Get ready for a wave of nostalgia mixed with a bold new twist! Stephen Amell has been cast as Hobie Buchannon in Fox’s highly anticipated ‘Baywatch’ reboot, and this is the part most people miss: the wild child from the original series is now a seasoned Baywatch Captain, following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Mitch (originally played by David Hasselhoff). But here’s where it gets controversial—Hobie’s world is upended when Charlie, the daughter he never knew, arrives on his doorstep, determined to join Baywatch and carry on the family legacy. Will this unexpected family dynamic sink or swim?
Executive producer and showrunner Matt Nix couldn’t be more thrilled, stating, ‘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.’ Amell, known for his roles in Arrow, Heels, and Suits: LA, steps into the role originally played by Brandon Call and later Jeremy Jackson in the OG series.
Fox promises a reboot packed with adrenaline-fueled rescues, tangled relationships, and the beachside heroics that made the original a global phenomenon. But with a fresh cast, contemporary challenges, and a renewed mission to protect Southern California’s shoreline, this Baywatch aims to make waves all its own. Production kicks off this spring on Venice Beach and at the Fox Studio Lot in Century City, with a 12-episode straight-to-series order already in place.
Speaking of making waves, did you know the original Baywatch was canceled by NBC after just one season in 1989? Yet, it went on to become the most-watched show in over 200 countries, peaking at over a billion viewers weekly. Talk about a comeback story! The series not only defined a generation but also launched the careers of stars like Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, Jason Momoa, and Yasmine Bleeth.
The reboot is co-produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle, with Nix (Burn Notice, The Gifted) at the helm alongside executive producers McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto, and Mike Horowitz. McG will direct the series premiere, while Fox Entertainment Global handles domestic distribution and Fremantle manages international sales.
Amell’s versatility shines through his filmography, from leading the DC Comics-inspired Arrow to co-leading the Starz wrestling drama Heels. He also starred in and produced the indie films Code 8 (Parts 1 and 2) alongside his cousin, Robbie Amell, and recently appeared in Lighthouse On Little Lorraine, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. Currently, he stars and executive produces the Crave CTV mini-series The Borderline.
But here’s the real question: Can the new Baywatch capture the magic of the original while carving out its own identity? And will Hobie’s newfound fatherhood add depth or drama to the mix? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears!
