New recruits join Jack at CTU.

Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings trilogy) is joining the cast of Fox's real-time drama 24, which will again kick off its season with four episodes being shown over two consecutive nights. Astin will portray a new addition to the Counter Terrorist Unit in the drama series, which stars Kiefer Sutherland as agent Jack Bauer.

Astin joins other new cast members Jean Smart, Connie Britton and Brady Corbet for the series' upcoming fifth season, which will premiere in the US with two episodes from 8-10 p.m. Jan. 8, followed by two more from 8-10 p.m. Jan. 9 (the second episode Jan. 9 will be the show's 100th). On Jan. 16, the fifth hour of 24 will air in the show's regular 9 p.m. Monday slot.