Fox Officially Swings the Axe at '24'

It's been looking like a real possibility for a while now, and on Friday night, it became official: Fox has canceled 24. The show still got pretty good ratings, but when you look at how much the show costs, how the ratings have been showing signs of real vulnerability, and how eight years into its run, 24 probably won't ever hit its previous ratings highs. Below is the official press release, direct from Deadline Hollywood. We don't know yet if NBC or another network might vie for the rights to bring 24 over for another season or two or if, as suggested, Kiefer Sutherland and the writers and producers will look to bring Jack Bauer to a theater near you. Would you buy a ticket? I'm always curious about these things. You would think a TV spin-off would make more money when the show is still on the air. That's not true of Sex and the City, but X-Files did much bigger business than the sequel. Night and day, even. So depending on when they get around to it, a 24 movie might do pretty well, but I think if it takes more than a couple years, there might be a lot of apathy. Here's the announcement:

In a joint decision made by 24’s star and executive producer Kiefer Sutherland, executive producer and showrunner Howard Gordon, Twentieth Century Fox Television, Imagine Entertainment and Fox Broadcasting Company, it was determined that the acclaimed series will end its remarkable eight-season run. Jack Bauer’s last day on FOX will conclude when the final two hours of “Day Eight” air Monday, May 24 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Brad Turner will direct the series finale. As the countdown to the series’ climactic conclusion races on, the final 11 hours will air uninterrupted Mondays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Multiple award-winning series star Kiefer Sutherland reflected on the show’s run: “This has been the role of a lifetime, and I will never be able to fully express my appreciation to everyone who made it possible. While the end of the series is bittersweet, we always wanted 24 to finish on a high note, so the decision to make the eighth season our last was one we all agreed upon. This feels like the culmination of all our efforts from the writers to the actors to our fantastic crew and everyone at Fox. Looking ahead to the future, Howard Gordon and I are excited about the opportunity to create the feature film version of 24. But when all is said and done, it is the loyal worldwide fan base that made it possible for me to have the experience of playing the role of Jack Bauer, and for that I am eternally grateful.” Executive producer and showrunner Howard Gordon said, “Kiefer and I have loved every minute of making 24, but we all believe that now is the right time to call it a day. I echo his sentiments of gratitude toward the show’s amazing creative team, as well as the studio and network who have always believed in us and shown us unbelievable support.” 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.”

Update on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 9:39AM by Get The Big Picture

Kiefer Sutherland tells Entertainment Weekly that the producers won't look to do a ninth season on NBC or anywhere else, so all that's left would be the movie.

Comments

[MRPigg]

I think this is a good call. While it hasn't creatively dipped into the "terrible" range, it has lost quite a bit of it's mojo. It will be good to see it go out when it is still doing well and not limp it's way through a couple more seasons.

So this means that the Spring television season is there for the taking now. No more 24 or Lost, and American Idol is steadily declining but that's nothing compared to what will happen next year when Cowell leaves.

Who's gonna step up to the plate?

[MRPigg]

Incidentally, I would love a Jack Bauer movie, but only if they tweak the formula a bit. Otherwise they might as well just call the movie 2.

[Honz Brix]

However they decide to do the movie i will be there opening day. Haven't been watching this season because i'm always busy Monday nights but i have seasons 1-7 on DVD

[Will]

I have been a big fan of 24 since the beginning, but the biggest problem it has as the show and subsequent films move forward is this: Its success depended on post 9-11 fears and was tied directly to the Bush administration's John Wayne-like approach to the so-called 'War on Terror'. Can Jack Bauer evolve enough to survive in the Obama era and continue to speak to a war-weary nation?

Only time and current events will tell.