24: | Legacy

Despite the promising "on paper" premise, some reviewers felt the writing fell into "clichéd plot twists" and missed opportunities for true reinvention.

Critics often used this phrasing to describe the reboot's potential versus its actual reception:

In-universe, characters within the show also used similar logic; for instance, a review from IGN noted that CTU director Mullins' decision to approve a dangerous mission was "borderline insanity" on paper , even if it served the show's action-heavy "Jack Bauer staple" of rule-breaking. Key Series Details: Review: '24: Legacy' brings fresh faces to old formula

The phrase " — paper" appears to refer to the common critical sentiment that reviving the 24 franchise with a new hero was a "good idea on paper" , but difficult to execute in practice .

Reviving the iconic real-time format with a fresh, diverse lead like Corey Hawkins was seen as a smart move.