The fact that '' 24 '' started its run a mere two months after the September 11 attacks may have increased the show 's popularity . Although the show had started production well before the attacks , its theme of terrorism was strikingly current . Both the producers and Sutherland thought that the attacks would be the end of the show , but it seemed that it had the opposite effect . The premiere episode featured a terrorist bombing an airplane . This scene was drastically edited from the original , more graphic ( and potentially insensitive ) explosion . The premiere was also delayed from its original airdate of October 30 , 2001 to November 6 , 2001
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Critical reaction to 24