Fox To Revive Iconic Lifeguard Show with Full Series Reboot

Fox is bringing back the legendary lifeguard series Baywatch with a new straight-to-series reboot.

The show will air during the 2026-2027 broadcast season and has been given a 12-episode order. Fremantle is co-producing the series with Fox.

“In its first run, ‘Baywatch’ defined an entire era of beach life and elevated lifeguards to an iconic status,” said Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network.

“Now, with our partners at Fremantle, this television juggernaut is set for a modern-day comeback. 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.”

Matt Nix will serve as showrunner and executive producer for the reboot. Original creators Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, and Doug Schwartz will also return as executive producers alongside Dante Di Loreto.

Fremantle had been exploring a modern version of the show, including its iconic red swimsuits, since 2018. Fox officially joined the project in 2024 with a script plus penalty agreement.

“’Baywatch’ has always been a treasured asset in Fremantle’s portfolio and remains one of the most iconic series in television history globally,” said Christian Vesper, CEO of global drama for Fremantle.

“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.”

The original Baywatch aired from 1989 to 1999, following lifeguards in Los Angeles and Hawaii. Despite being canceled after its first season on NBC, it became a worldwide hit in syndication, reaching over 1.1 billion viewers each week.

The show starred David Hasselhoff and featured a large rotating cast, including Pamela Anderson, Alexandra Paul, Yasmine Bleeth, and Nicole Eggert. The series also led to a spin-off, Baywatch Nights, and a 2017 film adaptation.

No cast members have been announced for the new reboot. Fox and Fremantle say the series will offer fresh stories while honoring the spirit of the original show.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!