Fox has officially greenlit a reboot of the iconic lifeguard series “Baywatch,” set to premiere during the 2026-2027 broadcast season. The network has ordered 12 episodes, marking a significant return for the franchise that defined beach culture in the 1990s. Fox Entertainment and Fremantle are partnering to produce the series, with Matt Nix serving as showrunner and executive producer. Joining him are original series creators Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, and Doug Schwartz, alongside Dante Di Loreto, all contributing as executive producers to reimagine the beloved show for a modern audience.
The reboot aims to recapture the sun-soaked allure of the original while introducing fresh narratives and new faces. Plans for the revival began taking shape in 2018 when Fremantle started exploring ways to bring back the series, famous for its red swimsuits and dramatic rescues. By 2024, Fox committed to the project with a script plus penalty deal, signaling strong confidence in the reboot’s potential. While no cast members have been announced, the production team is focused on blending rising stars with the high-energy spectacle that made “Baywatch” a global phenomenon.
The original “Baywatch” debuted in 1989 on NBC, running for one season before transitioning to syndication for a decade, amassing nearly 250 episodes. Its final two seasons, filmed in Hawaii and rebranded as “Baywatch: Hawaii,” shifted the setting but retained the core appeal of heroic lifeguards navigating personal and professional challenges. At its height, the series was a worldwide sensation, airing in over 200 countries and becoming the most-watched show globally. The ensemble cast, led by David Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon, propelled actors like Pamela Anderson, Jason Momoa, Yasmine Bleeth, and Carmen Electra to stardom. The franchise also inspired a spinoff, “Baywatch Nights,” and a 2003 reunion TV movie on Fox, as well as a 2017 feature film starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.
Fox’s decision to revive “Baywatch” follows its recent experience with another lifeguard drama, “Rescue: HI-Surf,” which was canceled after one season in May 2025. The network sees the reboot as an opportunity to tap into the franchise’s enduring legacy while appealing to both nostalgic fans and a new generation. With its blend of action, romance, and coastal visuals, the series is poised to reclaim its status as a cultural touchstone, updated for today’s viewers.
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