By Hannah Stewart, ’12, Contributor

24 is my favorite show on television. Simply put, it delivers. It’s an action show that follows the experiences of Jack Bauer, an agent who works with the U.S. government to track down terrorist threats. Here are seven reasons why 24 is the show to watch:

1. Format

Each season of 24 is a 24-hour period in the life of its protagonist Jack Bauer as he tries to thwart an attack on the U.S. A minute of an episode is a minute in the characters’ lives. The time is shown at turning points, and before and after commercial breaks, allowing the suspense to build. I believe that this effective format allows the fantastic writers of this show to space out various plotlines and events to keep the show moving.

2. Plotlines

Last season, Jack Bauer successfully recaptured a computer chip that was stolen from a government agent by a private army led by General Juma in order to access confidential U.S. files. This group was also subjecting the people of the fictional African country Sangala to genocide. The issues are always realistic and bring awareness to the similar crises around the world that aren’t fictional. This season, 24’s eighth, will feature a peace conference with Iran at the U.N. headquarters in New York City. The crises are complex, and often become worse with corruption in the White House and in the FBI’s fictional CTU (Counter-Terrorism Unit).

3. Consistency

The story is always moving in 24. There are no standstill episodes, no parts where the viewer can go let the dogs out or go to the bathroom without missing something. When you sit down to watch an episode, you get a full 43 minutes (after commercials) of action, drama and suspense. There are no dull moments that can be fast-forwarded through, something that is too common on scripted shows today.

4. Unpredictability

Viewers were shocked last season when Tony Almeida, a regular since the first season who was considered one of the few allies to Jack Bauer, died after being discovered as a double agent. There is such an abundance of death on this show that whenever a significant character appears to die, when the time appears before a commercial break, it will be silently ticking to hint to viewers that the character actually died. Nothing is as it seems on 24, and corruption is around every corner.

5. Locations

Based in locations such as Los Angeles, Mexico, and Washington D.C., 24’s settings always match its fast-paced storyline. Seeing famous historical monuments during season seven in Washington D.C. enhanced the viewer experience by making the story more realistic. This season it will be in New York City for the Iran Peace Conference at the U.N.  This will be the perfect setting for such an action-packed script.

6. Great Acting

The acting on 24 is fantastic. Cherry Jones, who plays President Allison Taylor, won an Emmy last year for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series; however, she hardly outshines the rest of the cast. Carlos Bernard convincingly played the conniving Tony Almeida before being killed off last season, and Mary Lynn Rajskub portrays intelligence mastermind Chloe O’Brian very well. Of course, Kiefer Sutherland is perfect for his role as Jack Bauer; I can’t picture anyone playing his part half as well as he does.

7. Jack Bauer

Ask any 24 fanatic why they watch this show, and they will likely conclude that the biggest reason they always tune in is because of Jack Bauer. A hardcore good guy who isn’t afraid to use controversially harsh interrogation techniques to get answers, he kills tens of people each season for the greater good. He can keep up with Chloe when she tries to explain a computer virus or a contraption, yet he has the sheer strength and strategy to stay alive through countless missions. He goes against both CTU and the White House’s wishes when he thinks they’re being passive, instead going in straight for the kill. Jack Bauer, an iconic character, will keep me watching 24 until it ends, and make me sorry when it does.

24 is on Fox Monday nights at 9 p.m. 24 episodes are also available to watch online at www.fox.com.