Fox is officially bringing the iconic beachside rescue drama Baywatch back to television. Set to premiere in January 2027, the 12-episode revival combines classic characters with a fresh generation of performers, maintaining the elements that made the original series a global hit.
Produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle, the series follows an adult Hobie Buchannon serving as a Baywatch Captain in Southern California. Stephen Amell, known for his work in Arrow and Heels, plays the role. Showrunner Matt Nix and executive producer McG-who directed the series premiere-aim to blend high-stakes ocean action with multi-generational family drama.
Plot and Central Storyline
The narrative centers on Captain Hobie Buchannon, following in the footsteps of his father, Mitch Buchannon, played by David Hasselhoff in the 1989 series. Hobie’s life changes when his previously unknown daughter, Charlie Vale, arrives from Texas to become a lifeguard.
Jessica Belkin portrays Charlie, whose fearless nature creates hurdles for her father. While Hobie protects the Zuma Beach and Venice Beach shorelines, he also navigates his role as a mentor to the daughter he never knew.
Fans can expect adrenaline-fueled rescues, tangled relationships, and slow-motion beach sequences. The series premiere trailer, released in late 2026, opens with an emergency involving an airplane colliding with a parasail, placing Amell’s character in a dangerous ocean rescue.
Full Cast and Character Breakdown
The revival features an ensemble cast blending established actors, rising stars, models, and influencers:
- Stephen Amell as Hobie Buchannon, Baywatch Captain and son of Mitch.
- Jessica Belkin as Charlie Vale, Hobie’s long-lost daughter striving to earn her red swimsuit.
- Hassie Harrison as Nat, an Olympic athlete and former foster kid who serves as Hobie’s right-hand friend.
- Shay Mitchell as Trina, a former top-tier corporate lawyer who dedicated herself to full-time lifeguarding.
- Noah Beck as Luke, a SoCal surfer and rookie lifeguard from a family of firefighters.
- Thaddeus LaGrone as Brad, an elite former Marine who returned home to Venice Beach.
- Brooks Nader as Selene, the sharp-tongued captain of the Zuma Beach lifeguards and Hobie’s workplace rival.
Original Stars Returning to the Beach
To honor the legacy of the original 11-season series-which aired in over 200 countries and reached over a billion weekly viewers at its peak-several original cast members are making official appearances:
- David Chokachi reprises his role as Cody Madison, operating “The Shoreline” bar-and-grill and offering mentorship and free wings to the new crew.
- Erika Eleniak returns as Shauni McClain, now a Santa Monica city councilwoman helping kick off annual beach games.
- Michael Bergin returns as Jack “J.D.” Darius.
- Kelly Packard reprises her role as April Giminski.
Additionally, the series features special guest appearances. Professional gymnast and influencer Livvy Dunne makes her acting debut as junior lifeguard Grace, and veteran actress Mary McDonnell plays Gayle, Hobie’s mother and Charlie’s grandmother.
Production and Broadcast Details
Filming for the 12-episode first season took place across Los Angeles, including Venice Beach and the Fox studio lot in Century City. The series is scheduled to air during the 2026-2027 broadcast season, premiering exclusively on Fox in January 2027 with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Baywatch Revival
When does the Baywatch reboot premiere?
The 12-episode series is scheduled to premiere on Fox in January 2027, with episodes available to stream the next day on Hulu.
Who plays Hobie Buchannon in the new series?
Stephen Amell stars as an adult Hobie Buchannon, who serves as a Baywatch Captain and follows in the footsteps of his father, Mitch Buchannon.
Which original Baywatch cast members are returning?
Original stars David Chokachi, Erika Eleniak, Michael Bergin, and Kelly Packard are slated to make appearances or reprise their classic roles in the new series.
Who is running the production behind the scenes?
Matt Nix serves as showrunner and executive producer, working alongside executive producers McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto, and Mike Horowitz. McG also directed the series premiere.
Where was the new series filmed?
Production for the Fox revival took place on location in Los Angeles, specifically utilizing Venice Beach and the Fox studio lot in Century City.
