Fox’s 2001 thriller series *24*, starring Kiefer Sutherland as counter-terrorist agent Jack Bauer, helped usher network television into the era of ambitious, high-budget drama. Its real-time premise and themes of terrorism, political conspiracy and government corruption attracted more than 11 million viewers for the opening episode, while Stephen King praised its suspense despite questioning its portrayal of torture.

King described *24* as “the most successful so far” in long-form television, noting that its intense thrills exceeded those of many entire seasons. The series ran for nine seasons, a television film and a shortened final season through 2014; a further standalone film is reportedly in early development, while King fans are also awaiting Mike Flanagan’s proposed adaptation of *The Dark Tower*.