“24” Revival Moves Forward As Howard Gordon Confirms Hopeful Jack Bauer Return

Hold onto your ticking clocks, because the buzz around a “24” revival is getting louder. For years, whispers and rumors have swirled about the return of Jack Bauer, and now, it seems like something is finally happening. An executive producer has confirmed that a new iteration of the iconic action series is actively in development. But before you start prepping your “Dammit, Chloe!” memes, there’s a significant hurdle to overcome.

Is a “24” Revival Actually Happening?

Let’s cut to the chase: yes, a “24” revival is in the works. Executive producer Howard Gordon, a veteran of the original series, recently confirmed that conversations are definitely happening and ideas are being pitched. This isn’t just some wishful thinking from fans anymore; the people who made “24” a cultural phenomenon are seriously trying to bring it back.

The challenge? Finding a story that’s worth telling. The original series, which ran for nine seasons (including the “Live Another Day” limited series), set an incredibly high bar. Jack Bauer saved the world more times than most of us have had a hot dinner. (Well, close!) 

The creative team knows that if they’re going to bring back Kiefer Sutherland for another go, the concept has to be more than just another bad day. It needs to be an epic bad day. (Like seriously bad.) Gordon himself has stressed that nobody wants to do a “24” revival just for a paycheck; it has to be a story that honors the legacy of the show and its iconic hero.

Why Hasn’t Jack Bauer Returned Sooner?

So, if everyone’s on board, what’s the holdup? The biggest roadblock for a “24” revival is finding a story that justifies Jack Bauer’s return. After the events of “Live Another Day,” Jack surrendered himself to Russian agents to save his friend Chloe O’Brian. It was a bleak, sacrificial ending for a character who had already lost everything.

Bringing him back from a Russian gulag requires a plot so compelling that it doesn’t feel like a cheap gimmick. It can’t just be “oops, the terrorists are at it again.” The stakes need to be personal, the threat needs to be monumental, and the reason for Jack’s re-emergence has to feel earned. The producers are rightfully cautious. They understand that a half-baked revival could tarnish the show‘s reputation forever. They’re waiting for that perfect, lightning-in-a-bottle super creative idea that makes everyone, including Kiefer Sutherland, say, “I have to do this.”

Could We See a “24” Revival Without Jack Bauer?

Admittedly for most fans, Kiefer Sutherland is “24.” But that hasn’t stopped the network from trying to continue the franchise without him. Remember “24: Legacy?” The 2017 spin-off had starred Corey Hawkins (Heath of “The Walking Dead”) as a new CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit) hero. Although it had its moments, it unfortunately failed to capture the magic of the original show and was canceled after just one season.

The lesson learned was clear: audiences want Jack Bauer. While a new series set in the “24” universe is always a possibility, the current focus seems squarely on bringing back the man himself. The producers know that the real draw, the element that made the show a global hit, is the raw, unyielding intensity of Jack Bauer fighting against impossible odds. 

Any “24” revival that wants to succeed needs him back in the field – even if he’s a little older and a lot more world-weary. Sutherland himself has stated half-jokingly that he’s not getting any younger. He’ll be 60 in 2026. The clock is ticking, and we’re all waiting to see if they can find the right story to start a “24” revival again. Let’s hope that they do!