A new day in store for ’24′

We didn’t get around to this one this morning, but it’s worth mentioning because we know there are more than a few Jack Bauer fans out there: The LA Times has gone public with the buzz that Fox’s 24 is not what it once was, and in fact that the clock has begun ticking for real:

“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.

–Tabloid Baby