"A basic question. I’ve never seen 24 but am recording it tonight. Is the premise of the show that it takes place in 24 hours or that the whole season takes place in 24 hours?"
The entire season takes place in real time over 24 hours. So episode 1 is first hour in real time, episode 2 is second hour in real time, etc.
Jack and the entire crew drink loads of coffee so they can stay up for 24 straight hours to save the nation.
"The entire season takes place in real time over 24 hours. So episode 1 is first hour in real time, episode 2 is second hour in real time, etc."
Can you imagine getting into 24 fights and 24 gun battles in one day? It'd make ME search for my resignation form.