It’s been a devastating week for many fans, and one that has left a veritable who’s who of ultra-popular titles dead in its wake, as shows like Fox’s 24, Scrubs, and The Hills have all been canceled. Rumors of their demise had been circulating for a while now, but know it looks like those claims have merit.
The most recent announcement comes from John Cassar, director and producer of 24, who announced on his Twitter account (which is becoming the best way to get confirmation right from the source these days) in 140-characters “News from the 24 set,the crew has been told that 24 has come to an end. There will be no season 9. Its been a great run, thanx all 4 watching.”
Yet for fans of Jack Bauer, there remains hope. Studio 20th TV is developing a theatrical film that takes Bauer to Europe, and showrunner and executive producer Howard Gordon says other possibilities are being explored as well.
“There are other possible iterations of Jack Bauer and his world,” Gordon said.
The writing has been on the wall for the show all season, which Gordon said felt like “senior year of high school” to star Kiefer Sutherland.
Because of the constant upward spiral of cast and creative team salaries, any drama begins to carry serious financial weight after its fifth year. Sources say Fox paid a hefty $5 million per episode license fee to 20th TV.
Meanwhile, the show’s ratings dropped 16% this season to a 3.8 adults 18-49 rating including DVR — still healthy numbers for a scripted drama, yet not enough to overcome the program’s increasing cost, a budget that was set to climb once again since contracts for Sutherland, Gordon and other key players expire this season.