Baywatch Reboot: First Look shows successors to Hasselhoff & Co. – TV premiere later than expected
Initially, it was expected that the new series would be released in the fall
The reboot of "Baywatch" is on the horizon. However, viewers will have to wait a little longer than originally anticipated. Initially, the new Fox series was slated to premiere this fall. But now, "Baywatch" is set to premiere in late January 2027, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Michael Thorn, the president of the Fox broadcast channel, explains the reasons for launching the series in midseason rather than at the start of the new TV season. He cites several examples of shows that have successfully launched in midseason in the past, including the hospital drama "The Resident." The Hollywood Reporter quotes him as saying:
"Obviously, Baywatch is a huge, huge priority for us, and we think we have a great opportunity to set the show up for success [in midseason]."
First-look image shows Baywatch cast members in their signature outfits
Thorn apparently believes the "Baywatch" reboot is also set to be a hit. "It's one of the most iconic, popular television franchises in TV history," he emphasizes. In addition to the announcement of the later release date, a first-look image of "Baywatch" was also released, showing some of the new cast members of the reboot in the signature "Baywatch" swimsuits and trunks.
The cast of the new series includes Stephen Amell, Noah Beck, Shay Mitchell, Livvy Dunne, and Brooks Nader, among others. Additionally, two actors from the original series, Erika Eleniak and David Chokachi, are set to reprise their former roles. Particularly exciting: Stephen Amell's role. As Deadline reported last February, he plays an old acquaintance: Hobie Buchannon. In the original "Baywatch," Hobie was the son of the protagonist Mitch Buchannon (played by David Hasselhoff). Back then, he was played by Brandon Call and Jeremy Jackson. Amell now portrays the character as an adult.
Hobie Buchannon has come a long way in the Baywatch reboot
According to Deadline, Hobie has followed in his father's footsteps and is now a Baywatch Captain. A seemingly central storyline has already been described. Hobie's life is turned upside down when his daughter suddenly shows up at his door. The problem: He had no idea he had a daughter. And it looks like she's following in her father's footsteps, too: She's also determined to become a lifeguard.
Baywatch became a massive success
The reboot also faces a difficult legacy. Ridiculed by critics, the original series became a massive, worldwide success despite all the negative reviews. In the 90s, it was hard to miss "Baywatch." What's more: "Baywatch" became the most-watched TV series in the world. Yet the whole thing nearly became a flop that threatened to vanish from the scene very quickly. Launched in 1989, the series was initially canceled after just one season. In September 1991, however, "Baywatch" was revived and ran until 2001, totaling 241 episodes across eleven seasons. It remains to be seen whether the reboot will be anywhere near as successful.
The series was created by Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz, and Gregory J. Bonann. The focus was not only on the lifeguards' missions but also on their personal lives. In addition to David Hasselhoff, the cast included Pamela Anderson as C.J. Parker, Alexandra Paul as Stephanie Holden, Gregory Alan Williams as Garner Ellerbee, Parker Stevenson as Craig Pomeroy, Billy Warlock as Eddie Kramer, Erika Eleniak as Shauni McClain, David Chokachi as Cody Madison, Yasmine Bleeth as Caroline Holden, David Charvet as Matt Brody, and Nicole Eggert as Summer Quinn.
Pamela Anderson, in particular, was closely associated with her "Baywatch" role at the time. The series made her a globally recognized TV star. She continues to work as an actress today, most recently in challenging films such as the Las Vegas drama "The Last Showgirl" by director Gia Coppola and the satirical thriller "Rosebush Pruning" by filmmaker Karim Aïnouz.
