24: Experimenting With A Different Television Formula

The Fox TV show "24" broke the typical television mould in a variety of ways. The show starred actor Kiefer Sutherland as Counter Terrorist Unit or CTU agent, Jack Bauer. "24" was unusual in that it used real time depicting one hour during each episode. Each season was only one day and the season comprised 24 episodes. When a new season of "24" began, a new day also began in the life of Jack.

Jack Bauer is the only character to be featured in every episode throughout the run of the show. It began on November 6, 2001 and broadcast 192 episodes over eight seasons. While each year has had different plot twists, they are similar in that typically Jack is racing the clock to stop an attack against the United States.

The show has run into trouble with its violent depictions of torture. "24" has been criticized by military officials, human rights supporters and interrogation experts. The series has had success though, winning Best Drama Series at the Golden Globe Awards in 2003 and Outstanding Drama Series for the Emmy Awards in 2006. It even broke a record and became the longest-running show to feature spies and covert op missions.

"24" created a new TV formula, by presenting simultaneous moments that are happening. Jack may be involved with a car chase while a political character is signing papers. Creators incorporated a split screen to show viewers separate events at the same time. Other shows have used this screen depiction after "24" became popular including, "Samantha Who," "My Name Is Earl" and "C.I.S."

The shows idea was a creation of Joel Surnow, an executive producer for "24," who thought up the concept of each episode lasting an hour in Jack's life and the season covering one day. The network began with 13 episodes and after Sutherland won a Golden Globe, Fox requested the rest of the season.

The creators added a real time running clock to remind viewers that the show is running on a clock. The clock appears at the beginning of each episode, at the end of each episode, right before and right after commercials. The show uses a 12-hour-clock instead of a 24-hour one and another unusual feature of "24" involving time is the silent clock used during the death of a major character.

The time tracked during each episode continues during the commercial breaks, so when the episode returns, several minutes has elapsed. Often, ordinary events occur when the episode breaks for a commercial, such as when the characters are driving to a location. "24" does not employ slow motion camera methods or flashbacks by the characters.

Fans of the show that enjoy having a marathon of "24" will experience 17 hours of viewing time. Los Angeles is the main location for the first six seasons of the show. However, other locations have been added and these include New York City, Africa and Washington, D.C. Each season has used the fictional CTU offices, which is comprised of Field Operations, Domestic, Divisions and the main District location.

The show "24" is unique in the way it changes main characters during every season, other than Jack Bauer. The show's creators also intend to release a film based upon the TV series, starring Sutherland, which is expected to be released in 2012.

The show has led to series extensions that included advertisements for mobile phones and internet viewing. It has caused creators to base a video and board game around the show. Additionally, merchandising has been expanded to include toys, soundtracks, fictional novels as well as several books that brought readers behind the action of the show.