24 to End Series Run in May

BURBANK: The acclaimed series 24, created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, will end its eight-season run with a two-hour finale on May 24 on FOX. 

As the countdown to the finale, the final 11 hours will air uninterrupted Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX. The decision was made jointly 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.

Sutherland said of 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."

Gordon commented, "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, the chairman of entertainment at Fox Networks Group. Kevin Reilly, the president of entertainment at 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."

"We are so grateful to Kiefer and Howard who have really poured their hearts and souls into making this show over the past eight seasons," commented Gary Newman and Dana Walden, the chairmen of Twentieth Century Fox Television. "To everyone who contributed to this iconic series over its amazing run, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation for your incredible work."

Added Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer, "I’m so proud to have been a part of 24, which has become such a cultural phenomenon. And to Kiefer and Howard and everyone who has worked on the show, many thanks."