What’s 24 without Jack Bauer? We may soon find out. Fox has always been open about the fact that they’re actively looking for ways to continue the 24 franchise. The series came to a close in 2010, but it was revived for the 2014 miniseries 24: Live Another Day. While not necessarily a critical smash, Live Another Day was a solid ratings hit, and so it should come as no surprise that Fox is in the midst of developing a new spinoff series.
Per TV Line, executive producer Howard Gordon reveals that the 24 spinoff will revolve around “a new twentysomething male terrorist hunter.” However, Bauer won’t be entirely left out of the proceedings, as Gordon noted that Kiefer Sutherland would weave in and out as a guest star.
This new lead antihero character will be teamed up alongside an older, more seasoned female agent in the spinoff, which will first launch as a miniseries then could go on to become a long-term show if the numbers are solid. Yvonne Strahovski’s Kate Morgan from Live Another Day may also make an appearance, but she won't be the aforementioned co-star. Manny Coto and Evan Catz, who spearheaded 24: Live Another Day, are writing and executive producing this new spinoff series.
I’m incredibly curious to see if the 24 property works without Jack Bauer. He certainly toed a fine line in his tenure, and while Live Another Day was semi-entertaining, it was clear that the world had changed so much since 24 last went off the air that Bauer’s attitude/skill set isn't particularly relevant anymore. It should be interesting to see how/if this new lead character is different.
What do you think, folks? Will you watch 24 without Kiefer Sutherland? How do you think a Bauer-type fits into today’s world? What updates would you like to see? Sound off in the comments below.
