Thaindian News

LOS ANGELES (BNO NEWS) — FOX Broadcasting Company cancelled the popular action/drama television series ‘24′ on Friday, the company said, saying the final ‘hour’ will air next month.

FOX said the decision to end the show was a joint decision made by ‘24′ star ‘Jack Bauer’, Kiefer Sutherland, executive producer and showrunner Howard Gordon, and other companies involved. “It was determined that the acclaimed series will end its remarkable eight-season run,” FOX said in a statement.

News of the cancellation first broke on the social networking website Twitter. “News from the 24 set, the crew has been told that 24 has come to an end,” wrote Jon Cassar, the producer of the series up until the end of season seven. “Its been a great run, than[ks] all [for] watching.”

Actress Mary Lynn Rajskub, who is known as Chloe O’Brien on ‘24′, also posted the news to her personal Twitter account. “Just found out we got the word officially,” Rajskub wrote. “This is 24’s last season.”

The show, which premiered on November 6, 2001, will air its 194th and final episode during a two-hour season finale on Monday, May 24 at 8 p.m. ET. “As the countdown to the series’ climactic conclusion races on, the final 11 hours will air uninterrupted Mondays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX,” the company said.

“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,” Sutherland said. “While the end of the series is bittersweet, we 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. This feels like the culmination of all our efforts from the writers to the actors to our fantastic crew and everyone at Fox.”

But Sutherland also spoke about a possible future film version of ‘24′. “Looking ahead to the future, Howard Gordon and I are excited about the opportunity to create the feature film version of 24,” he said. “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.”

Showrunner Howard Gordon praised the show, but said it is the ‘right time’ to end it. “Kiefer and I have loved every minute of making 24, but we all believe that now is the right time to call it a day,” Gordon said. “I echo his sentiments of gratitude toward the show’s amazing creative team, as well as the studio and network who have always believed in us and shown us unbelievable support.”

FOX executives also praised the series. “24 is so much more than just a TV show – it has redefined the drama genre and created one of the most admired action icons in television history,” said Peter Rice of Fox Networks group. Kevin Reilly, President of Entertainment of Fox Broadcasting Company, called it ‘unforgettable’. “We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series and will be forever thankful to Kiefer, the producers, the cast and crew for everything they’ve put into 24 over the years,” Reilly said. “It’s truly been an amazing and unforgettable eight days.”

‘24′ was nominated for a total of 68 Emmy Awards during its eight seasons, winning for Outstanding Drama Series in 2006. Over the course of seven seasons, Sutherland garnered seven Emmy nominations and one win for Outstanding Lead Actor – Drama Series.

During the final episodes, Jack Bauer will find himself thwarting a terrorist attack in New York.