On April 14th, 2023, Deadline released an exclusive announcement from Fremantle that few but the most die-hard fans knew was inevitable: “Baywatch could be heading back to the small screen.” The article explains that planning is still in the fetal stages of development with Fremantle, with no finalized decisions on when production could begin or who the new cast will be – or confirm the possibility of any original actors may make an appearance.
Fremantle holds international rights to the series, spin-off Baywatch Nights, in addition to the 2017 reunion film, Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding, which was met with mixed reviews. As recently as 2018 in another interview with Deadline, Fremantle International COO Bob McCourt discussed the future of Baywatch.
“I think we thought the film might have given us reason to reboot the TV series, but given the mixed reviews that didn’t happen straight away. I think if this remastered version is sold extensively and a new audience comes to Baywatch, then it will give us a real indication as to whether a new series could be successful.”
The original Baywatch premiered 34 years ago in 1989, though it wasn’t the instant hit series still familiar to audiences around the world. Initially, the series survived only a single season before being canceled by NBC. Luckily, the production company Gannett snatched back creative rights to the series for syndication, making David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson household names while creating one of the most-watched series around the world totaling 10 seasons in addition to multiple spinoffs, cameos, and spoofs decades past its finale.
Fremantle has begun initial negotiations with numerous potential streaming platforms and broadcasters, though no more official announcements have come forth. Hopefully, the new series will speed through production faster than a lifeguard running across a beach to rescue a struggling swimmer.
Cord Cutters News will continue to provide updates as more official information is released.