Real-time thriller 24 is back next year for an eighth season, but rumours of its demise are circling once again. Fox TV executive Kevin Reilly has reportedly hinted that season 8 might be the show's last...
Reilly, speaking to The New York Post:
"It's our last contractual season of 24. There are a lot of moving parts, so we're not sure what will happen after that. It's going to come down to a business decision. It's not an inexpensive show on the network books and we also want to finish strong. This is not a show we want to prop up."Kiefer Sutherland's own contract also expires after season 8, so he may want to re-negotiate his fee. Currently he gets $550,000 (£330,000) per episode, approximately. If he wants more, maybe Fox will be even more inclined to pull the plug?
If I'm honest, as much as I love 24, it feels like it's time to end the show. It no longer feels as relevant for the Obama administation and has undoubtedly lost some of its ability to enthral after eight years. If they keep it going, they'll just risk giving us a bad season and Fox will axe it while it's down. Far better if Fox made it clear season 8 will be the last TV adventure for Jack Bauer, then the creative team can put a lot of effort into ensuring 24 ends on a high-note, before undoubtedly being reimagined as a movie framchise.
