24: You’ll Literally Watch It Day (& Night)

Some shows are just better when binge-watched. Whether it's the latest BBC comedy, a PBS miniseries from the '70s, or just that cultish show prematurely scrubbed from a network — we're hooked on the stream. So, we're unrolling Staying In(stant), a new feature highlighting the best of streaming content. Each week, we bring you a show we're obsessed with and think you should be, too.

This week? 24 — the one show that will seriously justify staying in all day and up all night.

Where To Watch: Netflix

How I Got Hooked: I never liked watching shows as they aired because I'd have to wait an entire week before I could find out what happens next. I also hate series that sort of just go on and on, season after season, without an endgame. Then, I discovered 24 on Netflix — insert a GIF of my mind being blown here. Each show in a 24-episode season follows Counter Terrorist Unit agent Jack Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland, as he stops nuclear warheads from getting into enemy hands, uncovers moles in the U.S. government, and prevents dirty bombs from going off amidst insane plot twists in — you guessed it — 24 hours. It's a genius idea: The way the show and its timeline is set up makes you want to watch a whole season in one day — and you really do. Or, well, at least I did. Yep, not ashamed.

Best Episode:
Season eight, episode 24. Every hour in this entire show is equally nerve-wracking and heart-pounding and gasp-inducing, but this is the very last episode from the very last season so emotions are running higher than usual for Bauer and the viewer.

Anyway, Bauer is forced to knock his awkward best friend unconscious in order to save her, he's being framed by his president, and he realizes that he's never going to see his daughter or granddaughter again. Oh, and the way he stares into the overhead drone after being told that he's a fugitive of his own country? C'mon, if all that's not dramatic enough to pull at your heartstrings, then there's something very wrong with you.

Why You'll Love It: Guns, (dirty) politics, and that instantly recognizable CTU phone ringtone — what's not to love? If that's not convincing enough, wait 'til you hear this: Production company Fox decided the show was too good to have cancelled, so it's releasing a 12-episode series later in May. But, seriously, if you're fan of action-packed shows with exciting twists and turns behind every corner, this show is everything. Don't worry, you have plenty of time to get caught up on all eight seasons before 24: Live Another Day hits the small screen. Now, should I follow it week after week or watch it all in one go...