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Well, it is official: Fox have cancelled "24" after eight seasons (filmed over 9 years) and a television movie.

The news may come as a blow to the gut for fans that have followed the series for nearly a decade, however does not come as a surprise. Viewership ratings for the terrorist-fighting series have been eroding for a few seasons while production costs continue to climb. Fox were apparently shopping the series to other networks; all passed on the option to pick-up the show.

This of course led to widespread speculation that the sun would set on "24" for the last time at the end of Jack's eighth day from hell. It was eventually a casting call that tipped fans to the shows fate before the official announcement was made last week. The casting call for a new character on the series was tagged with a statement that the role would be integral for the final episodes of the series and if any actors wanted to appear in the show then this was the role they were waiting for.

Of course, this isn't exactly the end for Jack Bauer. A feature film is already in development with scribe Billy Ray already working on Jack's latest outing. The adventure is said to take place in Europe and will see the former CTU chief foiling the plans of bad guys in a very Jason Bourne style. Reports have suggested that Fox have been interested in pursuing a movie franchise for the series for a while but were unable to do so due to the tight production schedule the series requires – it was simply not feasible to film the movie between seasons.

So, with big adventures afoot, it's easy to understand that Kieffer Sutherland will find the announcement a bittersweet one.

"This has been the role of a lifetime, and I will never be able to fully express my appreciation to everyone who made it possible," Sutherland said in a statement after the announcement. "While the end of the series is bittersweet, we always wanted '24' to finish on a high note, so the decision to make the eighth season our last was one we all agreed upon."

Already this season has taken Jack back to his roots, ending his status as a rogue agent and returning him to the CTU fold.

"This feels like the culmination of all our efforts from the writers to the actors to our fantastic crew and everyone at Fox," he continued. "Looking ahead to the future, [showrunner] Howard Gordon and I are excited about the opportunity to create the feature film version of '24.' But when all is said and done, it is the loyal worldwide fanbase that made it possible for me to have the experience of playing the role of Jack Bauer, and for that I am eternally grateful."

Gordon has also spoken out on the decision, and thanked fans for their time, dedication and unyielding support in turning the series into a global phenomenon.

"Kiefer and I have loved every minute of making '24,' but we all believe that now is the right time to call it a day," he said. "I echo his sentiments of gratitude toward the show's amazing creative team, as well as the studio and network who have always believed in us and shown us unbelievable support."

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