LA Screenings: BSkyB Faces Legal Question Over ‘24: Live Another Day’

At this year’s LA Screenings, BSkyB found itself at the center of a legal debate surrounding the much-anticipated return of 24 in the form of 24: Live Another Day. The event, typically a showcase for international buyers to preview the latest U.S. programming, turned into a talking point as questions arose about the UK broadcaster’s rights to air the new miniseries.

BSkyB has long been the UK home of 24, having broadcast all eight seasons of the hit counterterrorism drama starring Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer. However, with Fox unveiling 24: Live Another Day as a limited event series rather than a traditional season, uncertainty has grown over whether BSkyB’s existing contracts automatically cover the new installment.

According to industry insiders present at the screenings, the crux of the matter lies in whether the event series is considered part of the original show or an entirely new property. If the latter, BSkyB may need to renegotiate terms with Fox and its distribution partners to secure the rights. Legal teams from both sides are reportedly reviewing the fine print of earlier agreements to determine the proper course of action.

The issue highlights the complexities of international rights in today’s evolving television landscape. Event series, reboots, and limited runs blur the lines between traditional renewals and entirely new productions, often forcing distributors and broadcasters to revisit long-standing deals. In this case, the stakes are particularly high given 24’s enduring popularity with UK audiences.

Despite the legal uncertainty, BSkyB is widely expected to pursue 24: Live Another Day aggressively. The series has been a cornerstone of its U.S. acquisitions strategy for years, drawing strong ratings and loyal fans. Allowing the new episodes to slip to a rival broadcaster would be a significant blow, both commercially and reputationally.

For Fox, the situation underscores the value of its revived franchise. 24: Live Another Day has already generated considerable buzz at the LA Screenings, with international buyers keen to secure rights in their territories. The legal wrangling with BSkyB could ultimately result in fresh negotiations that yield higher licensing fees, benefiting Fox in the long run.

Industry observers note that cases like this are becoming increasingly common as networks experiment with new formats to revive or extend beloved shows. With fans eagerly awaiting Jack Bauer’s return, the legalities may seem like a distraction, but they also illustrate how the business side of television can shape what audiences see—and when they see it.

As discussions continue, BSkyB remains confident that UK fans will not be left out of Bauer’s latest mission. Whether through existing agreements or new arrangements, the broadcaster is determined to keep 24 firmly in its programming line-up. For viewers, the only real question is when they’ll once again hear the familiar ticking clock.