Sky makes ‘Baywatch’ reboot for Britain and Ireland
“Baywatch” is set to make a big splash in Britain and Ireland after Comcast-owned broadcaster Sky picked up the rights to the show.
The beach drama, due to launch in 2027, will be available on Sky and its streaming platform Now after the broadcaster struck a deal with distributor Fremantle.
The show, a co-pro between Fox Entertainment and Fremantle, stars Stephen Amell (“Arrow”) as lead actor Hobie Buchannon alongside Jessica Belkin (“Dutton Ranch”) as Charlie Vale, Shay Mitchell (“Pretty Little Liars”) as Trina, Hassie Harrison (“Yellowstone”) as Nat, Noah Beck (“Sidelined”) as Luke and newcomers Thaddeus LaGrone and Brooks Nader as Brad and Selene.
They are joined by original cast members David Chokachi and Erika Eleniak, who will reprise their roles as Cody Madison and Shauni McClain (Eleniak as guest star). Livvy Dunne joins as Grace.
The reboot is initially slated for 12 episodes and will feature a new group of lifeguards donning the iconic red swimsuits as they patrol Southern California’s famous coastline. A press release about the takeover promises “high-stakes rescues, explosive drama and lots of heat on the beach.”
The original “Baywatch,” which ran for 11 seasons and made stars of a cast that included David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, first aired in 1989 before the sunset 25 years ago.
At its peak, it became the world’s most watched program with more than a billion viewers in 200 countries every week.
“Baywatch is one of the most iconic television franchises of all time, and this bold new version will deliver the sun, sea and high-stakes drama that audiences know and love, while introducing a dynamic new cast to a new generation of fans,” said Lucy Criddle, Sky’s director of acquisitions. “We are thrilled to be working with Fremantle and couldn’t be more excited to bring the series exclusively to Sky audiences in the UK and Ireland.”
Fremantle’s EVP of co-production and distribution in EMEA, Jamie Lynn, added: “‘Baywatch’ is one of the most iconic and globally recognized brands in television, and the excitement around the series reflects its enduring appeal. It feels instantly familiar, while still being made for today’s audiences, and offers something for both loyal and new fans. It delivers the sun-drenched drama and signature energy that people love, on an even bigger scale. We’re excited to be working with Sky to bring it to to audiences in Britain and Ireland; their reach and commitment to premium entertainment make them the perfect home for the series.
