24 is the coolest show on television---there, I said it.
It basically a real-time show where there are twenty four episodes, each one being one hour (hence the name 24) that covers one sequential 24-hour period in Jack Bauer's life. It is the "worst day of his life." And he is now on his sixth very bad day.
Jack Bauer is a federal agent working for a fictitious government agency called CTU--Counter Terrorist Unit. The show is based in LA, and its chock full of drama and action and guns and saving the day. It is basically about Jack saving America with help from his pals at CTU, one of which is Chloe O'Brian--who is totally awesome.
Every season is a different day, and every day takes place some time after the previous day, so in the 24 universe it is 2010. Right now on the show, a terrorist named Fayed has detonated a suitcase nuke in LA, and we also know that there are 4 other bombs out there. Jack is now racing against the clock to find these.
If I had to pick one term to define 24 (other than "awesome"), it would be "hyperbole." Everything in the 24 universe is exaggerated to extremes of the extreme. If you haven't seen it, I would recommend renting season five first, as that is my favorite, and it gets all sorts of exciting right off the back. Then watch the others. Also, if you want a lot more information, or even just someone to fill you in, I am more than willing and able and excited to do so.
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Superman wears Jack Bauer pajamas.