There’s been talk about when 24 would conclude and it seems the clock’s about to run out for the series as of the end of Day 8. Fox announced today that Jack Bauer’s last longest-day-ever is season 8, which means the two-hour season 8 finale will also serve as the series’ finale.
Fox stated that the series finale decision was a joint one made by 24 star/exec-producer Kiefer Sutherland, showrunner Howard Gordon, Twentieth Century Fox Television, Imagine Entertainment and Fox Broadcasting.
“24 is so much more than just a TV show – it has redefined the drama genre and created one of the most admired action icons in television history,” said Peter Rice, Chairman, Entertainment, Fox Networks Group. Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company added, “We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series and will be forever thankful to Kiefer, the producers, the cast and crew for everything they’ve put into 24 over the years. It’s truly been an amazing and unforgettable eight days.”
I’ve seen every season of 24 and while I still consider myself a fan (and a believer that Jack Bauer is one of TV’s best bad-asses), I can’t say I’m all that disappointed that the series is wrapping up. For one thing, eight seasons is a good run for any show. For another, looking back at the early seasons and realizing that I’m mostly tuning in out of habit this (mess of a) season, it think they’re making the right call in wrapping the show up. Now we can all start speculating over how it’s going to end. Will Jack Bauer get his happily-ever-after ending in a world that’s terrorist free and no longer requires his skills? Or will he not survive to tell his grandkids of how he once broke a guy's neck with his leg and tore out another guy's throat with his teeth?
The final 11-hours will air uninterrupted Mondays (9:00 p.m. ET on Fox), with the two hour series finale set to air Monday, May 24 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).
