Pull out your red bathing suits, because Baywatch is headed back to the small screen, with Stephen Amell leading the franchise’s latest group of lifeguards.
Fox announced in September 2025 that a “reimagined” version of the iconic series will debut during the network’s 2026/2027 season. The show will be co-produced by Fremantle and Fox Entertainment.
“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,” Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, said in a press release statement. “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.”
The original Baywatch series, which ran for 11 seasons from 1989 to 2001, followed David Hasselhoff‘s Mitch Buchannon, the lifeguard of Malibu Beach in Los Angeles. The show became synonymous with both its characters’ red bathing suits and slow-motion action scenes. At its peak in the mid-1990s, Baywatch was recognized by Guinness World Records as the most-watched television series in the world.
Scroll down to see everything we know about the upcoming series so far, including which original cast member will reprise their role.
When will Baywatch premiere?
An official premiere date has not been announced. The reboot will air on Fox during the 2026/2027 TV season.
How many episodes will be in BaywatchSeason 1?
The reboot received a straight-to-series order and will feature 12 episodes in its debut season.
Is there a trailer for Baywatch?
Released on June 30, the reboot’s first teaser features several shots of the new cast’s slow-motion runs. “Best job in the world?” Hassie Harrison‘s Nat asks Amell’s Hobie, who gleefully replies, “Best job in the world.”
Who will star in Baywatch?
As reported by Deadline in February, Amell has been cast in the series regular role of Hobie Buchannon, the son of original series lead Mitch, played by Hasselhoff. According to the publication, 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.
The role of Hobie was originally played by Brandon Call in the first season of the original series before the part was recast with Jeremy Jackson, who took over the role.
“From the first conversation, Stephen Amell brought exactly what this new chapter ofBaywatch 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 Nix told the outlet.
Jessica Belkin will portray Hobie’s daughter, Charlie Vale. “She leaves her complicated home life in Galveston and shows up on her father’s doorstep with one goal: to earn her place as a Baywatch lifeguard,” reads her character description, per Deadline. “Fearless, passionate, and occasionally reckless, Charlie has all the makings of a Buchannon legend. She has a lot to learn, however, and the father she never met might be exactly the mentor she’s always needed.”
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Other cast members include Thaddeus LaGrone as former Marine-turned lifeguard Brad andHarrison as lifeguard Nat, who is a former foster kid and Olympic athlete.
Brooks Nader will play series regular Selene, who is the “sharp-tongued Captain of the Zuma Beach lifeguards,” per Deadline. She and Hobie “have a very different approach to saving lives that is a constant source of friction,” and their relationship is further strained by the arrival of Hobie’s long-lost daughter. “It becomes clear that their rivalry goes much deeper than lifeguarding,” her character description states.
Noah Beck will take on the series regular role of rookie lifeguard Luke. Per Deadline, Luke is “the youngest in a family of firefighters who chose the beach over the firehouse” and is described as “the ultimate charming SoCal beach boy, a surfer and a flirt.” When it comes to saving lives, however, Luke is “one of the best.” Beck’s character also views Amell’s Hobie as a father figure and mentor.
Shay Mitchell has also been cast as series regular Trina, a “former lawyer who walked away from a top-tier firm to dedicate herself to lifeguarding full-time,” per Deadline. “Trina is the sharpest mind on Baywatch. Passionate and dedicated, she tends to follow her heart… even if she often uses her considerable intelligence to second-guess herself.”
The new Baywatch series will mark the professional acting debut of Livvy Dunne, who is best known as an influencer, model, and former Louisiana State University gymnast. Dunne will recur as a “highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard” named Grace, per Deadline.
In May, news broke that Mary McDonnellwould be joining Baywatch in the recurring role of Hobie’s mother and Charlie’s grandmother, Gayle. Per Deadline, Gayle is a “sophisticated woman with a wryly funny presence” who “cares deeply for her family and is there for them even when they’re not sure they want her help.” Gayle and Hobie share a “long, complicated history,” but always manage to find their way back together.
John Beckwith was announced as another cast addition in June. The Song Sung Blue star will recur as Julian, who Deadline describes as “an extremely handsome, compassionate, and sophisticated Ph.D. student who’s part of an ocean research team brought in to help Baywatch.” Sparks will fly between him and Charlie after he saves him during a rescue.
Check back here for updates as more casting is announced.
Were there open auditions for Baywatch?
Yes. Fox launched an open casting call for the series in January. “The world’s most iconic lifeguards are coming to FOX, and we are looking for YOU!” the announcement read. “Calling all Actors and Non-Actors 18+ for a wide range of roles.”
The open casting took place on February 18 at the Marina Del Rey Marriott hotel in Los Angeles.
Will any original Baywatch stars appear in the new series?
Baywatch helped launch the careers of several celebrities, including Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, and Jason Momoa, among others. As of now, there is no news whether any of them or Hasselhoff will make a guest appearance in the show.
On February 17, the network announced that original star David Chokachi will return to the beach as Cody Madison on the reboot.
Per the character’s description, shared by Variety, the series will pick up with Cody running “The Shoreline, the unofficially official Baywatch bar-and-grill.” The description continued, “[He] still puts on the red trunks for the occasional shift saving lives. He’s a mentor to and a friend, providing a second home for his fellow lifeguards… and always offering free wings after a big save.”
Other original cast additions include Michael Bergin and Kelly Packard, both of whom will reprise their original roles as Jack “J.D.” Darius and April Giminski, respectively.
What will happen in the new Baywatch series?
“Fans can expect all the adrenaline-fueled rescues, tangled relationships, complicated chemistry and beachside heroics that defined the original — now with an entirely new cast, contemporary trappings, tensions and challenges, and a renewed mission to protect Southern California’s shoreline,” reads a press release description.
Baywatch, Series Premiere, 2026–27 TV Season