Jack Bauer lives for a brand new day

Kiefer Sutherland will return to the role as a counter-terrorism superhero following the news that Fox has revival the real-time thriller show 24 in a new 12-episode format.

The new series, entitled ‘24: Live Another Day‘ will adopt the same 24 ‘hourly’ episodes from the past eight seasons, but will be condensed to just twelve episodes.

It’s been three years since the popular Fox drama was axed, following a run of 192 episodes between the year of 2001 and 2010.

Following the exploits of CTU agent Jack Bauer, played by the Emmy Award-winning actor Sutherland, the drama was widely thought to have run out of steam by the end of its final season.

Plans for a 24 spin-off movie never materialised while Sutherland’s other Fox drama, Touch, was cancelled after a two-year run.

Fox Entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly said 24 show runner Howard Gordon, whose credits also include Homeland, was “really energised” by the idea of a rebooted 24.

“They always had this idea of someday doing a feature film. I think they all agreed that ‘24‘ compressed into two hours is not 24,” said Reilly.

“What they’ll be able to do is go in chronological order of the day, but skip hours… Now we’ll get the best part.”

Sutherland said: “The response to 24 is unlike anything I have ever experienced as an actor before.

“To have the chance to reunite with the character, Jack Bauer, is like finding a lost friend. The story ideas from Howard Gordon are exciting and fresh, and will not disappoint.”

Gordon, whose other credits include Homeland, the US adaptation of hit Israeli drama Prisoners of War, said: “Jack Bauer has always been an exciting, thrilling character, and I confess that I’ve missed him.

“I think the audience has too. The character has evolved through the years, and this new and exciting event series format is perfect to tell the next chapter of his story and continue to reflect how the world is changing. Fans can rest assured that the Jack they know and love will be back.”

Such fantastic news that Jack Bauer is back. 24 is one of my favourite television shows and I look forward to hearing Kiefer shouting “Dammit!” once again.