It looks like we’re finally heading back to the beach, as Deadline is reporting that Fox has granted a straight-to-series order to the long-planned Baywatch reboot, with the Network ordering twelve episodes of a new incarnation of the classic American lifeguard drama from Burn Notice creator Matt Nix, which will premiere as part of the 2026-27 television schedule.
“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.”
Created by Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz, and Gregory J. Bonann, Baywatch premiered on NBC in 1989 but was cancelled after a single season, although it went on to become an enormous success in syndication topping over 1 billion viewers a week at its height. Across its eleven seasons and subsequent spinoffs and TV movies, its cast included the likes of David Hasselhoff, Alexandra Paul, Pamela Anderson, Erika Eleniak, Yasmine Bleeth, Nicole Eggert, Carmen Electra, Gena Lee Nolin, Jeremy Jackson, Donna D’Errico and Jason Momoa. A feature film reboot starring Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario and Priyanka Chopra was also released in 2017.
“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 Global Drama, Fremantle. “Our goal is to reconnect with existing fans while also introducing a new generation to the world of these famous lifeguards.”
