"24" star Kiefer Sutherland has signed up for three more years with the hit TV show through to May 2009, according to Variety and Hollywood Reporter.

The deal worth more than 40 million dollars for the three seasons, which could make Sutherland the highest-paid actor in drama series. Under the pact, Sutherland also will be elevated from a co-executive producer to executive producer on "24" next season.

The "24" TV show is screened in real time with each set of 24 hour-long episodes making up one day. In its current fifth season, "24" is enjoying some of its best ratings and critical notices. The show, which introduced the now-hot serialized thriller genre, also has become a DVD best-seller and has spawned a mobile phone series.

Sutherland's performance on "24" has earned him a Golden Globe award and four Emmy nominations.

Over the course of five very long day, Agent Jack Bauer (represented by Kiefer Sutherland) has been caught up in vast conspiracies, massive terrorism plots and presidential scandals larger than anything the United States has ever seen.

Editor: Donald