Fox’s ‘Baywatch’ Reboot Just Dropped Its First Teaser and the Slow-Motion Era Is Back
Few television properties carry the kind of global imprint that ‘Baywatch’ does. The original series became the most-watched show in the world after it debuted in 1989, airing in more than 200 countries and, at its peak, reaching more than one billion viewers weekly. Its legacy goes well beyond the screen, having shaped beach culture and elevated lifeguards to a kind of mythic status that still resonates decades later.
Fox announced in September 2025 that a reimagined version of the iconic series would debut during the network’s 2026-2027 season, with the show co-produced by Fremantle and FOX Entertainment. The reboot is created and executive-produced by Matt Nix, with the original show’s creators Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, and Doug Schwartz also serving as executive producers alongside Dante Di Loreto. Production has been underway at Venice Beach and on the Fox studio lot in Century City, building anticipation for what the network clearly considers a flagship return.
That anticipation reached a new peak when Stephen Amell took to social media to share the very first teaser for the series. Amell captioned the clip “I dream in slow motion,” and the footage delivered exactly on that promise, showing him running across the beach in classic ‘Baywatch’ fashion, baring his abs in red swim trunks. Posting the video to his social media channels, Amell also included the phrase “I love playing superheroes,” a clear nod to his long-running role as Oliver Queen in ‘Arrow.’
The footage features looks at Jessica Belkin as Charlie, along with Brooks Nader as Selene and Livvy Dunne as Grace, both wearing the franchise’s iconic red swimsuits. The new ‘Baywatch’ centers on Hobie Buchannon, played by Amell, now serving as Baywatch Captain and following in the footsteps of his legendary father Mitch, originally played by David Hasselhoff. Hobie’s world is disrupted when his daughter Charlie shows up eager to carry on the family legacy.
The casting choices have been a major talking point since the reboot was first announced. Alongside established TV names like Shay Mitchell and Hassie Harrison, the show has leaned into social media star power with the inclusions of Brooks Nader and Livvy Dunne, a decision that drew both excitement and skepticism online. The new ‘Baywatch’ marks the professional acting debut of Dunne, who is best known as an influencer, model, and former Louisiana State University gymnast.
The reboot also carries a direct line back to its roots, with original cast member Erika Eleniak set to reprise her role as Shauni McClain, the character she portrayed for the first two seasons of the original series from 1989 to 1992. Original cast member David Chokachi is also returning, reprising his character from the classic run.
Fox President Michael Thorn has been vocal about the show’s importance to the network, saying “there’s only one Baywatch” and calling it “one of the most iconic, popular television franchises in TV history.” The new series is set for a 12-episode run beginning in January 2027.
Fan reactions to the teaser have ranged from pure nostalgia to curious skepticism about the influencer-heavy cast, which makes one question all the more pressing for anyone who just watched that slow-motion beach run: do you think Stephen Amell and this new generation of lifeguards have what it takes to make ‘Baywatch’ a global phenomenon all over again?
