Showrunners Have Written Script for 24 Revival
Howard Gordon and Chip Johannessen have drafted a pilot script for a potential return of the action series.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Television
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Showrunners Howard Gordon and Chip Johannessen have completed a pilot script for a revival of the long-running television franchise 24. While the project is currently in abeyance, the studio behind the series is still considering the revival.
Why it matters
The revival aims to build on the legacy of the original series while potentially resolving the cliffhanger involving lead character Jack Bauer. Developers emphasize a commitment to maintaining the high quality expected by the show's dedicated fanbase.
The 24 franchise is currently owned by 20th Television, a division of Disney, which holds all production rights. Howard Gordon, who previously developed multiple spinoff attempts for the series, serves as a primary creative force behind this latest project.
The players
Howard Gordon
He is an executive producer and writer who developed several iterations of the 24 franchise.
Kiefer Sutherland
He is a veteran actor who starred as the lead character Jack Bauer throughout the original series run.
Chip Johannessen
He is a television writer and producer who collaborated on the pilot script for the proposed revival.
20th Television
This production company is a division of Disney that retains the intellectual property rights to the 24 series.
The details
The potential revival project remains in an early stage, with creators awaiting further approval through Disney internal channels before production can begin. Kiefer Sutherland has publicly expressed his interest in reprising the iconic role of Jack Bauer, a character whose ultimate fate remained open following the conclusion of the ninth season.
Timeline
September 2025: Kiefer Sutherland publicly shared news of a potential revival.
November 2025: Howard Gordon confirmed the project is in process.
September 20, 2026: Howard Gordon provided the latest update on the project.
Industry Dynamics
This potential return reflects the ongoing industry trend of mining legacy franchises for streaming and network revivals. The project follows a pattern of studios looking to balance brand nostalgia with the necessity for high-quality storytelling to remain competitive.
Fans should note that the project has not received a formal greenlight, meaning no release window or distribution platform has been determined. Should the show be ordered to series, it would likely be slated for a platform owned by Disney.
The takeaway
The return of a long-dormant franchise depends heavily on both studio approval and the availability of original key talent. Viewers interested in high-stakes action dramas should watch for official announcements from Disney regarding the fate of the script.
Further reading
For more on upcoming shows and industry news, visit our Television section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bleeding Cool.
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