On Friday, following a joint decision by 24 star and executive producer Kiefer Sutherland, executive producer and showrunner Howard Gordon, Twentieth Century Fox Television, Imagine Entertainment, and Fox Broadcasting Company, it was announced that this season would be the end of 24, after eight seasons on the air. The decision to end the series didn’t come as a big surprise as there have been rumblings about the series’ demise for awhile.
In a recent interview with Variety, Sutherland said that much of the decision came down to the fact that Gordon felt it was going to be very difficult to come up with a good story for season nine. The actor also said, “He and I both felt that the opportunity of making a movie, and doing a two-hour representation of a 24-hour day — which would not be restricted by time — was something that was appealing to he and I both.”
Looking back, Sutherland’s found the experience of making the series very rewarding in many ways and calls it “the greatest learning experience I’ve ever had as an actor, and singularly the greatest opportunity I’ve every had.” He noted the great friendships that he’s made and credits 24 with making him a better actor.
He said, “I’ve been able to work five days a week for eight years. I can’t begin to describe what that does for your confidence and your ability to break down a script, break down a scene, find intention. That’s something I know I will take with me, and I’m very grateful for.”
Though this TV series is coming to a close, Sutherland would be very open to doing another series in the future. Citing memorable shows like The West Wing, The Sopranos, The Wire, and Californication, Sutherland called television “an unbelievably exciting place to be,” despite the current commercial climate.
In terms of the 24 movie, Sutherland said, “Billy Ray is in the process of writing it right now. I’m very excited about the idea. He’s a fantastic writer. I know he’s been working with Howard recently. I’m very excited about the opportunity, and singularly because it’s a two-hour representation of a 24-hour day… Before on the TV show, the crisis had to come to us, because the best we could do was get across town. And the two times we ever put Jack Bauer in a plane, it just didn’t work. So it alleviates a huge hurdle that real time writing presented for us.”
And finally, the actor talked about the mood on the set as the cast and crew film the final episodes. He said, “It’s going to get sadder and sadder. But I think it’s going to be tempered by a sense of accomplishment. These people have worked unbelievably hard. I can’t say enough about our crew… I absolutely believe that creatively we finish [the show] in a really strong place, a much more definitive place. It’s going to be pretty clear what Jack Bauer’s plight is.”
Click here to read the complete interview. The two-hour series finale of 24 is schedule to air on May 24th on FOX.
What do you think? Would you like to see Kiefer Sutherland return to TV someday? In what kind of show? Another high-action thriller or something else? Any shows on TV today that could use his talents?
Image courtesy FOX.
Kiether, I have watched 24 from the beginning and have loved every episode! I will hate to see it all end, and I will be in line for any 24 movie. I have loved your movies from as far back as Flatliners”,” A Time to Kill”, and every one’s favorite: “Lost Boys”! There’s not a movie you’ve been in that I didn’t like! Not even the villain you were in “Eye for an Eye” and “Phone Booth”. I love it all and can only hope to see you real soon in something great. Until then i will watch every last… Read more »
this cannot end i am sure all 24 fans are dissapointed
My husband and I have so enjoyed this show. It is the only one we will watch together. Thank you for all the Monday nights of enjoyment. We are very disappointed to hear that this is the last season. Jack Bauer and the cast, especially Cloe and others, will be missed.
I’m at a loss for words about the ending of 24! What will I watch now on Monday nights. This action packed show kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what Jack and that cast would have to endure next. This hour long show seemed to last only minutes before it would go off. Somebody please come up with some ideas for a ninth season! This show is too good to end!
If there is a problem with the creative team coming up with another season, it should be opened up to other people to submit their ideas. This is an amazing show. I do not watch much television, but have to say that this show has always made me want more episodes. This cannot be the end of 24. I am not a creative writer but can give immaginative writing try since my husband is in the law enforcement field. I have noticed the trend of realitt follow this show in amazement ( ie: 1st black president) among other things. Please… Read more »
We need 24 on the air. It’s the best show in the last 10 years. New writers? New network?
C’mon. This show is the best on TV. The writers have to know it won’t be the same with 24 on the air. New writers? New network?
The only TV show I LOVE, WATCH and wait eagerly.
This is insane. I believe they have more adventures to show for Jack.How about Jack going up against President Palmer’s son that wants revenge. What about cell phones terrorist. This show could esaily go on for another 3 or 4 years if its creative.
Please reconsider canceling this show, as so many people LOVE the suspense and excitement this show brings to us each week. In the beginning of this season, it wasn’t as exciting as the past seasons, but In the last two weeks the pace has picked up to the point of which once again I can’t wait and am very anxious for the week to fly by. The old characters (Chloe, Renee) have come back as strong as before, which is what people have wanted to see.
Of course Jack Bauer makes the show .
PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL THIS SHOW. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE JACK AND CANNOT SEE IT END.
I’d like to see Jack come back in a romantic comedy.
Jack say it ‘s not so . I love 24. We all here in Birmingham AL Love 24. It is by far the best action pack show I have seen in over 30 years. we all set aside 8:00-9:00 every Monday. No exceptions.
What a shame;great show the only one I watch or tape on a regular basis.
The year of the strike was bad enough; the only show me and the wife watch together. Maybe in a year or two all will reconsider and a comeback could occur…… hmmm……think of the possabilities there.
Dear Mr. Sutherland, I’v been a FAN of this great series and would be devasted at the taught of it ending..THERE IS NOTHING BETTER ON TV THAN THIS SHOW. You’re a great actor…….