The ‘24′ Timeline
by Aaron
Ever wonder what the actual year is in 24? Well, according to this article, it’s actually 2012, although the producers would like to keep that information about the show quiet it doesn’t keep them from having fun with it. On all the computer screens in
CTU 2012 appears.
I’ve always wondered with all the time that is passed over between seasons, what the actual year is, now I know. 24 takes place in it’s own universe anyway, and for all intents and purposes, it’s the year 2007 this year. But, being actually 2012 maybe people are more apt to leave their GPS enabled phones in their cars. Because in 2012, who doesn’t have a GPS phone?
Did You Enjoy this Post? Subscribe to Watching 24. It's Free!
January 29th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
“Because in 2012, who doesn’t have a GPS phone?”
Probably me. I still listen to cassette tapes and watch VHS movies.
January 29th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
VHS? What’s that? Is that like Beta-max or something…lol
January 29th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
I think the time is subjective on the show. Some things be a little too perfect: cell service, downtown LA transportation, LA as a second US capitol. I wonder if Obama’s presidental campaign is gonna be anything like DP’s. Who would his Bauer be?
January 30th, 2007 at 3:49 am
So, I don’t want to be the Morris to everyone’s Milo here, but I’m gonna call bull on this 2012 stuff. I say it’s 2009 for two reasons.
First off, I’ve always assumed that Season 1 took place in 2000. I know that there isn’t really any explicit mention of this on the show, but hear me out. Season 1 has a Presidential primary, so it has to be in an election year. I know that there are tons of election years, but I always figured that since “24″ was a narrative, that means it’s inherently in the past tense, and since the show aired in 2001 into 2002, the closest past tense election was 2000.
Now, If your with me on the Season 1 = 2000 vibe, than I’d think it’s alright to take a leap and also assume that our 2000 California primary and “24″’s California primary are the same, giving us March 2000…So, as if all of this isn’t nerdy enough, here’s my math:
Season 1 is March 2000, Season 2 is September 2001, (18 months later), Season 3 is September 2004, (3 years later), Season 4 is March 2006, (18 months later), Season 5 is September 2007, (another 18 months later), and Season 6 is May 2009, (20 months later). I will admit that I’m working off of memory with those gaps between seasons and I could be wrong, but I think I’m close…
My second reason comes from Season 6 itself. Again, I’ll admit this could be a flawed memory, but I think at some point reference is made to the fact that Wayne Palmer took office just a few months ago, so again, if our election dates line up with “24″’s, it has to at the very least be an odd year, since Presidents are sworn in during odd years. Also, I think I remember that at one point when Wayne was whining about how hard it was being President, he says something to the extent that he ran for election, which implied that he was elected, not sworn in after the death or removal of some other President.
I guess this tirade may prove I’m a bit too into “24″, and I think there is an old saying about a person who assumes too much, but I say 2009, not 2012.
So, uh, yeah. Any thoughts?