"After peaking in the ratings last year... last week...24's ratings in the key young-adult category swooned to their lowest level in more than three years, with a total audience of just 10.4 million, according to figures from Nielsen Media Research.
"More than one-third of viewers have bailed since the special four-hour season premiere that aired over two consecutive nights back in January. "
So, running scared as Jack would never, 24 producers promise "big changes" for next season. They're even throwing around words like "reinvention":
Producer Howard Gordon tells The Times: "I don't dispute it's been a challenging season to write for us. But it's reinvigorated our determination to reinvent the show. This year could be seen to be the last iteration of it in its current state.
"It won't be a musical or a half-hour. I've got a couple ideas, none of which I could even begin to share responsibly."
He says, haha, that Jack Bauer won't be "won't be flipping burgers." But with ratings problems like that? Why not?
Each season of 24 unfolds in real time over the course of a single day as Jack Bauer races to foil another conspiracy. The Times points to reasons for the downturn: "The vague but gnawing post-9/11 fears that helped turn 24 into a hit are ebbing..." "'The writers have recycled some plots this season that are glaringly obvious'"... a lead-in from the just-dumped Drive as opposed to American Idol (in seasons 2 and 3)... and a median viewership that's aged since 2003 from 42 to 47.4.
Anyway, enjoy the season finale, set for May 21.
Comments (4)
This is the 2nd best show on television right now.
Damn It!
Thanks for the info TB :), I don't get the Times
1 of 4 | Posted by Nina | Posted on April 30, 2007 7:28 PM
Well they can start by not allowing Keifer to look like a Gil Grissom knarly feet mo-fo.
2 of 4 | Posted by MrsC | Posted on May 1, 2007 10:18 AM
Well it's about time someone who could get their attention said it out loud -- and loudly. I've never seen a show go into such a "coast" mode after winning the Emmy... The show, the writers, and even Kiefer -- I mean, remember in previous years of 24 when Jack actually showed up for most of the episode? I was watching some of the earlier season eps on cable and the subtlety that Kiefer had in playing him was a thing of beauty -- now, it's the constantly out of breath, panicked face all the time, everywhere.
I love 24 and love the Jack Bauer character -- please bring them both BACK! (And PS, no 24 without Jack either....)
3 of 4 | Posted by Deb![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/newsgasm/nav-commenters.gif)
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Posted on May 6, 2007 5:56 PM
not sure what happened, but that's my post above.
~LMJ
4 of 4 | Posted by livemusicjunkie![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/newsgasm/nav-commenters.gif)
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Posted on May 8, 2007 1:44 PM