Fox Greenlights Straight-to-Series Reboot of Iconic Lifeguard Show

Fox has officially ordered a reboot of the iconic lifeguard series Baywatch for a straight-to-series run.

The new version is set to air during the 2026-2027 broadcast season, with 12 episodes planned. The announcement was made by Fox Entertainment, with Fremantle co-producing the series.

“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 has been named showrunner and executive producer for the reboot. Original creators Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, and Doug Schwartz will also serve as executive producers, alongside Dante Di Loreto.

Fremantle has been considering a modern take on the series and its famous red swimsuits since 2018, and Fox officially joined the project in 2024, with a script plus penalty commitment.

“’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 patrolling the beaches of Los Angeles and Hawaii. Despite being canceled after its first season on NBC, it found global success in syndication, becoming one of the most-watched TV shows in history with over 1.1 billion weekly viewers.

The series starred David Hasselhoff and featured a rotating ensemble cast including Pamela Anderson, Alexandra Paul, and Yasmine Bleeth. A spin-off, Baywatch Nights, ran from 1995 to 1997, and a 2017 feature film adaptation was also released.

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

Baywatch was a cultural phenomenon in its time, and a modern reboot could bring the beach drama to a whole new audience. The challenge will be balancing nostalgia for longtime fans with fresh stories for newcomers. Are you excited to see Baywatch return to TV? Share your thoughts in the comments.