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?
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Image courtesy FOX.
Is there anyway at all that 24 can continue? Can Keifer Sutherland be pursuaded to do it again on another network? Not having 24 is like not getting my weekly TV fix!
I go way back with “Jack.” I was there when the first second of the first hour counted down and have been rivited ever since. There has been no show like it nor will there be another show like it, certainly not as good dare they try. I go back to the beginning with Kiefer, considering I am also a fan of Donald’s. Kiefer’s first name is the same as one of my favorite ’80s “Hair Metal” singers last name. I have supported Kiefer Sutherland’s endeavors since the 80’s and I am a major fan. I’m the only person in… Read more »
I know, I know it is a TV show after all… but it is one I will miss very much. I can’t imagine the show not being a money maker for Fox so why not continue? My sister just got into it last season and she is upset as she does not watch TV shows on a regular basis. I got her “hooked” on it last season.s I started after the 3rd season We call long distance during the commercials and after each episode. It helps calm her nerves as she does not like to watch these type of shows… Read more »
I am pissed pissed pissed pissed pissed pissed pissed pissed pissed pissed pissed pissed pissed that 24 is coming to an end. My family and I watch this show religiously. This is the one show that we absolutely CANNOT miss. We anticipate the following Monday’s episode before we finish watching the current. We stopped calling the show 24 a long time ago – we refer to it as JACK. We will truly miss what we call “the best show on TV!!!” We feel as if the fans weren’t given an opportunity to express their concern to continue the show –… Read more »
Are you crazy, how can you cancel 24 ? This show is the best show on tv, I wouldn’t miss one episode. I can’t wait until the next week to see what is going to happen next, it is so full of twist and turns and Jack is always there to take care of the problem. 24 is the only reason worth having a Monday for. I can’t talk on the phone or to any of the people in my house, except during commercials. I wish you would reconsider this move, all the people I know who watch 24 are… Read more »
I really hate that 24 is ending! I just recently started watching it with my husband, and we liked it so much that we are ordering all of the episodes. It seems like evertime we like a show it is cancelled. The cast of 24 is so great, they really work well together.
The best of the best, fine acting and great charaters. Agreed, hire a new writer.
After 7+ years, I am still hooked. However, I know all good things must end and at least 24 is going out with all guns firing! Most people I know love 24 for uniqueness and originality. I tip my hat to the writers and actors who have worked on the show all these years. You are a shining example of what is possible in the entertainment world. Thank you for restoring our imaginations and setting the bar higher for all future dramas. Bravo!
Ok Jack, up on the big screen you go!
Yes it’s sad but it’s need to end sooner than later.
This show is still gold after so many years, I’ll be happy with a 24 film franchise.
I would welcome a web tv series, featuring other characters.
You just can’t end “24”. It is just not time. It is probably the best show ever, ever, ever. I just don’t get it, so it suffered some series demise for awhile, you don’t just drop it like that. It is the greatest series ever. I can honestly be dragged down by the fact that is is Monday and then I remember 24 is on tonight and it makes Monday’s awesome. How can you even say that it will be difficult to come up with a good story for season nine, then get a new writer, keep this already extremely… Read more »
I have to protest the ending of 24. It is essentially the only show on tv that is original. Everything else is the same, forensic cop shows, lame comedy and reality tv. 24 is nearly the only show with any thought behind it. And Keifer and Jack are the best actor/character on tv. SAVE 24 and JACK!!
OMG unbelievable – 24 ending – what will we do without 24. We love Jack
I hate that ’24’ is ending! Our whole family gathers every week to watch, we
cannot wait till Monday night to see what mess Jack has to clean up. We
will miss Jack! Hope the movie pans out…will look forward to it.
OMG!!! how can this be? No 24!!! There’s nothing worth my attention on all the
channels on TV. We get together on Mondays just to watch 24. The excitment we
wait for never disappoints us. 24 is the absolute best and I’m totally devasted. You
must continue this show. I’m sure there are great minds that can come up with the
plots. I’ll even help!
OMG!!! My heart is so sad. This is Television at its best! I Live for Mondays, 24 is thrilling and entertaining. Great writting, directing and a wonderful cast from all the seasons. Each week you feel so connected to this amazing cast and some since of victory with every episode. I Love,Love,Love…..JACK, CHLOE & RENEE. Thank you 24, you are the Best of the Best!!!! Cant wait for the MOVIE :)))
Please don’t end this show. I love it and 24 is the only show I would never miss. It is the only Fox show I watch or have ever watched. Move it to HBO and then lets see what Jack can do. I have even bought the DVD’s. I am so sad.
I totally agree. 24 is the only show I watch religiously. I think they should move it to HBO. I look forward to the movie.