I’ve a huge fan of 24, and Keifer… hell, 24 inspires my films… but season 7 was crap. I’ve got hopes that season 8 is better, and that all the lovable characters from season 6 come back (I’d love to see Cloe and her husband come back) and maybe even then bring Kim into it more. I’d like to see a more softer side of Jack.
As for a 24 movie… I’d pay to see it as long as its better than Redemption. I loved it, but it didn’t have that… movie feel. It felt like watching another TV Episode.
Promise me better than the last, and I’ll be happy. Lets get Kiefer to direct a few episodes eh? AND MORE ACTION!
24 is about the best show on T.V right now so I don’t think that you guys should end it yet. There should be a really good movie at the end of all of the seasons but I think you guys should sign another 2 year contract.
This is one of the best series on. Please do not cancel 24.
24 is the best drama show I ever saw. I can see it on big screen then when it does I will spend my money to go and see it. 24 season 8 will be explosive and I can’t wait for it to premeire in 2010.
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