Jack Bauer's prevailing fear in revisiting season 1 of 24 proved unwarranted as his composure remained intact, following a 24-year gap.
Twenty-four years ago, the television landscape was forever changed with the debut of the groundbreaking series 24. This high-octane drama, starring Kiefer Sutherland as the unforgettable Jack Bauer, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique real-time format and edge-of-your-seat storytelling.
The first season of 24 is widely regarded as the best by many fans, thanks to its gripping narrative and the introduction of Jack Bauer, a character that remains one of TV's truly great. The story follows Bauer as he tries to stop a planned assassination attempt on presidential hopeful David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert), all while dealing with a mole within CTU leaking information to the antagonists and searching for his kidnapped daughter, Kim Bauer.
24 was unlike anything seen before, with each episode unfolding over one hour in real time, a concept that was revolutionary at the time. The show's theme was defined by a terrifying thumping digital clock and Jack Bauer's voice announcing the time elapsed at the start of each episode. Split screens were also used to increase tension and give a greater sense of angst.
While Kim Bauer was described as somewhat annoying in the first season, her character added an emotional depth to the series. The show, while dated in some aspects, such as the prevalence of telephone boxes and large cell phones, is still an enjoyable ride.
The first season of 24 is included in a Top 100 shows of all time list, and its influence can still be felt today. The show's relentless pace and expert weaving together of plot threads into one great conclusion set a new standard for serialized TV.
In a coincidence that sparked speculation, the debut of Daniel Craig in Casino Royale was five years after the first season of 24. Some have suggested that Craig's gritty performance and the rebooted Bond's grittier, more grounded tone may have been influenced by 24. However, there is no credible evidence or mention in available sources that the television show 24 inspired Daniel Craig’s portrayal of James Bond in Casino Royale.
Despite this, 24 eventually ran throughout the Noughties and is arguably the defining show of the decade. If you haven't had the chance to watch it yet, 24 is available on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus in the UK. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and prepare for an unforgettable ride.
24's influence on the television landscape continues to be seen today, with its inclusion in a Top 100 shows of all time list. The show's influence is apparent in the relentless pace and expert weaving of plot threads that set a new standard for serialized TV. If you haven't watched it yet, you can stream 24 on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus in the UK.
Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus are platforms where you can watch a variety of series and movies-and-tv entertainment. The first season of 24, widely regarded as the best, still offers an enjoyable ride with its gripping narrative and edge-of-your-seat storytelling.
The show's unique real-time format was revolutionary, using split screens and a terrifying thumping digital clock to increase tension. Split screens were used to give a greater sense of angst, and the show's theme was defined by Jack Bauer's voice announcing the time elapsed at the start of each episode.
If you're a fan of suspenseful series like 24, you might enjoy other shows like James Bond in Casino Royale, where Daniel Craig's gritty performance and the rebooted Bond's grittier, more grounded tone have sparked speculation of 24's influence.
While some have suggested that 24 may have influenced Craig's portrayal of James Bond, there is no credible evidence to support this claim. Nevertheless, 24 is considered one of the defining shows of the decade, and a must-watch for any TV entertainment enthusiast.
