Kiefer Sutherland Will Return for 8th Season of 24

Kiefer Sutherland is very aware of the fact that 24 has made his career as an actor. Some would say that it revived his career, but at no time prior to 24 was Kiefer Sutherland in the public eye as much as he is right now. Jack Bauer, the seemingly-invincible-yet-still-vulnerable protagonist of 24 is now ranked among the all-time great television heroes.

When 24 debuted on Fox seven long years ago, the "real-time" format that introduced was ground-breaking, as was it's unmerciful action sequences and the show's willingness to kill of well-liked characters. Now that 24 and Jack Bauer are well-entrenched in the American psyche, Sutherland believes that the show will go on as long as the writers are able to craft viable story lines for the Bauer.

The show has been ground-breaking in many ways, but perhaps none more relevant that its introduction of a black U.S. President as a powerful and respected character. Some were quick to point to 24 as being largely responsible for mainstream white Americans believing that a black President was possible.

With Sutherland locked in for another season, it's safe to assume that Jack Bauer is going to survive season 7, which is nearing its final weeks. Sutherland admits that there are other projects he'd like to work on, but that he is totally committed to 24 based in large part on what the show has meant to his career.