Fox Orders ’Baywatch’ Reboot for 2026-2027 Season
Fox has greenlit a reboot of the iconic television series “Baywatch,” slated to air during the 2026-2027 broadcast season. The revival is a collaboration between Fox television Network and Fremantle, wiht Matt Nix and original co-creator Greg Bonann spearheading the project.
“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,” said Michael Thorn, President of Fox television Network. “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.”
Fremantle initially explored rebooting the series as early as 2018, with Fox committing to a script plus penalty in 2024. As of this publishing, no cast members have been announced for the reboot.
The original “Baywatch” premiered in 1989 on NBC, running for one season before moving into syndication for the remaining ten seasons, totaling nearly 250 episodes. The show was rebranded as “Baywatch: Hawaii” for its final two seasons after production relocated from California to Hawaii. A reunion TV movie aired on Fox in 2003.
“‘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. With Matt Nix at the helm, we are in great hands, as he excels at telling engaging and entertaining stories,” said Christian Vesper, CEO of global drama for Fremantle. “Our goal is to reconnect with existing fans while also introducing a new generation to the world of these famous lifeguards.”
at its height,”Baywatch” was the most-watched show worldwide,broadcast in over 200 countries. The series starred David Hasselhoff as head lifeguard Mitch Buchannon and launched the careers of actors including Pamela Anderson,Jason Momoa,Yasmine Bleeth,and Carmen Electra.The franchise also included the short-lived spinoff “Baywatch Nights” and a 2017 feature film starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Zac efron.
This marks Fox’s second foray into lifeguard rescue dramas in recent years. The network previously aired “Rescue: HI-surf,” executive produced by John Wells, which was canceled after one season in may 2025.
