Entertainment

WRITER STRIKE KOS ‘24’

NOT even Jack Bauer could save “24” from the writers’ strike.

Fox last night postponed indefinitely the new season of the popular Keifer Sutherland-secret agent drama which, like many other prime time shows, has been shut down by striking writers.

Fox also scheduled “American Idol” to begin with a two-night, four-hour premiere in January the same week “24” had been scheduled to start.

The shifting of prime time schedules is an indication that the networks believe that this may be a long strike that will stretch into next year.

Only eight episodes for the new season of “24” have been produced.

Fox said it did not want to commit itself to airing the show until it was assured it could run all 24 episodes in a single serial.

“The show is called ’24’ not ‘8,’ ” quipped a TV industry source.

Yesterday, the strike also shut down two more popular shows – “Saturday Night Live” and “Real Time with Bill Maher.”

“SNL” was supposed to be hosted by wrestler-turned-movie star, The Rock. Instead, a repeat from earlier this year will air.

HBO’s “Real Time” will also be a repeat.

The Writers Guild is made up of writers for television and films who are on strike against the studios and the networks demanding royalties from DVD sales and new media.

The strike began Monday with picket lines at major production facilities here and in Los Angeles.