IT’s time to grab the red swimsuits – Baywatch is officially making a return to TV screens.
The hit lifeguard drama, which first aired in 1989 and became a global phenomenon, has been given the green light for a reboot.
David pictured on set in 1989[/caption]
Now, 25 years after the original was axed, a whole new crew of lifeguards will be racing in slow motion back into the spotlight.
Fox has confirmed a brand-new 12-episode run, set to air across 2026-27, and produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle.
The original show followed the lives of a group of lifeguards patrolling the beaches of Los Angeles, with David Hasselhoff leading the cast as Mitch Buchanan.
It also catapulted Pamela Anderson to superstardom as C.J. Parker.
Despite being regularly panned by critics, Baywatch was a massive hit with audiences.
At its peak, it was the most-watched TV show in the world, with a staggering 1.1 billion viewers across more than 200 countries.
In its later years, the series was retitled Baywatch: Hawaii, with future Aquaman star Jason Momoa joining the cast.
The show eventually ended in 2001 after 12 seasons.
Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, told Variety: “In its first run, Baywatch defined an entire era of beach life and elevated lifeguards to an iconic status.
“Now, with our partners at Fremantle, this television juggernaut is set for a modern-day comeback.
“Together, Fox and Fremantle, along with Matt Nix and original co-creator Greg Bonann, will bring the California dream to a whole new generation of fans with fresh stories, rising stars and all the spectacle that make the Baywatch franchise a global sensation.”
Christian Vesper, CEO of global drama for Fremantle, added: “Baywatch has always been a treasured asset in Fremantle’s portfolio and remains one of the most iconic series in television history globally.
“We have found the perfect partners in Fox to help us maintain this legacy.
“With Matt Nix at the helm, we are in great hands, as he excels at telling engaging and entertaining stories.
“Our goal is to reconnect with existing fans while also introducing a new generation to the world of these famous lifeguards.”
The franchise has already seen a revival on the big screen including a 2017 feature film starring Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron and Priyanka Chopra.
And in 2019, Pammy revealed to The New York Times that she still owns her iconic red swimsuit from the series.
Carmen Electra appared on the show from1997-1998[/caption]
