Get ready, beach lovers. The iconic 90s show Baywatch is making a comeback. Fox has officially greenlit a reboot of the sun-soaked drama for the 2026-27 TV season. The network has ordered 12 episodes of the new series, which promises to bring the heart, action, and drama of the original show to a brand-new generation. Production will be handled by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle, the companies behind some of television’s biggest hits.
For those who remember, Baywatch first hit the airwaves in 1989 and ran for 12 seasons. The show followed a tight-knit team of lifeguards patrolling Los Angeles’ beaches, blending high-stakes rescues with personal drama. David Hasselhoff became a household name as the heroic Mitch Buchanan, while Pamela Anderson skyrocketed to fame as the unforgettable C.J. Parker. The show’s sunny beaches, slow-motion running scenes, and dramatic storylines became cultural touchstones, even as critics dismissed it as guilty-pleasure TV.
Despite the critics, viewers couldn’t get enough. At its peak, Baywatch drew 1.1 billion viewers worldwide, making it the most-watched television show of its era. In its final seasons, the series moved to Hawaii and was rebranded as Baywatch: Hawaii, introducing new faces—including a young Jason Momoa—before wrapping up in 2001. Its global popularity cemented the series as more than a beach drama; it became a phenomenon.
A Modern Revival Brings the California Dream to Today
Fox executives are eager to recapture that magic. Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, said the series “defined an entire era of beach life” and elevated lifeguards to legendary status. Thorn added that the reboot, produced alongside Fremantle and original co-creator Greg Bonann, will deliver “fresh stories, rising stars, and all the spectacle that made Baywatch a global sensation.”
The revival has a strong creative team behind it. Matt Nix, known for crafting gripping, entertaining television, will take the reins, promising to balance nostalgia with modern storytelling. Christian Vesper, CEO of global drama at Fremantle, emphasized that the goal is to honor the legacy of the show while attracting new fans. He said, “We want to reconnect with existing audiences and introduce a new generation to the world of these famous lifeguards.”
Why Fans Still Love Baywatch
Fans of the original series have held a soft spot for Baywatch for decades. The show’s mix of romance, action, and beach lifestyle captured imaginations worldwide. It wasn’t just the rescues or the iconic running scenes—it was the larger-than-life characters, the camaraderie of the lifeguards, and the sun-soaked California dream. Even today, Pamela Anderson still treasures her original red swimsuit, which she revealed in a 2019 interview with The New York Times. It’s a symbol of an era and a career-defining role that continues to resonate.
The show’s popularity wasn’t limited to the small screen. In 2017, Baywatch returned as a feature film starring Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, and Priyanka Chopra, bringing a comedic and action-packed twist to the franchise for movie audiences. While the film received mixed reviews, it proved the brand still had legs—and a loyal fan base eager to see more.
What to Expect from the New Series
The upcoming reboot will aim to update Baywatch for modern audiences without losing the elements that made it famous. Expect fast-paced rescues, dramatic love triangles, and the legendary beachside camaraderie fans know and love. The casting will likely focus on fresh faces alongside potential cameos from original stars, bridging the gap between nostalgia and new storytelling.
Executives are betting big that the blend of sun, surf, and suspense will capture attention once again. With Fox’s reach and Fremantle’s production power, the new Baywatch hopes to be more than just a nostalgic trip—it’s aiming to create new moments that will define a generation.
For millions who grew up watching slow-motion beach runs, daring rescues, and endless sunsets, the news is thrilling: the lifeguards are coming back. And if history is any guide, viewers around the globe will be tuning in, eagerly waiting to dive back into the world of Baywatch.
