24

TV review by Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media
24 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

A tense thriller for adults and mature teens.

Fox Drama 2001
Rate TV

Parents say

age 16+

Based on 43 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 66 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate tv

Did we miss something on diversity?

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.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that 24 is a very addictive series all about terrorism. The violence is relentless, albeit usually somewhat bloodless (with the notable exception of some gory torture scenes), and the lead character is rarely remorseful for anything he does in the name of duty/accomplishing his goals. Villains are sometimes portrayed stereotypically, although, in general, the show depicts women and minorities without bias. Discussion of sex is common, but not a major plot element. Because 24 is expressly designed to be addictive, parents not wanting their teens to watch every episode should probably avoid letting them them get started at all.

Community Reviews

gelnhausen2007
gelnhausen2007 Adult
April 27, 2022
age 17+

Nudity on primetime?

Wow. Missed it on prime time? Fox. I can't say I remember them allowing nudity on prime time. I GUESS THE ORIGINAL WASNT GOOD ENOUGH. They just had to add it. Well on to something else. Parents be aware. Should be TV MA

This title has:

Too much sex
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
See all 43 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?

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

Our Editors Recommend

  • Prison Break Poster Image

    Prison Break

    Prison drama is too violent for young viewers.

    age 16+
  • Alias Poster Image

    Alias

    Smart action drama with a strong female lead.

    age 15+
  • Lost Poster Image

    Lost

    Excellent, sometimes scary drama for fearless families.

    age 14+

Character Strengths

Find more tv shows that help kids build character.

  • Hands together
    Teamwork
    See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate