Fox Planning to Cancel "24"

Updated at 11:06 p.m. ET

The drama "24" won't be ticking much longer on TV.

Fox announced Friday that its action-packed real-time show starring Kiefer Sutherland as anti-terrorism agent Jack Bauer will wind down at the end of its current eighth season on May 24.

Sutherland said in a statement that the show's cast and crew "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." He also said he was looking forward to creating a film version of "24."

For many, the show encapsulated the Bush administration's response to terrorism after Sept. 11, dealing with issues such as wire taps and using torture as a way to gain information to protect American lives.

The show has received 68 Emmy nominations, winning for outstanding drama series and for Sutherland as lead drama actor in 2006.

"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," Sutherland said. "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."

Photos: Kiefer Sutherland

Premiering Nov. 6, 2001, "24" used an innovative real-time, split-screen format to present fast-paced interwoven storylines. Each episode covered one hour of the season's 24-hour story arc.

The first six seasons were set in Los Angeles. Following a one-year break forced by the writers strike, season seven went to Africa and Washington, D.C.

The current season has Agent Bauer thwarting a terrorist attack in New York.

By the end of this season, "24" will have presented 194 episodes, making it one of television's longest-running action shows.

[RoboBlogger]

It was a good run for a good show but they kept cramming every possible thing that could go wrong in one cut.

[myninny54]

I see everyone commenting on here got off the subject of the show cancelling...guess that happens LOL well gonna miss 24 and especially Keifer...god he was good on the eyes...LOL

[padgettba]

I got sick of the plot. No matter what the good guys tried it always got messed up some way. It made me feel like our country was being protected by a bunch of losers.

[davie3467]

so what your saying as that you thought that 24 was real life...

[P0ST1ING_AWAY]

by a052786 March 27, 2010 1:11 PM EDT
I hear what your saying but the terrorists have no problem torturing Americans to get what they want. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. It may twisted to let potentially hundreds of thousands of American citizens die when it can be avoided.
===========================================================
TWO WRONGS DO NOT MAKE ONE RIGHT.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, only produces a lot
of blind, toothless people.
We are supposed to be FIGHTING terrorism ....
NOT ENGAGING IN IT.

[Leaderless]

You sounds liked the type who brings a snife to a gun fight.
The air must be rare up there on the high horse.

[a052786]

since when is protecting our citizens considered terrorism? Maybe its time we amend the constitution in order to fight terrorism: "Torture may be used in extreme cases of an imminent terrorist attack in which the proven threat is the usage of weapons of mass destruction". Could you imagine what kind of damage a terrorist can do with a dirty bomb in NY City. Not only kill millions of innocent people but do irreparable damage to our financial infrastructure.

[P0ST1ING_AWAY]

by Leaderless March 27, 2010 11:36 AM EDT
barack hides behind the Constitution when he's not stepping on it....
======================================================================
You are incorrect.
Faux Noise talking points frequently are false.
Want some examples of people who have wiped their feet on the
Constitution ???
Try Georgy Bush and ******** Cheney.

[Leaderless]

Of course, if you don't shared baracks view then you are incorrect.....
d'ohlberman is rotting your mind with his infantile rants.
Parroting talking points from idiots on bsnbc doesn't make it true....

[dolansprings]

I've heard that this show is a favorite of cheney's. Figures.

[P0ST1ING_AWAY]

by a052786 March 27, 2010 11:03 AM EDT
sometimes maintaining our freedom and way of life we have to do what is required to protect the innocent even if it means torture. It is a shame they are cancelling the series, it is one of the better ones on TV.
====================================================================
There is a document that stands in the way of your twisted views.
It is called the "Constitution".

[Leaderless]

barack hides behind the Constitution when he's not stepping on it....

[a052786]

I hear what your saying but the terrorists have no problem torturing Americans to get what they want. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. It may twisted to let potentially hundreds of thousands of American citizens die when it can be avoided.

[a052786]

sometimes maintaining our freedom and way of life we have to do what is required to protect the innocent even if it means torture. It is a shame they are cancelling the series, it is one of the better ones on TV.

[P0ST1ING_AWAY]

by Dgunner March 27, 2010 10:13 AM EDT
Everyone get ready for a final episode party. I can't wait for american idol rewind to die off. It took ten years to kill disco and rap is slowly dieng FINALLY! Ugly betty needs to go next. The peoploe who watch OFFICE seriously need to reconsider thier frame of mind.
====================================================
Spend less time worrying about other people's viewing habits
Spend more time reading.
Final episode party ????????
Consider (as trite as it might sound) GETTING A LIFE.

[P0ST1ING_AWAY]

by kevjustice March 27, 2010 8:33 AM EDT
I wish 24 OR ANYBODY would cancel FOX.
=====================================================
I already have cancelled FAUX NOISE.
I just don't watch it.

[Dgunner]

Everyone get ready for a final episode party. I can't wait for american idol rewind to die off. It took ten years to kill disco and rap is slowly dieng FINALLY! Ugly betty needs to go next. The peoploe who watch OFFICE seriously need to reconsider thier frame of mind.

[curse914]

I know, Office with a little torture and generic terrorism to spice it up would be watchable. The occasional "ticking time bomb" would be nice too!