The 9-Part Thriller That Invented Binge-Watching Is Still Unbeatable 25 Years Later, And It’s Streaming Now On Hulu

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A fast-paced action series premiered 24 years ago and played a key role in starting the trend of binge-watching. While streaming services like Netflix popularized it by releasing full seasons at once, the habit of watching multiple episodes back-to-back began with this show.

People started watching entire TV series, like Stranger Things or Daredevil, all at once, as if they had no responsibilities the next day. But this “binge-watching” actually started earlier, with DVDs. Fans of shows like Lost or Breaking Bad would watch as many episodes as possible until they were simply too tired to continue.

DVDs were incredibly important for television shows, allowing those with low ratings to build a dedicated following. A great example is Family Guy, which was canceled after three seasons but brought back due to high sales of its DVDs.

The thriller series 24, starring Kiefer Sutherland, also saw a surge in popularity thanks to DVDs. While the show was well-received by critics, its unique format – with each episode covering one hour of a single day – proved perfect for watching multiple episodes back-to-back.

24 Is Credited With Inventing Binge-Watching

That’s why Fox quickly released the first season of 24 on DVD after it finished airing – the initial release had very few extras. Fox wanted to attract new viewers and let existing fans watch the whole season at once, without commercials or weekly delays.

Many fans first discovered the show 24 on DVD. The show’s frequent cliffhangers also encouraged binge-watching, as viewers were eager to find out what happened next. While 24‘s unique real-time format was challenging to produce, it proved incredibly effective when watching multiple episodes consecutively.

Every Season Of 24 Is Available On Hulu

Today, with the rise of streaming, DVD box sets are largely outdated. Though the show 24 might seem a bit old-fashioned now, it remains a fast-paced and surprising thriller, largely thanks to Kiefer Sutherland’s memorable performance as Jack Bauer.

You can now watch all nine seasons of 24 on Hulu, whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the show. This includes the original eight seasons plus the 2014 limited series, Live Another Day, which sees Jack Bauer back in action—this time in London—in a shorter season of just 12 episodes.

Hulu also has 24: Legacy, a brief continuation of the original series that ran in 2017. Unlike the original, Kiefer Sutherland’s character Jack Bauer isn’t involved. Instead, the 12-episode show centers on Corey Hawkins as a new CTU trainee dealing with a high-stakes crisis. The only familiar face from the original 24 is Carlos Bernard, who reprises his role as Tony Almeida.

There’s Still Talk Of A 24 Movie

It’s been more than ten years since Kiefer Sutherland last played Jack Bauer, and although fans have often hoped for a return, the show 24 hasn’t been on air for a while. But in late 2025, Sutherland announced that a new project is in the works – it looks like a movie.

I honestly think we’ll see a 24 movie eventually – it just feels like it has to happen! With the show’s anniversary coming up in 2026, it seems like the perfect time for a fresh take on the story. I’m really hoping Jack Bauer makes a comeback and gets to save the day again.

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2026-04-12 18:48