Parents' Guide to

24

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

A tense thriller for adults and mature teens.

TV Fox Drama 2001
24 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 16+

Based on 27 parent reviews

kailkilbourne
kailkilbourne Adult
November 22, 2021
age 16+

How is this TV-14??

As anyone who has seen the show will tell you, “24” is very addictive, so much so that if you introduce kids to it, they will get hooked. It’s rated TV-14, and while sex and swearing are not explicit, the violence, torture, and gore is excessive enough to earn a TV-MA. Women and children are endangered, and several times throughout the show (starting in S2), Jack cuts dead or dying men open to get evidence from their stomachs, and these scenes are some of the most graphic. People are tortured with chainsaws, killed with pens to the throat, nearly asphyxiated, and water boarded, just to name some of what you will see. To be fair, Jack is a man who works tirelessly to save his loved ones and country, and more often than not, it’s a thankless job. This is heroic, but he also believes “the ends justify the means”, so he will do absolutely whatever it takes to accomplish his mission or avenge/saved loved ones. This is an adrenaline-fueled action rollercoaster that does not let up, but it’s best suited for adults and older teens. Not for the squeamish.

This title has:

Too much violence
Kate_Yelkovan
Kate_Yelkovan Adult
August 11, 2021
age 18+

Only for adults

The description on this site doesn't line up with what's on screen. To say "somewhat bloodless" is a joke considering 24 has many visuals akin to watching straight gore. The countless scenes of violence would be most accurately described as "a lot of blood and torture". Also, "discussion of sex is common" should be changed to "short sex scenes and multiple rapes". The forced heroin use on a minor is concerning to say the least. I'm over 18 but certainly wouldn't want my 17-year-old sibling to watch. I'm baffled as to how this got a TV-14 rating instead of TV-MA.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 27 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In an age of both real and imagined terrorist threats, 24 brings us Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), a rugged hero who works with the U.S. Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) to fight those who threaten the country. His methods of fighting terrorism are often repugnant, but his quest is always driven by duty and honor. What makes this series unique and compelling is its structure. Each season follows just a single day -- each episode accounting for one hour (i.e., playing out in real time). The CTU is thrown into action by a major threat, such as nuclear bombs, viruses, or plots against the president. But even as Jack fights the bad guys (who have included Arabs, Russians, and Americans), he finds the time to make intimate connections with others, so viewers can find empathy for him despite his outrageous circumstances.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (27):
Kids say (50):

With its breathless pace, moral dilemmas galore, and an innovative format, 24 is an extremely exciting show ... for adults. With its frequent gunplay, hand-to-hand combat, explosions, high-speed chases, double-crosses, deception, and some sexual content, 24 is definitely not for younger kids, though some teens may be able to handle the violence.

While Jack is the hero of 24, his aggressive tactics diminish his character as a role model. Sometimes the series' formula wears thin, with certain scenarios playing out over and over again, but well-developed characters, especially CTU agent Chloe O'Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub), keep it interesting.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the series' frequent moral quandaries in 24, which can provide good jumping-off points for talking to teens about right and wrong. Does the end justify the means? What would you do in Jack's position?

  • How does the show make you feel about the way government and politics operate?

  • How do the characters on 24 demonstrate teamwork? Why is this an important character strength?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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