Hollywood ReporterBarry Garron

A heart-pounding, mesmerizing adventure unlike anything else up or down the dial.

New York Daily NewsDavid Hinckley

Four hours in, living up to past standards no longer is in question. Setting new ones is what's going on here, as "24," partly by cashing in on our knowledge of and commitment to previous seasons and characters, gets off to its best start ever.

New York PostLinda Stasi

Nothing but shocker after shocker.

San Francisco ChronicleTim Goodman

Having seen the first four episodes, you need to be a part of this. You need to doff the skepticism and get on the ride.

Chicago Sun-TimesDoug Elfman

The fifth season of this filmlike thriller is metaphorically knocking my socks off. My actual socks remain on.

USA TodayRobert Bianco

This is 24 at its fast, furious, exaggerated best, filled with well-drawn subsidiary characters and rapid-fire surprises, all held in place by Kiefer Sutherland's great, under-sung performance as Jack.

Baltimore SunDavid Zurawik

Case closed: 24 is the best drama on network TV.

San Jose Mercury NewsCharlie McCollum

This season's opening four hours are as good as anything the series has ever done.

Entertainment WeeklyGillian Flynn

[The first episodes are] four of 24's best hours to date. [20 Jan 2006, p.59]

Chicago TribuneMaureen Ryan

Surprising doesn't begin to describe what happens.

Orlando SentinelHal Boedeker

The first four hours confirm that 24 remains powerfully addictive.

Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob Owen

It's the most thrilling premiere hour of "24" yet.

TV GuideMatt Roush

I didn’t know how 24 could top last season, but so far it’s working. And the edge of my seat is already frayed.

Seattle Post-IntelligencerMelanie McFarland

"24" roars back brilliantly.

Boston GlobeMatthew Gilbert

''24" is still an addictive amusement park ride of a show.

Cleveland Plain DealerMark Dawidziak

Even if you're bothered by the "oh-come-on" moments, you're more than compensated with the sheer number of "oh-wow" moments. They are in huge supply over the course of this opening four-hour run.

Philadelphia InquirerJonathan Storm

The predicaments of Jack and those unlucky enough to be associated with him are wholly preposterous. But the show's creators make it so much fun to watch that only the fussiest fussbudgets protest the fantasy.

TimeJames Poniewozik

At least in the first four hours... the show reminds us of the intense thrills it can provide even without threatening to blow up the entire planet.

People WeeklyTom Gliatto

[It] looks to be a season of solid suspense. [30 Jan 2006, p.37]

The New York TimesAlessandra Stanley

"24" still provides an irresistible blend of iPodish computer wizardry and "Perils of Pauline" cliffhanger suspense.

VarietyBrian Lowry

Far from running out of tricks, the fifth season of "24" opens with a bang, incorporating an element of mystery that promises to be more satisfying than the somewhat disappointing fourth day in Jack Bauer's very busy life.