Time finally called on 24: Producers announce the end of cult U.S. counter-terrorist drama

By Sarah Bull

Kiefer Sutherland's role as anti-terrorist agent Jack Bauer in 24 has made him a heartthrob worldwide


When Kiefer Sutherland took on the role of Jack Bauer in 24, he became an instant heartthrob.

So millions of women worldwide will no doubt be in mourning today as U.S. TV network Fox have announced the gripping crime drama has come to an end.

The show, which follows counter-terrorist agent Bauer over a period of 24 hours, will officially finish at the end of the eighth season on May 24th.

Sutherland, who has enjoyed a renewed popularity since first appearing as Bauer in the show in 2001, admitted he would be sad to see the end of the series, but is 'eternally grateful' for the opportunity of starring in such a cult show.

He said in a statement: '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.

'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.'

He added: 'I 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.'


The show is famous for its action-packed sequences and impressive special effects


However, violent scenes and those featuring suspects being tortured have been criticised by human rights groups


The show's executive producter Jon Cassar wrote on his Twitter page: 'News from the 24 set, the crew has been told that 24 has come to an end. There will b no season 9.

Its been a great run, thanx all 4 watching!'


But 24 fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Sutherland has promised a film of the series, which is currently in production.

Premiering in November 2001, 24 was the first television show of its kind, using an innovative real-time, split-screen format to present fast-paced, exciting storylines.

Starring Sutherland as main character Bauer, the show has also seen guest appearances from stars including Dennis Hopper, Robert Carlyle, Anil Kapoor and Elisa Cuthbert, who plays Bauer's daughter Kim.

Sutherland is the only actor, however, to have starred in all 168 episodes of the show so far.

With each episode ending on a cliffhanger, 24 quickly became a cult show among its many fans, all keen to see what the next hour would hold for Bauer.

However, while its action sequences added to its popularity, the torture scenes in 24 were criticised by human rights groups.

As anti-terrorist agents, Bauer and his team were frequently seen torturing suspects for information using various methods including using a fictional pain-inducing drug called hyoscine-pentothal.

David Danzig, a deputy director of U.S. nonprofit group Human Rights First, wrote in an email: 'On some level 24 is just a big ole’ ad for torture.

'Those of us who watch the show a lot - and there are tens of millions of us who do - know exactly what is going to happen as soon as Bauer starts to beat a suspect up. He is going to talk.'

Some military officials even blamed the show for giving interrogators at Guantánamo Bay 'ideas' for how to best extract information from their suspects.

Sutherland has earned rave reviews and a host of awards including two Emmy's and a Golden Globe for his performance as Bauer.

However, while his professional life has gone from strength to strength, Sutherland's personal life has been plagued with problems.


Sutherland has promised fans in mourning for the loss of the series that a script for a film of 24 has been written


In 2007, the 43-year-old was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. As the incident was his second after being arrested for the same offence in 2004, Sutherland was sentenced to 48 days in jail.

In 2009, Sutherland surrendered himself to New York police after head-butting Proenza Schouler designer Jack McCollough at a fundraiser.

The charges were later dropped after Sutherland apologised and released a joint statements with McCollough.


source: dailymail