The thrilling real-time spy series 24 centered around Jack Bauer and the Counter Terrorist Unit revolutionized the genre. The originality of having each episode represent an hour and each season representing a single day helped to differentiate itself from other action shows. Beginning in 2001, 24 ran for nine seasons, one spin-off and a TV movie that left fans wondering which was the best season of 24.

Fans are still holding out hope for the series to return, whether it is in the form of Kiefer Sutherland reprising his role as Jack Bauer or another spin-off featuring a different lead character. Regardless, the concept of the show has been and continues to be popular among critics and fans alike. As such, this article will be exploring the best seasons of 24.

Updated on April 10, 2024, by Ajay Aravind: 24 is one of the best action TV shows in recent memory. Running for several seasons with a spin-off and a movie, the 24 franchise has seen many ups and downs. Despite this inconsistency, even the worst season of 24 makes for captivating television and the whole series is worth watching in full at least once. As such, we've updated this of 24 seasons ranked according to their impact on audiences.

11 24: Legacy Mostly Consists Of All New Characters

Premiering in 2017, 24: Legacy is the only season in which the iconic protagonist Jack Bauer does not appear. That said, Kiefer Sutherland did return to serve as an executive producer for the series. The spin-off focuses on Eric Carter, a former Army Ranger who helps CTU prevent terrorist attacks. Although largely consisting of all-new characters, fan-favorite Tony Almeida also made an appearance during the back half of the season.

The story begins around half a year following the death of Ibrahim Bin-Khalid, when members of his fallen organization invade Eric and Nicole's home. As a result, Carter teams up with CTU to put an end to this new wave of terrorist attacks. While it only lasted for a 12-episode season, 24: Legacy brought some creative originality to the franchise, even without Jack Bauer. That said, this season just didn't have the urgency of its predecessors, making it the lowest-ranked on this list.

10 Day 6 Picks Up Nearly Two Years After Day 5

Day 6 picks up nearly two years following the end of Day 5, with Jack Bauer returning to the U.S. after being held in a Chinese prison by Cheng Zhi. The most important villain of the season is Abu Fayed, a man in possession of five suitcase nukes. Fayed's quest for vengeance is the central plotline around which Day 6 revolves, although there are a few other antagonists who also play notable roles.

Meanwhile, former President David Palmer's younger brother Wayne is now the President, but his tenure is fraught with political complications between him and his Veep. This season also introduces viewers to David and Wayne's sister, Sandra Palmer, played by Oscar-winner Regina King. Also appearing for the first time on the show are Jack's brother and father, who both play villainous roles during the season.

9 Day 8 Was Supposed To Be The Final Season Of 24

The eighth season of 24 was the final season of the series, at least until 24: Live Another Day came around. Taking place in New York, Jack gets roped into helping CTU after learning of an assassination attempt on the President of Kamistan, Omar Hassan. Later in the day, Renee Walker is killed by a Russian assassin. Other significant characters in Day 8 include President Allison Taylor, Rob Weiss, Dana Walks, Cole Ortiz, and Meredith Reed.

Jack learns that several members of the Russian government are behind Renee's murder, including President Yuri Suvarov. He proceeds to go on a revenge spree by killing several high-ranking Russian officials but stops himself before killing President Suvarov. Due to his crimes, Jack is forced to go on the run. Despite containing some thrilling action, 24: Live Another Day pales in comparison to the top five 24 seasons on this list.

8 Day 7 Begins With Jack Bauer Put On Trial

Set a few months after the events of 24: Redemption, Day 7 begins in Washington D.C., with Jack on trial for his allegedly criminal actions as a former CTU agent. At the same time, President Allison Taylor helps mitigate the crises caused by her predecessors — at least until a new national crisis pops up. After finding out that Tony Almeida is still alive, however, Jack assists FBI Agent Renee Walker in tracking him down.

Jack also teams up with Bill Buchanan and Chloe O'Brian to help stop the terrorist attacks initiated by Colonel Dubaku and General Juma. Almeida's villainous intentions are eventually revealed and Jack ends up having to stop him. The day ends with Jack getting medical treatment after being exposed to a biological weapon.

7 24: Redemption Was A TV Movie Set Right Before Day 7

Though not technically a season, 24: Redemption was a television movie that takes place right before Day 7. The story follows Jack in the fictional African country of Sangala, where he helps prevent the military drafting of kids by a violent warlord. He's forced to lay low for a short time because he's technically an outlaw in the eyes of his government.

While staying with his friend Carl Benton at a school for orphans, Jack helps the children get to safety. He also fights off villains led by Colonel Iké Dubaku and General Benjamin Juma, both of whom appear in Day 7. 24: Redemption also takes place on Inauguration Day in the U.S., with Allison Taylor becoming the first female POTUS in the 24 universe.

6 24: Live Another Day Is Arguably A James Bond Reference

Arguably a reference to James Bond's Die Another Day, 24: Live Another Day takes place around four years after the original series finale. Jack Bauer returns for a 12-episode season set in London, where he has to stop yet another assassination attempt against the incumbent POTUS, James Heller. Unfortunately for Bauer, he soon ends up with a lot more on his plate than he initially bargained for.

He was joined by 24 newcomer Kate Morgan, played by Yvonne Strahovski, as well as a few familiar faces, including Chloe O'Brian, Audrey Raines, James Heller, and the villainous Cheng Zhi. The season ended on a tragic note, with Audrey killed and Jack being taken by Russian agents. This might very well be the last time viewers got to see Kiefer Sutherland's Jack Bauer in action.

5 Day 3 Is About The Dangers Of Bioterrorism In A Populous City