24

24

24 is an American serial action/drama television series starring Kiefer Sutherland as special agent Jack Bauer, produced for the Fox Network and syndicated worldwide. The show is presented in the semblance of real time, with each season covering 24-hours in the life of Bauer. First broadcast on November 6, 2001, the show has run for 192 episodes over 8 seasons, with the series finale due to be broadcast on May 24, 2010. In addition, the television movie 24: Redemption was broadcast between seasons six and seven, while a feature film is also planned after the series ends. Bauer is the only character to have appeared in all 8 seasons. The series begins with him working for the Los Angeles based Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU), for whom he is characterized as a highly proficient agent, but one who is willing to do whatever it takes to 'do the right thing' regardless of the legality of some of his actions. Throughout the series, Bauer attempts to prevent multiple terrorist plots, including Presidential assassination attempts, nuclear, biological and chemical threats, and cyber attacks.

The show has won numerous awards, including Best Drama Series at the 2003 Golden Globe Awards and Outstanding Drama Series at the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards. Kiefer Sutherland has been awarded Best Actor - Television Series Drama at the 2001 Golden Globe Awards, and Outstanding Lead Actor - Drama Series at the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards. On conclusion of its eighth and final season, 24 will become the longest running espionage themed television drama ever, surpassing both Mission: Impossible and The Avengers.

24 is a thriller presented in "real time"; each minute of airtime corresponds to a minute in the lives of the characters. Time continues to pass during commercial breaks.

24 employs fast-paced and complex stories, and often contains unexpected plot twists. Each day's events typically revolve around thwarting an impending terrorist attack, each season is made up of various interwoven story threads. These may run for just one hour, but more usually run over several hours. These typically involve investigations of leads on terrorists, tracking suspects, and averting attacks. The exact objective of the day may also evolve over the course of the season, as the antagonists adapt, contingencies arise, and larger-scale operations unfold. Stories also involve office and interpersonal drama, and delve into the private lives of its characters even as national emergencies are erupting.

A recurring theme involves characters being faced ...