Summer, sun, red bathing suits, endless slow motion – that awakens many memories and emotions. And it is precisely these that are now to be revived with a reboot of the cult series “Baywatch”. We already know that about the project.
Baywatch is one of the most popular series of all time. And while one can certainly argue about the quality, the enormous influence cannot be denied. The series, which was broadcast between 1989 and 2001, was particularly popular in Germany. Just like the main actor David Hasselhoff. Rights owner Fremantle now wants to build on this success; the company still owns the rights to the brand. And it seems that the plans for a reboot of “Baywatch” are already quite concrete. TECHBOOK collects all rumors and information about the planned project.
New “Baywatch” series in planning
According to several consistent media reports, “Baywatch” could actually return. And we’re not talking about a crime spin-off like the punished Baywatch Nights or the 2017 movie starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron, which also made fun of the original a bit. In fact, a real series reboot seems to be planned instead.
In fact, these plans have existed since 2018; but now it seems to be getting more specific. At that time, it was also decided to release the old episodes again in a technically modernized version. However, after the mixed reviews for the film, the idea of a new “Baywatch” series was abandoned for the time being. Fremantle COO Bob McCourt said at the time:
“I think we thought maybe the movie would give us a reason to reboot the TV series, but given the mixed reviews, that didn’t happen right away. I think if this remaster version sells well […]then that will give us a real indication of whether a new series could be successful.”
Fremantle International COO Bob McCourt to Deadline
The original cast could return
That now seems to have happened. Discussions with television broadcasters and streaming services are already being held, such as the industry magazine “deadlinereported.
Nothing is known about a possible plot yet. But since it is supposed to be a reboot, the well-known characters could be recast, as well as well-known storylines, whereby the current decade is certainly taken into account.
And familiar faces from the original cast could theoretically return. Above all, the leading actors David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, who also owe their success to the “Baywatch” series of the 90s. Also, given that they both had cameos in the 2017 film, they don’t seem averse to making appearances.
Where could the “Baywatch” reboot be seen?
“The Lifeguards of Malibu” or “Baywatch” was not a direct success story. In fact, the series was canceled by the then broadcaster NBC after one season. David Hasselhoff quickly took over the role of producer himself and sold the licenses to other broadcasters – with resounding success. The series became a hit, especially abroad, including in Germany. According to Hasselhoff himself, license deals with German broadcasters were responsible for the fact that he was able to continue the series. Fremantle is now part of the RTL Group. Accordingly, much would speak for the participation of RTL and the associated streaming service RTL +. However, other providers may also be interested in the licenses.
The network meanwhile, reacts split to the news of a possible new “Baywatch” series. While many welcome the idea itself and become nostalgic, others express concerns and would like to see completely new series ideas.