As previously reported, the renewal of Fox's high octane thriller, "24," is considered to be a "difficult" decision for the network.

On one hand, the series is a loyal fan favorite (both domestically and internationally) and has become a critical success. On the other, the shows ratings are continuing to decline while the production price tag rises. Variety is now reporting that the series may be offered to alternative networks but given the hefty cost of producing the real time show it is unlikely any other network will be interested in carrying on with the aging series.

"It's a very tough call, Fox President Kevin Reilly previously explained. It's a huge part of our legacy, and there's not a lot of shows that could do a 9 share against the Olympics. Tremendous sales asset for us still; a show we're so very proud of creatively. So it's not an easy call."

Does this mean Jack Bauer's real time adventures are numbered? Not quite - there is still considerable interest in adapting the show for the big screen for a larger adventure in the same scale as the Bourne movies. Rumors of such a development have been a regular occurrence throughout the shows nine seasons, however have recently received more notable attention in the media, fuelling the belief that "24's" life on the small screen may be close to an end.

Writer Billy Ray has been hired by Twentieth Century Fox to work on a script for a big screen version which will take CTU to Europe and his plan for the project has been a hit with producers.

"24" airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.