‘Baywatch’ Reboot In Development

It looks like the most widely viewed TV series in the world, Baywatch, could be making a comeback.

A reboot of the famous lifeguard-themed drama is in development at the British television production and distribution company Fremantle, according to a report from Deadline. There are no further details about the potential return of Baywatch other than the reported early talks with a number of broadcasters and streaming services about carrying it.

Baywatch, of course, centers on a team of Southern California lifeguards in both their daily lives and work on the beach. Debuting on NBC in the fall of 1989 following a two-hour TV movie the prior spring, the response was modest, resulting in the Peacock net opting against a second season.

At a time when numerous canceled network series were being revived in first-run syndication, former production and distribution company All American Television (which was absorbed into Pearson, which became Fremantle) stepped up to the production plate with a second season order for Baywatch effective in the fall of 1991.

Baywatch ultimately ran for 11 seasons in total, with a new title and setting, Baywatch: Hawaii, from 1999 to 2001. Spin-off series Baywatch Nights aired from 1995 to 1997, and there was a feature film of Baywatch produced in 2017 headlined by Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

At the peak of its popularity, in 1996, Baywatch was reported as the most widely viewed TV series in the world ever. Coverage at the time was in 142 countries.

Notable actors appearing on Baywatch over the course of its run included David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Parker Stevenson, Billy Warlock, Erika Eleniak, Jeremy Jackson, Nicole Eggert, David Charvet, Yasmine Bleeth, Carmine Electra and Brooke Burns. A total of 241 episodes of Baywatch were produced.