Baywatch reboot in the works with 'hot new cast' two decades after final episode

It's been announced that Baywatch is returning for a new series, with it promising a "hot new cast," "adrenaline" and the iconic red swimsuits. The TV show, which centred on lifeguards, is expected to make a comeback next year.

The original Baywatch aired for eleven seasons between 1989 and 2001, but there was also spin-off show Baywatch Nights and several films at the time. The franchise starred the likes of David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson and Carmen Electra, who were among the ensemble cast.

More recently, the film Baywatch (2017) introduced a new cast including Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron. It's now been announced that a reboot of the beloved TV show is underway, with it due to air in FOX's 2026/2027 season.

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FOX has announced this week that it has greenlit a reboot of Baywatch. It teases that fans can expect a "hot new cast, adrenaline, romance, slo-mo spectacle and the iconic red swimsuit" when the show returns.

The reboot, which has been announced ahead of next year's 25th anniversary of Baywatch ending, is set to celebrate the franchise's "enduring legacy". Described as a "reimagined" Baywatch, it's teased that it will also be "re-energizing it for today's global audience" and include an "entirely new cast".

It will be co-produced by Fremantle and FOX Entertainment, with the revival having received a straight-to-series order with 12 episodes for its first season. It's executive produced by Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Dante Di Loreto, Doug Schwartz and Matt Nix, with the latter also serving as showrunner.

Michael Thorn, President of FOX Television Network, said: "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."

In the statement, Michael teased that the reboot will have "fresh stories" and feature "rising stars". He said: "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 make the Baywatch franchise a global sensation."

Christian Vesper, CEO Global Drama at Fremantle, said that Baywatch has been a "treasured asset" in the company's portfolio. He said: "Baywatch has always been a treasured asset in Fremantle's portfolio and remains one of the most iconic series in television history globally."

He added: "We have found the perfect partners in FOX to help us maintain this legacy. 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."

Baywatch initially ran for one season on NBC from 1989 to 1990, before airing in syndication for the subsequent ten seasons. The show was rebranded as Baywatch Hawaii in its final two season, which aired between 1999 and 2001.

The cast included David, Pamela and Carmen, who played Mitch Buchannon, C. J. Parker and Lani McKenzie respectively. David appeared in all but one season and the spin-off Baywatch Nights, as well as three films that were released between 1995 and 2003.

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