Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A tense thriller for adults and mature teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
24
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 24 parent reviews
Parents say the show offers a thrilling yet intense viewing experience, often cited as highly addictive with strong storylines and character depth, particularly the morally complex protagonist. However, many express concern over its graphic content, including violence, torture, and implications of sexual assault, leading to a consensus that it is unsuitable for children and best reserved for adult audiences.
- graphic content
- intense themes
- addictive storytelling
- adult supervision needed
- unsuitable for children
- moral complexity
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 45 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a classic action-packed thriller that is highly addictive and features an intense mix of violence and suspense, driven by the charismatic main character. While many recommend it for older teens (14 and up) due to its graphic content, others suggest parental supervision for younger viewers, as there are frequent torture scenes, mild drug use, and some sexual content throughout the series.
- exciting plot
- intense violence
- parental guidance needed
- addictive series
- mature content
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- Premiere date : November 6, 2001
- Cast : Dennis Haysbert , Elisha Cuthbert , Jean Smart , Kiefer Sutherland , Mary Lynn Rajskub
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : February 14, 2026
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