Original ‘Baywatch’ Favorite Erika Eleniak, 56, Set for Big Reboot Return

Erika Eleniak is heading back to the shoreline, marking a major homecoming for the upcoming Fox revival of Baywatch. The actress, who was a central figure during the show’s first two seasons, has officially signed on to guest star in the new series.

This news follows the recent announcement that she will step back into the role of Shauni McClain, a character she famously portrayed before her departure early in the third season.

Decades after her original run, Shauni’s life has moved in a civic direction, as the character is now a member of the Santa Monica city council. Her return to the beach is prompted by the annual “Beach Games,” where she assists the current lifeguard team in their high-stakes competition against the Coast Guard.

Eleniak’s return makes her the second original cast member confirmed for the reboot, joining David Chokachi, who is once again playing Cody Madison. The new iteration of the franchise focuses on a next-generation narrative led by Stephen Amell, who plays an adult Hobie Buchannon.

Now a captain following in the footsteps of his father, Mitch, Hobie finds his world upended when a daughter he never knew, Charlie, arrives with dreams of joining the service. Showrunner Matt Nix is overseeing the project, which is currently filming across various iconic Los Angeles beaches under a 12-episode order.

Stephen Amell has been navigating a busy professional season, recently addressing the cancellation of his NBC legal spinoff, Suits: L.A., which aired its first and only season earlier this year.

Despite that show’s brief run, Amell is pivoting quickly to his new duties as the face of the Baywatch legacy. The supporting cast for the reboot features a mix of established stars and rising talent, including Shay Mitchell, Noah Beck, and Hassie Harrison.

Jessica Belkin, who portrays Hobie’s daughter, Charlie Vale, will also be seen this summer in a recurring role in the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, which premieres in July. Meanwhile, David Chokachi’s return as Cody Madison will see the character running “The Shoreline,” a local bar that serves as a sanctuary for the new crop of lifeguards.

As the series prepares for its premiere during the 2026-2027 television season, the inclusion of veterans like Eleniak signals a deep commitment to the franchise’s history. The production has already generated significant buzz with open casting calls and heavy promotion of its modern, updated aesthetic.

By blending the classic appeal of the original “wild child” characters with new family dynamics, the revival aims to capture the same global magic that once made the show a Guinness World Record holder.

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