Split screen



The split screen is a technique used to depict multiple scenes occurring simultaneously. It is particularly useful to show two sides of a phone conversation.

In 24, the split screen technique receives thorough use due to the show's real time format and simultaneous multiple plotlines. A split screen showcasing multiple characters and locations is always featured along with the ticking clock on each return from a commercial break. Additionally, the final few minutes of almost every episode are prefaced by a split screen, often with urgent music, to update viewers on the status of each major character and plotline as the hour ends.

Due to the expected nature of the split screen in 24, sometimes even the lack of a split screen can be used to create intensity, as was the case leading up to Ryan Chappelle's execution during Day 3 6:00am-7:00am. Without the split screen to signal the end of the episode approaching, it would be easy to hold out hope of saving Chappelle's life, until the clock signaled otherwise. The only other episodes to end without a final split screen were Day 6 4:00am-5:00am and Day 6 5:00am-6:00am.

Not every episode of 24 ends with a final act however. There have been two episodes, Day 3 9:00am-10:00am and Day 5 12:00am-1:00am in which the split screen sequence was followed immediately by the final clock - without the usually expected final scene. Both instances showcased more screens during the split than other episodes.