Fox is bringing Baywatch back with a rebooted show, new cast — and some familiar faces.
Baywatch, which ran from 1989 to 2001, centered around the lives of lifeguards who worked on California (and Hawaii) beaches while dealing with a variety of situations including earthquakes, shark attacks and serial killers. At one point during its run in the ’90s, Baywatch made history as the most-watched television series in the world.
The series had dozens of cast shakeups over the years but ultimately turned into a cultural phenomenon. Some of the show’s memorable cast members include Nicole Eggert, Carmen Electra, David Hasselhoff, Billy Warlock, Alexandra Paul, David Chokachi, Jeremy Jackson, Traci Bingham and Erika Eleniak.
In September 2025, Fox announced that a “reimagined” version of the iconic series is coming to the network.
“In its first run, Baywatch defined an entire era of beach life and elevated lifeguards to an iconic status. Now, with our partners at Fremantle, this television juggernaut is set for a modern-day comeback,” President of FOX Television Network Michael Thorn said in a press release at the time. “Together, FOX and Fremantle, along with Matt Nix and original co-creator Greg Bonann, will bring the California dream to a whole new generation of fans with fresh stories, rising stars and all the spectacle that makes the Baywatch franchise a global sensation.”
In a separate statement, Fremantle’s CEO of Global Drama Christian Vesper reflected on the vision for the show, saying, “Baywatch has always been a treasured asset in Fremantle’s portfolio and remains one of the most iconic series in television history globally. We have found the perfect partners in FOX to help us maintain this legacy.”
Vesper concluded: “With Matt Nix at the helm, we are in great hands, as he excels at telling engaging and entertaining stories. Our goal is to reconnect with existing fans while also introducing a new generation to the world of these famous lifeguards.”
Keep scrolling for everything to know about the Baywatch reboot:
When Will the ‘Baywatch’ Reboot Premiere?
While no official premiere date has not been announced, Fox hinted that the show was positioned for the 2026/2027 TV season. The reboot, which received a straight-to-series order, will feature 12 episodes in its debut season.
Who Makes Up the Cast of the ‘Baywatch’ Reboot?
Fox confirmed in February 2026 that Stephen Amell has been cast as Hobie Buchannon. The character is the son of original series lead Mitch, who was played by David Hasselhoff.
According to a press release, the series will follow Hobie as “he is taken by surprise when the daughter he never knew comes knocking on his door, sending his world into upheaval as she aims to find her place in the Buchannon family legacy and become a lifeguard.”
“From the first conversation, Stephen Amell brought exactly what this new chapter of Baywatch demands: heart, intensity and that undeniable hero energy. He’s the kind of lead who can sprint into danger, carry the emotional weight, and still make it feel fun. We’re so excited to get started,” showrunner Matt Nix told Deadline at the time.
Hobie was previously played by Brandon Call in the first season of the original show before being recast with Jeremy Jackson. Brooks Nader and Noah Beck also booked series regular roles in the upcoming show alongside Shay Mitchell.
How Is Fox Casting the ‘Baywatch’ Reboot?
The network launched an open casting call for the series in January 2026, writing in an announcement, “The world’s most iconic lifeguards are coming to FOX, and we are looking for YOU! Calling all Actors and Non-Actors 18+ for a wide range of roles.”
The casting call took place at the Marina Del Rey Marriott hotel in Los Angeles — with Us Weekly in attendance.
What Is the ‘Baywatch’ Revival About?
“Fans can expect all the adrenaline-fueled rescues, tangled relationships, complicated chemistry and beachside heroics that defined the original,” read the official show description. “Now with an entirely new cast, contemporary trappings, tensions and challenges, and a renewed mission to protect Southern California’s shoreline.”
Who From the Original ‘Baywatch’ Series Is Coming Back?
David Chokachi is the first cast member to reprise his original role — with Cody Madison expected to appear in Fox’s newest iteration of Baywatch.
“Of course we could [have them],” Amell exclusively told Us in February 2026. “I specifically told them not to tell me. I’ve learned that over time because I will have a lot of things flooding the zone that is my brain.”
He continued: “So in order to not be completely and totally overwhelmed, I just allow myself to be surprised with the script.”
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