Brooks Nader Channels Pamela Anderson in Cannes as Fox’s ‘Baywatch’ Reboot Goes Global

Few TV shows are as closely tied to a single look as ‘Baywatch’. The lifeguard drama ran for 11 seasons from 1989 to 2001, and its red swimsuits and slow-motion beach runs became pop culture shorthand.

Now Fox is bringing the franchise back. The new ‘Baywatch’, a Fox and Fremantle co-production, is set up as a sequel rather than a remake, and the network has been introducing it to the international market at MIPCOM, the TV industry’s big content market in Cannes.

One of the reboot’s stars made sure the trip stood out. Sports Illustrated model Brooks Nader was photographed in Cannes on October 15, after Fox’s MIPCOM panel, in a look widely seen as a nod to original ‘Baywatch’ star Pamela Anderson.

The outfit referenced Anderson’s costume from the 1996 film ‘Barb Wire’. Nader wore a black leather corset with black leggings, opera-length gloves, knee-high boots and dark sunglasses, with her long blonde hair worn in loose waves.

"Baywatch" reboot star Brooks Nader channels her inner Pamela Anderson during an outing in Cannes, France 🛟 📸: BACKGRID https://t.co/JYNnrOAWzT

— Page Six (@PageSix) October 15, 2026

The black ensemble was a sharp change from her look earlier in the week. At the Fox and Fremantle photocall on October 12 at the Palais des Festivals, Nader wore a fitted red maxi dress, a fitting choice for a show known for its red swimsuits.

The next day, Fox hosted a panel titled “Baywatch: The World’s Most-Watched Series Returns.” Nader attended with co-star Stephen Amell, showrunner Matt Nix, and other executives, while Noah Beck skipped the trip.

In the series, Nader plays Selene, the sharp-tongued captain of the Zuma Beach lifeguards. Her character clashes with Hobie Buchannon, played by Amell, who is now a captain carrying on the legacy of his father, Mitch.

Nader has said the role feels like a full-circle moment. She has explained that she chose a red one-piece for her 2023 Sports Illustrated cover shoot because it felt very ‘Baywatch’, and that she “manifested” the part.

Her casting hasn’t been universally welcomed. When the cast was announced, some critics dismissed the reboot’s mix of social media personalities as influencer casting. In March, Nader responded by arguing that people can have several careers at once and that social media gives today’s audiences a voice that 1990s viewers didn’t have. She said the cast’s platforms could bring extra energy to the show.

A new wave is coming. 🌊 A new crew, iconic beaches, and plenty of drama both on and off the clock. #BAYWATCH is back, and the heat is ON. Watch the official trailer now. Coming this January on #FOX. ☀️ https://t.co/Bjt6eREEyB

— Baywatch (@baywatch) October 13, 2026

Nader and Amell lead a cast that includes Shay Mitchell as Trina, a former lawyer turned full-time lifeguard, Jessica Belkin as Hobie’s daughter Charlie Vale, Hassie Harrison as Nat, Thaddeus LaGrone as Brad, and Noah Beck as rookie lifeguard Luke. Gymnast Livvy Dunne makes her acting debut.

Original stars are also back. David Chokachi returns as Cody Madison, who now owns The Shoreline bar and grill, while Kelly Packard, Michael Bergin and Erika Eleniak also return. Mary McDonnell has a recurring role as Hobie’s mother, though Anderson has said she isn’t returning.

The 12-episode series premieres on Fox in late January 2027, after earlier hopes for a fall 2026 debut, and will also stream on Hulu. McG directs the premiere, and the show was filmed at Venice Beach.

The international rollout is already underway. Rai acquired the series in Italy, Sky picked it up for the UK and Ireland, and Stan will air it in Australia. Fan reaction has been mixed so far, with some viewers skeptical of yet another reboot.

Still, Fox appears committed to building excitement around the show worldwide. Nader’s ‘Barb Wire’ tribute made a clear statement: the new ‘Baywatch’ wants to honor its iconic past while introducing a new generation of lifeguards.

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