24 (TV series)

24 is an American action drama television series created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran. It aired on Fox for nine seasons, from November 6, 2001, to May 24, 2010, and returned with a limited series, 24: Live Another Day, which aired from May 5 to July 14, 2014.

The series is known for its real-time format, with each season depicting 24 consecutive hours in the life of Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), a counter-terrorist agent working for the fictional Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU). Episodes typically run for approximately 43 minutes, with commercial breaks, to fill a one-hour time slot. The story unfolds in real-time, with on-screen clocks displaying the current hour.

24 is characterized by its use of split screens, frequent cliffhangers, and complex storylines involving terrorism, political conspiracies, and national security threats. The show has received critical acclaim for its innovative format, suspenseful narratives, and strong performances, particularly by Sutherland. It has won numerous awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (for Sutherland).

The series also spawned a television film, 24: Redemption, which bridged the gap between seasons 6 and 7, and a short-lived spin-off series, 24: Legacy, which featured a new protagonist and aired in 2017.