"Lord of the Rings" star Sean Astin has joined the cast of FOX TV's "24," it was announced Friday.

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The new season of "24" kicks off with a two-part episode Sunday, Jan. 9, FOX announced in a release. The second hour Monday night will mark the series' 100th episode.

The fifth season picks up 18 months after the season four finale. The presumably dead Jack Bauer played by Keifer Sutherland, is revealed living a new life.

Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart will portray first lady Martha Logan while Gregory Itzin returns as the president. Also returning are Carlos Bernard as Tony Almeida and Audrey Raines as Kim Raver.