The Clock is Ticking: `24` Revival with Jack Bauer "In Process"

That familiar, pulse-pounding digital clock might be whirring back to life! Yes, the iconic real-time thriller 24 could be making its long-awaited return, with showrunner Howard Gordon confirming a new Jack Bauer project is actively being developed. And guess what? Kiefer Sutherland is totally on board!

TL;DR

• Producer Howard Gordon confirms a new 24 series starring Kiefer Sutherland is "in process."
• Sutherland loves the new concept, expressing eagerness to give Jack Bauer's story a proper conclusion.
• Disney now controls the rights, so their approval is the next big hurdle, with Gordon prioritizing high quality for fans.

Remember that heart-pounding digital clock? The one that ratcheted up the tension with every passing second, reminding you that Jack Bauer was literally running out of time to save the world, or at least, Los Angeles? Well, get ready for some potential cheering, because it seems we might hear those beeps again sooner than you think.

For years, fans have hoped for a full-fledged return of Kiefer Sutherland's legendary Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) agent, Jack Bauer. Now, esteemed producer and showrunner Howard Gordon, a key figure throughout the original series, has delivered the most concrete update yet: a new 24 series is "absolutely in process." (Source: MovieWeb, "24 Revival: Howard Gordon Confirms Jack Bauer Return 'In Process'," November 12, 2025).

This isn't just a rumor circulating on forums; it's coming from the top. Gordon, who recently made his streaming debut with Netflix's The Beast in Me, told Deadline that "there's something we are developing." This news comes after Kiefer Sutherland himself teased the revival a couple of months prior, revealing that Gordon had crafted an idea he truly liked. "Something has been written. I think it's really good. I think it's really strong," Sutherland shared during an interview with Montreal Now host Aaron Rand. (Source: Bleeding Cool, "24 Revival: Howard Gordon Confirms Jack Bauer Return 'In Process'," November 12, 2025).

The Long and Winding Road Towards Jack Bauer's Return to Action

For long-time fans, the idea of a 24 comeback has been a rollercoaster. The original series, created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, captivated audiences from 2001 to 2010, redefining the action-thriller genre with its groundbreaking real-time format and split-screen intensity. We last saw Jack Bauer in the 2014 limited series, 24: Live Another Day, which, true to form, left our hero's fate hanging in the balance, carted off to Russia.

Since then, there have been various attempts to revive or spin off the franchise. Gordon himself admitted to developing numerous iterations over the years. "Not just with Jack, but, trying to spin it off with Corey [Hawkins], and with different people," he explained to Deadline. This included sitting through dozens of pitches from other writers and even developing a real-time legal thriller that never quite took off. It seems finding a fresh, compelling direction that "held water" creatively was always the biggest hurdle.

So, what makes this time different? While Gordon didn't spill all the beans on the new plot, he hinted that this latest concept "feels like it could be" the one. This sense of conviction from both Gordon and Sutherland is a significant development, suggesting they've finally cracked the code after years of searching for the right story.

"I have such a nostalgia for that show, and I think Kiefer does too. One thing we couldn't figure out for a long time was a direction that ever held water, that sustained itself. This feels like it could be, but it's not formal, it's not done. And there's a part of me... that also feels like, particularly at this point in my career and in my life, what I really don't want to happen is that it's not good because I don't think that's fair to the show. It's not fair to the fans, not fair to, frankly, to myself. So it has to be something that you connect to, or at least you tell yourself you're connected to. It may not turn out very well, but you have to at least believe that it's something."

— Howard Gordon (Source: Deadline Hollywood, November 12, 2025)

Navigating New Corporate Channels and Addressing High Expectations

While the creative gears are turning, there's a practical side to this revival. The rights to 24 now reside with Disney, following its acquisition of 20th Television (formerly 20th Century Fox Television). This means the project still needs official commitment and approval from the Mouse House. (Source: TV Insider, "`24` Boss Shares Update on Potential Revival After Kiefer Sutherland Tease," November 13, 2025). It's a significant hurdle, as corporate channels can sometimes be slower than Jack Bauer on a time-sensitive mission.

Gordon's caution isn't just about getting Disney's nod; it's deeply rooted in a desire to honor the show's legacy and its passionate fanbase. He explicitly stated, "What I really don't want to happen is that it's not good because I don't think that's fair to the show. It's not fair to the fans, not fair to, frankly, to myself." This commitment to quality, even if it means a longer wait, is a testament to the respect he holds for 24 and its impact.

Of course, any revival brings its own set of questions. For example, some might wonder if the iconic "real-time" format, which covered 24 hours in 24 episodes, can still resonate in today's binge-watching landscape. Gordon, however, pointed to HBO Max's The Pitt as a successful example of a show utilizing a real-time approach, albeit in a different genre. This suggests there are modern ways to make that high-stakes, ticking-clock tension feel fresh and engaging. This highlights a subtle tradeoff: embracing innovation while staying true to the core identity.

Another common thought among viewers might be: will Kiefer Sutherland still fit the intensely physical role of Jack Bauer? While a decade has passed since Live Another Day, Sutherland's enthusiasm for the new script and his expressed desire to "close that story" speaks volumes. It suggests the new narrative is compelling enough to draw him back, potentially offering a more nuanced or experience-driven Jack, rather than solely focusing on raw action. This allows for evolution while maintaining the character's essence.

Imagine Sarah, a long-time fan, recounting the nail-biting Season 5 finale to her younger sibling who just discovered the show on streaming. They discuss the intense cliffhangers, the split-second decisions, and now, the exciting prospect of new episodes, hoping the revival maintains that classic 24 feel while offering a fresh plot twist. This scenario perfectly encapsulates the anticipation and the weight of expectations on Gordon and Sutherland to deliver something truly special.

Key Players Involved in the Potential Revival

• Kiefer Sutherland: Expected to return as Jack Bauer.
• Howard Gordon: Producer and showrunner, driving the development.
• Joel Surnow: Co-Creator of the original series.
• Robert Cochran: Co-Creator and original showrunner.

Original Series Highlights

• Original Run: 2001 - 2014 (including 24: Live Another Day)
• Creators: Robert Cochran, Joel Surnow
• Genre: Action, Drama, Crime
• Notable Cast Members: Kiefer Sutherland, Carlos Bernard, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Elisha Cuthbert

Practical Takeaways for Eager Fans Awaiting the Return

• A new 24 project is actively being developed by original showrunner Howard Gordon.
• Kiefer Sutherland is keen to reprise his role as Jack Bauer and likes the new story concept.
• Disney's formal commitment is the next critical step for the revival to become official.
• Creators are prioritizing high-quality storytelling to honor the show's legacy and fanbase.
• While details are scarce, expect the signature real-time format to remain central, potentially with modern adaptations.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About the `24` Revival

Is Kiefer Sutherland confirmed for the `24` revival?

While not formally "confirmed" by Disney, Kiefer Sutherland has publicly stated he likes the new idea and would want to return as Jack Bauer. Showrunner Howard Gordon also indicated Sutherland is on board with the concept.

Who is developing the new `24` project?

Howard Gordon, a long-time executive producer and showrunner for the original series, is leading the development of the new project.

When did `24` originally air, and when was the last time we saw Jack Bauer?

The original series ran from 2001 to 2010. Jack Bauer last appeared in the limited series 24: Live Another Day in 2014.

What is the biggest hurdle for the `24` revival?

The main hurdles are securing formal approval from Disney (which now owns the rights to 24) and ensuring the developed story meets the high-quality standards that Howard Gordon and Kiefer Sutherland believe the franchise and its fans deserve.

Sources

• MovieWeb: "24 Revival: Howard Gordon Confirms Jack Bauer Return 'In Process'" (November 12, 2025)
• Bleeding Cool: "24 Revival: Howard Gordon Confirms Jack Bauer Return 'In Process'" (November 12, 2025)
• TV Insider: "`24` Boss Shares Update on Potential Revival After Kiefer Sutherland Tease" (November 13, 2025)
• CinemaBlend: "24 Boss Shares Update On Potential Revival After Kiefer Sutherland Tease, Has Specific Concern" (November 12, 2025)
• Radio Times: "24 boss teases potential revival following Kiefer Sutherland's reveal that a return is in development" (November 13, 2025)
• Evolve Media (ComingSoon): "24 TV Show Ex-Showrunner Shares Promising Update on Follow-up" (November 12, 2025)