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.
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
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????
I do not watch series but I watched all season 7 for 10 days running. Best series ever made
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.
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.
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.
Romano, quit making this political. In 24 the characters are 100% sure that the person they’ve captured has set a weapon of mass destruction to go off within a few hours. That NEVER happens in real life so the question of whether terrorists like this have the right not to be tortured is irrelevant. Either say it should continue because it’s a great show or end because you think it has gone downhill. What administration is in the White House has NOTHING to do with it.
I had not heard of 24 until this last spring, but then I heard several people talking about this great show. So I have purchased all 7 seasons (along with the 2 hour special) and have watched them all then passed them around to all my friends. We ALL are VERY ADDICTED!!! We have very INPATIENTLY waited for Season 8 to start and to now hear that it might stop there breaks my hear! 🙂
PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE RECONSIDER!
Wow, to think fox would discontinue 24 after it’s just really getting good. While a movie would be good it’s only for 1 night. The show keeps you in front of the TV several nights for the season. Fox keep 24 alive. Don’t lose Jack! Bring him back!
I believe that 24 has still a lot to give including financial rewards for Fox. As to the the Jack Bauer character it will be disastrous if it is faced out. The serious is considered to be a promotion for the Bush Administration tactics re how to counter terrorism. Since this Administration is trying to whip out all lnks to tourture to get info from terrorists there could be a change of heart from the big guys at Fox. So it is not only a financial decision. Just for the record torture is the best and most effective way to… Read more »
24 for me is da best TV series i’ve ever watch. they can continue the show wit old character like EDMUNDS CHASE.or maybe RENEE WALKER n JACK BAUER be retired by an award or something. Rather than Pulling da plug of the most captivating n thrillin Action show.we luv u jack.
i think 24 should have at least 2 more seasons after 8. if the story starts to get stale the writers could always do something different….like change the main character to someone else like renee walker or the new guy on season 8 cole ortiz played by freddie prinze jr. im not saying jack SHOULD be taken off cuz hes freakin awsome, but im just saying. i mean, how much does jack have to go through before he finally snaps? thats all im saying.
it would be a big mistake to cancel 24.the country needs a jack bauer.prison break was a bad decison too.just my opinion. jeff,lynn,ma
How can they possibly take away 24 & Prison Break…. MY LIFE IS OVER!!! I’M SELLING MY T.V.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!
Retire Jack as a professor? I don’t think so! Concluding 24 will mean killing Jack off. That’s the kind of show it is. So think twice before you tell Fox that pulling the plug is ok!