10 Years: 10 Episodes 24: May 21, 2002

24 shouldn't have worked. In 2001-2002, Kiefer Sutherland was considered way past his prime after some decent movies in the 80s and was maybe best known for having ruined a relationship/engagement with Julia Roberts by allegedly enjoying strippers a little too (allegedly) much (but really, don't we all). Further, tv studios just don't like producing shows that require one to watch continuous episodes in a row because that's not where the syndication money lies. And then, strike three, right before the pilot aired with a plot involving a plane being blown up, the U.S. suffered the worst attack on its soil since Pearl Harbor--involving, you know, planes and some seriously disturbing blowing up images.

But 24 worked. Eight seasons later it's still kicking. Yes, Jack Bauer has had some ridiculously bad days. Yes, the Constitutional structure is kinda taking a beating cuz there've been way too many Presidents on this show. And, yes, season 1 has way too much of his daughter and a cougar. However, Season 1 also has the fantastic Dennis Haysbert in a charismatic performance as our first African American presidential candiate with "a real chance of winning" ('natch, who knew), and this ep, the end of Season 1, was a non stop thrill ride (spoiler alert) where Jack's wife is killed needlessly at the end as an act of revenge after you think the happy ending just hap'd. The finale of S1 established the reason I still watch the show today. You never know what kinda crazy shit the producers are gonna pull next. It's still a freaking thrill ride. (Sure, Kiefer is still a little wild offscreen, lol, but damn if that crazy doesn't come off great on the tube.)

(The clip below contains scenes from the first three years of 24--but it gives you the point)