The red swimsuits are making a comeback. Fox has officially ordered a 12-episode reboot of Baywatch, the lifeguard action-drama that once ruled TV screens across the globe. The new version will premiere during the 2026-27 season and comes from Burn Notice creator Matt Nix, Fremantle, and Fox Entertainment.
From Syndication Legend to Streaming Era
Baywatch first hit TV in 1989 but was canceled after one season on NBC. That could have been the end, but syndication turned it into a cultural juggernaut. At its peak, the series aired in more than 200 countries and drew over a billion weekly viewers. David Hasselhoff led the original cast, joined by stars such as Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, Jason Momoa, and Yasmine Bleeth, all of whom became household names.
A New Wave of Lifeguards
The reboot won’t recycle the old lineup. Fox confirmed the cast will be entirely new, though the iconic red suits and beachside rescues remain central. According to the official description, the series promises daring saves, messy romances, and the kind of shoreline drama that made the franchise famous.
Filming locations are still being finalized, with Los Angeles and Australia under consideration. Tax incentives could play a role in keeping the show in California, but the setting will stay rooted in Southern California no matter what.
Who’s Behind the Revival
Matt Nix, who penned the pilot script and will serve as showrunner, joins original co-creator Greg Bonann and executive producers Michael Berk, Doug Schwartz, and Dante Di Loreto. Fremantle, which controls the Baywatch library, is co-producing with Fox Entertainment.
Michael Thorn, president of Fox Television Network, said the revival aims to channel the spirit of the original while introducing it to a new audience. “In its first run, Baywatch defined an entire era of beach life and elevated lifeguards to iconic status,” Thorn said. “Now we’ll bring the California dream to a whole new generation with fresh stories, rising stars, and all the spectacle that made it a global sensation.”
Riding the Post-Rescue HI-Surf Wave
The reboot also signals Fox isn’t done with lifeguard dramas. Earlier this year, the network canceled Rescue HI-Surf after one season, leaving room for Baywatch to reclaim its spot as television’s most glamorous beach patrol.
With its long history, international fan base, and a shiny new cast, Fox is betting that Baywatch can once again ride the wave of pop culture dominance.
