Baywatch Reboot: Arrow Star Stephen Amell Cast as Lead Actor
First details about the plot have already been revealed!
The cult series "Baywatch" is being revived! According to industry portal Variety, the lead actor for the reboot has now been found: Stephen Amell. The actor is familiar to many as the main character Oliver Queen from the DC series "Arrow".
In the new "Baywatch" series, Amell will take over the mantle of former lead actor David Hasselhoff. He will play the role of Hobie Buchannon, the son of Hasselhoff's character Mitch. Hobie already appeared in the original series, where he was initially played by Brandon Call and later by Jeremy Jackson.
This is what the new Baywatch series is about
The first plot details for the reboot have now been revealed. Hobie is now the captain of the Baywatch team. But suddenly his daughter Charlie, whom he never knew existed, shows up. She also wants to continue the family legacy and become a lifeguard. An actress for Charlie has not yet been announced. Matt Nix will be the showrunner and creative force behind the "Baywatch" series. He had this to say about the casting of Stephen Amell:
"From the first conversation, Stephen Amell brought exactly what this new chapter of 'Baywatch' demands: heart, intensity, and that undeniable hero energy. He's the kind of lead who can sprint into danger, carry the emotional weight, and still make it feel fun. We're so excited to get started."
Filming is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles in spring 2026. The first episode will be directed by McG, known for "Charlie's Angels". The first season will comprise 12 episodes and will air during the 2026/2027 TV season. Incidentally, a reboot of "Charlie's Angels" is also in development. You can find all the details here.
The Baywatch myth
More than three decades after its TV debut, "Baywatch" is now getting another chance in the spotlight. Hardly any other series is so synonymous with 90s pop culture, slow-motion runs on the beach, and sun-drenched escapism.
The rise to cult series status
When Baywatch started in 1989, its success was anything but guaranteed. The first season was not very successful – but then the unprecedented triumph began. In the 90s, Baywatch became a huge ratings hit – hardly any other series was watched more often worldwide. The mix was as simple as it was effective: lifeguards in slow motion, dramatic water rescues, soap opera elements, and a clear moral compass.
Alongside Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon, Pamela Anderson in particular became an international star. Her red swimsuit became an iconic symbol of an entire TV era. "Baywatch" defined a physical ideal and embodied the Californian dream of freedom, sun, and heroism. On the other hand, many also accuse the series of superficiality.
The success of Baywatch
Despite its image as "light" television, the series repeatedly addressed social issues: drug abuse, environmental pollution, family conflicts, and trauma. There was a lot of pathos and the dialogues were not always subtle – but that was precisely what made it so appealing to many. Baywatch became a pop culture fixture, often parodied and quoted. The series was a product of its time – and at the same time an export hit that shaped the image of California worldwide.
The movie version: irony instead of pathos
In 2017, Hollywood ventured a new interpretation: the "Baywatch" movie relied less on melodramatic seriousness and was more of a self-deprecating action comedy. Dwayne Johnson took on the role of the muscle-bound team leader and was supported by Zac Efron, among others. The cast also included Alexandra Daddario, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Kelly Rohrbach. The film deliberately played with the cult status of the original, humorously breaking with the iconic slow-motion images and relying on crude humor instead of soap opera drama. Overall, however, the reboot was received with a largely muted response.
The return of Baywatch
The fact that another series is now in the works comes as little surprise. Nostalgia is a powerful driver in today's entertainment landscape. Successful revivals of 90s formats show that well-known brands can mobilize a loyal audience. It remains to be seen whether the upcoming version will once again focus more on pathos or take up the self-deprecating tone of the movie.