24 is an Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning television series created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, and produced by Imagine Television. It is broadcast in the USA by the Fox Network and syndicated worldwide. The show first aired on November 6, 2001, with an initial thirteen episodes. After leading actor Kiefer Sutherland won a Golden Globe for his role in the first 10 episodes as Jack Bauer, the ratings were boosted, which prompted FOX to order the second half of the series. Five seasons of 24 have been produced, and the sixth began airing on January 14, 2007. A motion picture based on the show is scheduled to be filmed in 2008 and will likely be released in 2009.

24 is presented in real-time with each season following a 24-hour period in the life of federal agent Jack Bauer (Sutherland) as he tries to prevent terrorist attacks. Based in Los Angeles, the show also follows the actions of others associated with the attacks, including the fictional Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) as well as the President and his many advisors.