Amid a storm of reboots of TV and film classics, it is no surprise the 90s hit Baywatch is in the works for a remake. Deadline reports Fremantle are developing a reboot of the series with no creatives attached as of yet.
The original TV show saw itself running for 11 seasons, from 1989 to 2001. Although the initial season was cancelled after broadcasting, it continued and went on to become the most-watched TV show in the world (consistently having a weekly audience of over 1.1 billion viewers).
Following a group of lifeguards, Baywatch delved into both their personal lives and adventures on the job. Set in California (with majority filmed at Will Rogers State Beach), and later Hawaii (1999-2001), Baywatch was led by Mitch Buchannon (David Hasselhoff) and an ever-changing ensemble of lifeguards—though Hasselhoff left before its final season.
Baywatch saw spin-offs show spawn from it: Baywatch Nights (1995-1997) and a film reboot in 2017, starring Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, and Alexandra Daddario. Though, the reboots didn’t deliver as expected. In 2018, Fremantle COO Bob McCourt spoke to Deadline regarding reboot discussions. “I think we thought the film might have given us reason to reboot the TV series, but given the mixed reviews that didn’t happen straight away. I think if this remastered version is sold extensively and a new audience comes to Baywatch […] We would definitely think seriously about making a new series.”
Recently however, Baywatch has sparked critique. In conversation with Variety, Pamela Anderson, who played CJ Parker, spoke of the lowly sum received for Baywatch’ reruns, despite arguably being the most well-known star and appearing in the fourth most episodes (77). “The producers of Baywatch made a fortune, I just didn’t have the representation back then. Or the know-how. You don’t realise when you’re doing a TV show that it’s going to be that popular, so you kind of sign your life away.” According to Variety, a “paltry” offer was made for a cameo appearance in the 2017 reboot. Nonetheless, Anderson did appear in a scene—though there was no dialogue. There remains no news of whether she will appear in the remake.
With Baywatch firmly known in popular culture, intrinsically tied with the slow-motion running shots, the reboot is sure to bring forth a new entertaining ensemble cast and the action Baywatch is known for.
Season one to nine of Baywatch are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Words by Annabel Smith
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