Fox has officially scheduled the premiere of its new Baywatch series for Wednesday, January 6, 2027, at 9 p.m. ET, bringing the classic 1990s lifeguard drama back to broadcast television for the 2026–2027 midseason schedule. Led by Stephen Amell as an adult Hobie Buchannon, the 12-episode continuation follows a new generation of first responders patrolling the beaches of Los Angeles, according to Variety.

The network paired the release date announcement with a promotional teaser and an official cast photo, carrying the tagline, "Red swimsuits, slow-mo runs, and lifeguard dreams are alive again!" as noted by Yahoo Entertainment. While widely referred to in industry shorthand as a reboot, the project operates as a direct narrative continuation of the original series, maintaining character continuity from the 1989 flagship show.

Plot and Character Continuity

At the center of the updated drama is Hobie Buchannon (Amell), the formerly rebellious son of original series protagonist Mitch Buchannon, who was famously portrayed by David Hasselhoff. Having followed in his father's footsteps, Hobie now serves as a seasoned Baywatch Captain overseeing coastal operations.

According to Deadline, Hobie's structured life and command are disrupted when Charlie Vale (Jessica Belkin), the daughter he never knew existed, arrives on his doorstep. Determined to carry on the Buchannon family legacy, Charlie seeks to earn her place on the squad and train as a Baywatch lifeguard alongside her father.

In official promotional material, Fox stated that audiences can anticipate "all the adrenaline-fueled rescues, tangled relationships, complicated chemistry and beachside heroics that defined the original — now with a new cast, contemporary trappings, tensions and challenges, and a renewed mission to save lives along Los Angeles’ beaches." Though outlets like Variety and Deadline frequently label the show a reboot in headlines, The Sacramento Bee and broadcast details emphasize its structure as a direct sequel series.

New Ensemble and Returning Veterans

Alongside Amell and Belkin, the main lifeguard team features a mix of television veterans and digital media personalities. As detailed by Dark Horizons, the core team of lifeguards includes Shay Mitchell as Trina, Hassie Harrison as Nat, Thaddeus LaGrone as Brad, Noah Beck as Luke, and Brooks Nader as Selene.

The series also bridges the gap to its 1990s predecessor by bringing back original cast member David Chokachi, who reprises his role as lifeguard Cody Madison in a recurring capacity. Additionally, former collegiate gymnast and social media figure Livvy Dunne makes her scripted acting debut in a recurring role as Grace.

Other recurring cast members rounding out the beachside ensemble include Ashley Moore, Luke Eisner, Nadia Gray, Kylar Miranda, and Charlie McElveen. Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Megan Thee Stallion is also confirmed to make a guest appearance, appearing in early promotional footage as a California beachgoer protected by the squad.

Production Background and Broadcast Strategy

The road to the January premiere began in March 2024 when Fox Entertainment and Fremantle first announced development on a sequel project. Fox officially greenlit the series in September 2025 with a 12-episode order for the 2026–2027 broadcast cycle. Following an open casting call in early 2026, principal photography commenced in Los Angeles during the spring.

Behind the camera, Burn Notice and The Gifted creator Matt Nix serves as showrunner and executive producer. Filmmaker McG directed the premiere episode and executive produces alongside Nix, Dante Di Loreto, Mike Horowitz, and original Baywatch creators Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, and Doug Schwartz. The series is a co-production between Fox Entertainment Studios and Fremantle.

For Fox, slotting Baywatch at 9 p.m. on Wednesdays marks a notable shift in midseason scheduling. According to Deadline, the premiere represents the first time since 2024 that the network has programmed scripted television on Wednesday nights, when comedy blocks featuring Animal Control and Family Guy occupied the 9 p.m. hour. While Fox has not finalized its complete winter lineup, unscripted staple The Masked Singer has historically anchored the 8 p.m. Wednesday slot and is expected to serve as the lead-in for the new drama. Internationally, the series is set to stream on Stan in Australia.

The original Baywatch debuted in 1989 and ran for nine seasons through 1999, becoming the most-watched television show globally at its height and airing in more than 200 countries. Beyond Hasselhoff and Chokachi, the original run helped launch the careers of Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, Nicole Eggert, and David Charvet, while generating the spinoff Baywatch Nights and a 2017 feature film adaptation starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Baywatch reboot premiere in the US?

The series is scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, January 6, 2027, at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.

Is the new Baywatch a remake or a sequel?

Despite being frequently referred to as a reboot in media headlines, the show is a continuation and sequel series. It follows an adult version of legacy character Hobie Buchannon (now played by Stephen Amell) and features original cast member David Chokachi returning as his 1990s character, Cody Madison.

How many episodes are in the first season?

Fox ordered 12 episodes for the show's debut run during the 2026–2027 broadcast season.

Who is in the cast of the new Baywatch?

Stephen Amell and Jessica Belkin lead the cast as Captain Hobie Buchannon and his daughter, Charlie Vale. The main ensemble includes Shay Mitchell, Hassie Harrison, Thaddeus LaGrone, Noah Beck, and Brooks Nader. Recurring players include Livvy Dunne, David Chokachi, Ashley Moore, Luke Eisner, Nadia Gray, Kylar Miranda, and Charlie McElveen, with a guest cameo by Megan Thee Stallion.

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