Baywatch Is Back: Fox Reveals When the Reboot Hits TV

So, remember when Fox announced they were bringing back Baywatch? If you were hoping to see that reboot sooner rather than later, bad news: it’s been quietly nudged back. Instead of hitting TV screens in fall 2026 like originally planned, the new Baywatch is now lined up for late January 2027. Welcome to the era of schedules shifting faster than a jet ski chase.

What’s the deal with the new Baywatch timing?

Apparently, Fox has a thing for launching big shows midseason. They’ve done it with stuff like Best Medicine, Memory of a Killer, and before that with 24, Empire, and all those 9-1-1 shows. Fox exec Michael Thorn described Baywatch as 'one of the most iconic, popular television franchises in TV history,' and said they’re making the midseason move to give it the best possible shot. Basically: they’re aiming for a good timeslot and maximum attention.

Who’s actually suiting up in the new version?

• Stephen Amell (yep, Arrow himself) as Hobie Buchannon, who’s being positioned as the son of the legendary Mitch Buchannon, formerly David Hasselhoff’s job.
• Noah Beck
• Shay Mitchell
• Livvy Dunne
• Brooks Nader
• And — surprise, nostalgia fans — two original cast members are back: Erika Eleniak and David Chokachi.

So yeah, it’s a wild mix of familiar faces and newcomers. No word yet on whether any slow-motion running lessons are required.

What’s changing…and what’s staying the same?

The new Baywatch is promising plenty of over-the-top rescue sequences, dramatic hookups, and whatever else you remember from the last time everyone was obsessed with red swimsuits (but, you know, updated for 2027). The official synopsis throws around phrases like 'adrenaline-fueled rescues' and 'beachside heroics,' plus new “challenges” and an updated mission to protect Southern California’s coastline. So, it’s the same playbook, just filmed in higher definition.

Behind the scenes, who’s steering the surfboard?

Matt Nix (best known for Burn Notice, which actually might be a great tone fit) is running things and acting as showrunner. He’s working alongside the original Baywatch creator trio — Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, and Doug Schwartz — who’re all executive producing. Dante Di Loreto is onboard as well. It’s about as official as you can get without Hasselhoff himself leading a recruitment montage.

'There’s only one Baywatch. 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].'
— Michael Thorn, Fox Television Network president

So, for everyone who’s been waiting to relive the lifeguard drama (or maybe just the beach nostalgia), get ready to set your calendar for January 2027. Until then, you’ll have to settle for reruns or jog in slow motion on your own.