This may be the end of “24″ . . . on Fox, at least. “Variety” is reporting that Fox is close to announcing that the current, eighth season of the show will be its last.

–Supposedly, the cost of producing the show is becoming too expensive, while the ratings have sagged. “24″ peaked during Season Five with 13.8 million viewers . . . but it has lost nearly 1 million viewers every season since.

–So far, the current season is averaging 11.2 million viewers. (–That’s not bad . . . but the show must cost a ton of money. There are no specific numbers, but KIEFER SUTHERLAND alone reportedly pulls down over $13 million a season.)

–But that doesn’t mean “24″ is gone for good. There’s a SLIM chance it could be picked up by another network . . . but even if that doesn’t happen, the long-rumored “24″ movie seems like a sure bet once it’s off the air.