24 (2001 — 2010)

24 (2001–2010), an American action drama TV show created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran for Fox, follows the life of US counter-terrorist federal agent Jack Bauer. Each season unfolds in real time, covering 24 hours in Bauer’s life. The episodes feature multiple interconnected storylines, often involving Bauer’s associates facing extreme challenges. The series first aired on November 6, 2001, with a total of 204 episodes across nine seasons. A television movie titled 24: Redemption was broadcast on November 23, 2008, between the sixth and seventh seasons. Produced by Imagine Television and 20th Century Fox Television, the show centers around Bauer’s work at the Los Angeles-based Counter Terrorist Unit, where his ‘ends justify the means’ attitude sets him apart from others. While this approach is questioned by his colleagues, he is ultimately proven right.

Season 1 (2001–2002). At the start of season 1, Agent Jack Bauer springs into action on the day of the California presidential primary in Los Angeles. His mission is twofold: safeguard Senator David Palmer, a candidate for president, from an impending assassination plot, and free his own family from the clutches of the Drazen syndicate. This dangerous organization, headed by Serbian war criminal Victor Drazen and his sons Alexis and Andre, seeks revenge against Jack and Palmer for their involvement in a secretive American operation in the Balkans.

Season 2 (2002–2003). The second season of 24 kicks off 18 months later, with Jack facing a critical mission at 8:00 a.m. He must prevent a nuclear bomb from going off in Los Angeles and aid President Palmer in identifying the culprit to prevent potential conflict between the United States and three Middle Eastern nations.

Season 3 (2003–2004). Three years after the previous season, season 3 starts at 1:00 p.m. with Jack’s mission to infiltrate a Mexican drug cartel run by the Salazar brothers. Their operation involves selling a dangerous virus on the black market. Meanwhile, President Palmer faces a scandal that threatens his presidency.

Season 4 (2005). In this installment of 24 (2001-2010), set 18 months in the future, Jack is faced with another high-stakes mission at 7:00 a.m. This time, he must rescue his new boss, United States Secretary of Defense James Heller, and his love interest Audrey Raines from a kidnapping by terrorists. However, things take a turn when the Turkish terrorist leader Habib Marwan uses this situation to carry out even more attacks on America. In order to stop him, Jack takes drastic measures that have significant consequences for both himself and the country.

Season 5 (2006). Season 5 takes place 18 months later, commencing at 7:00 a.m. Jack’s supposed passing is accepted by most, save for a handful of his dearest companions. However, he is compelled to emerge from hiding when those loyal friends are murdered and he becomes the target of terrorist accusations backed by ties to the U.S. government. As these terrorists obtain nerve gas, a fresh danger arises and Jack uncovers a deceitful plot while striving to halt their malicious intentions.

Season 6 (2007). The sixth season of 24, which starts 20 months after the previous one, opens with Jack’s release from a Chinese prison. He had been captured by Cheng Zhi and held captive after the events of Season 5. However, his return is overshadowed by a new threat as terrorists led by Abu Fayed are planning to detonate suitcase nukes in the United States out of revenge against Jack. As the plot unfolds, Jack is faced with a tough decision between protecting his loved ones and national security. This dilemma is heightened when the Chinese express interest in obtaining critical circuitry that has the potential to spark a war between America and Russia.

Season 7 (2009). In season 7, we are taken to a time 65 days after the events of Redemption. Jack finds himself without the support of CTU and instead relies on the FBI and undercover agents as a breach occurs in America’s federal computer system by those responsible for a conflict in Sangala. Our hero must once again navigate through corruption within President Taylor’s administration, which has made it possible for Sangalan forces to invade the White House and take her captive. To make matters worse, Starkwood, a private military company run by CEO Jonas Hodges, is manipulating Taylor with blackmail in order to release dangerous biological weapons on U.S. soil.

Season 8 (2010). In the 8th season, which takes place 18 months after the previous events, Jack is recruited by CTU, who have been reinstated, to investigate a Russian scheme targeting Omar Hassan – the President of the fictional Islamic Republic of Kamistan. The plot involves a dirty bomb that extremists plan to detonate in Manhattan unless Hassan is handed over during his peace talks with President Taylor at the United Nations in New York City. Seeking payback for personal losses and seeking justice for ex-FBI Special Agent Renee Walker’s death, Jack clashes with both Russian and U.S. authorities after former President Charles Logan convinces Taylor to conceal these crimes in order to maintain the peace agreement.