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Like potato chips I never saw the series on the air. I knew what it was about but also knew I could never make the commitment to see it every week. Okay, here is the DVD set, lets take a chance. I popped in the first DVD already knowing that this about an elite anti-terrorist unit in LA and that the show plays in real time. I promised myself I would watch no more than one a day. Sorry no way. You absolutely cannot just watch one. I watched all 4 on the first disk in one evening. This is the equivalent of a book that you "can't put down." First there is the main plot, an assination plot against a presidential candidate. Then there are the numerous subplots all woven together with almost perfect synchronicity. Each episode is unbelievably action packed and contains at least one major surprise. Few full length motions pictures contain as much excitement as as many thrills as one 40-odd minute episode of 24. You'll find yourself counting the minutes, as "I'll be there in 15 minutes." then look at the clock and see that his arival will be at the end of the episode, then practically holding your breath at the interim scenes. The real time element is so different and innovative I wasn't sure that it would make all the much difference from a normally plotted show or movie but Oh my does it ever add an edge to it that accounts for its "I can't only watch one" addictability. I was very impressed with that element even if it not exactly perfect. I have a hard timebelieving that Jack could drive across LA in 7 minutes even after midnight, but who cares. it flows and it will keep you glued to the set. You won't want to miss a second. Ther story will rope you in and if you watch episode #1 you can almost walk away from it and say I'll watch #2 tomorrow. Once you get into #2 your only hope will be to force yourself to limit it to one disk ( 4 episodes ) in one sitting. Production values are superb for a TV series. Acting and writing are all top notch. I can find little to fault the show. The DVD is fine, good even. It has a few minor faults but nothing serious. Picture and sound quality are quite acceptable for a TV series and they presented it in wide format - kudos to the producer for that. Another reviewer commented on the set up of the disks, no chapter breaks, no previews and the like. The previews are not big deal to me since they'll only make it harder to walk away from a disk. I dont even mind the chapter breaks since it keeps the player on the time line. I have no problem with that at all. I would have liked to have to option of showing the "previously on 24" slice. But the lack of it os no reason to reject owning this set. The set is a must for fans, but if you've ever heard of the show and are curious, the price is right on the set.