Sky is diving back into the red swimsuit business, as the brand-new reboot of ‘Baywatch‘ has been picked up exclusively for Sky and streaming service NOW in the UK and Ireland.
The iconic beachfront action drama, which is being co-produced by FOX Entertainment and Fremantle, will arrive in 2027 with a 12-episode first season, taking audiences back to the sun-soaked shores of Southern California for more high-stakes rescues, tangled relationships, complicated chemistry, and, presumably, an above-average amount of slow-motion running.
First launching in 1989, ‘Baywatch’ became one of the most recognisable TV franchises on the planet, airing in more than 200 countries and, at its peak, reportedly reaching over a billion viewers every week. The original series starred David Hasselhoff and helped launch the careers of Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, Jason Momoa and Yasmine Bleeth, among others.
The new series aims to celebrate the legacy of the original while updating the format for a modern audience, with a fresh cast of lifeguards patrolling one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand. Expect the familiar mix of beachside heroics, dramatic rescues, romantic entanglements and glossy sunshine, now with contemporary challenges facing Southern California’s shoreline.
The reboot stars Stephen Amell (Arrow) in the lead role of Hobie Buchannon, alongside Jessica Belkin (American Horror Story) as Charlie Vale, Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars) as Trina, Hassie Harrison (Yellowstone) as Nat, Thaddeus LaGrone as Brad, Noah Beck as Luke, and Brooks Nader as Selene.
There will also be some familiar faces for long-time fans, as David Chokachi reprises his original role as Cody Madison in a recurring capacity, while Erika Eleniak returns as Shauni McClain as a guest star. Livvy Dunne will recur as Grace.
“Baywatch is one of the most iconic television franchises of all time, and this bold new reimagining will deliver the sun, sea and high-stakes drama audiences know and love, while introducing a dynamic new cast for a new generation of fans,” said Lucy Criddle, Director of Acquisitions & Strategic Projects, Sky. “We’re thrilled to partner with Fremantle and couldn’t be more excited to bring the series exclusively to Sky audiences across the UK and Ireland.”
“Baywatch is one of the most iconic and globally recognised brands in television, and the excitement surrounding the series reflects its enduring appeal,” said Jamie Lynn, EVP, Co-Production & Distribution, EMEA, Fremantle. “It has an instantly familiar feel while still being made for today’s audiences, offering something for both loyal and new fans. It delivers the sun-soaked drama and signature energy people love, on an even bigger scale. We’re delighted to partner with Sky to bring it to audiences in the UK and Ireland; their reach and commitment to premium entertainment make them the perfect home for the series.”
Behind the scenes, ‘Baywatch’ comes from showrunner and executive producer Matt Nix (Burn Notice, The Gifted), with McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto and Mike Horowitz also serving as executive producers. McG will direct the premiere episode.
FOX Entertainment Global holds the domestic distribution rights, while Fremantle handles international sales. The series was acquired for Sky by Lucy Criddle, Director of Acquisitions and Strategic Projects.
‘Baywatch‘ does not yet have an exact premiere date but will air on Sky and streaming service NOW in the UK and Ireland in 2027. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
Login to Geektown