‘24: Legacy’ Cast, Creator Believe New Season Lives Up To Expectations Without Jack Bauer

It’s been two and a half years since there were new episodes of “24,” but fans of the hit television drama won’t have to wait much longer for it to make its long-awaited return. The latest season of the show will debut Feb. 5 after Super Bowl LI on Fox, though there are some major differences this time around.

Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) was the driving force of the first nine seasons of the show, but the latest iteration won’t feature the iconic TV character. “24: Legacy” is led by an entirely new cast with a new lead protagonist.

“The characters are very different, we hope very fresh,” executive producer Evan Katz told International Business Times Monday night at The Paley Center for Media. “It’s just a question of making sure it felt like the show and felt fresh and different. And also making sure that no one has to know the show the first time around to get anything.”

The show takes place in the same universe as Bauer’s “24,” and even though the season premiere features all new characters, it certainly feels like the original show. Events take place in real time as Eric Carter, a former Army Ranger, works with CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit) to prevent terrorist attacks in the United States.

Carter, played by Corey Hawkins, is different than Bauer in many ways. Katz describes the character as “optimistic” and “idealistic,” though he proves to be just as capable as Bauer when it comes to hand-to-hand combat in the first episode.

For many fans of the show, there is still unfinished business in regards to Bauer, who was handed over to Russia in the finale of the ninth season. But Hawkins is only worried about what lies ahead for his character and the new cast.

“The only pressure is doing justice to Eric Carter’s story,” Hawkins, who also played Dr. Dre in “Straight Outta Compton,” told International Business Times. “That’s the goal. And the other pressure is being able to be there as a cast and being able to support each other. Those are our only obligations. Our only obligation is to take what’s on that page and lift it and run with it.”

Hawkins was a fan of “24” before joining the cast, as was Dan Bucatinsky, who plays CTU analyst Andy. Bucatinsky admits that there is something to be said for joining a show that already has a built-in fan base.

“There’s always fear, the fulfilling of expectations,” said Bucatinsky. “People love the old ‘24.’ Whatever they were watching for, I think they’re gonna get in spades. They’re gonna love to watch the new one. But you do feel a little bit of responsibility to measure up, and I think we’ll do it.”

Tony Almeida (Carlos Bernard) will make his way onto the show halfway through the season, but he’ll be the only returning character from previous seasons. Still, Katz believes that fans of the old show will be more than satisfied when they tune into “24: Legacy.”

“I think they’re gonna be really happy,” Katz said. “The show gets your blood going. I think you care about the people. There’s nothing on the air like it. It’s a true thriller and a true drama, and you get that experience when you watch it. It’s like a roller coaster.”