Baywatch is returning to television with a new generation of lifeguards, and Stephen Amell is stepping into the red swimsuit as the next captain of the iconic beach patrol. The Arrow star will lead Fox’s upcoming reboot, scheduled to premiere in January 2027 with a 12-episode first season.
Amell plays Hobie Buchannon, the now-grown son of Mitch Buchannon, the legendary lifeguard portrayed by David Hasselhoff in the original series. Hobie’s life takes an unexpected turn when his daughter, Charlie Vale, arrives on his doorstep determined to continue the Buchannon family legacy. Her arrival promises to bring fresh family drama to the sun-soaked world of beach rescues, dangerous ocean conditions, and high-stakes emergencies.
The reboot also plans to bring back familiar characters from the original show, giving longtime fans a connection to the franchise’s history while introducing new faces to a younger audience.
The original Baywatch premiered on NBC on September 22, 1989, and ran for 11 seasons with more than 200 episodes. Led by Hasselhoff, the series became a global television phenomenon, reaching audiences around the world and turning its lifeguards into pop-culture icons.
With Amell taking over the captain’s chair and the Buchannon legacy continuing through a new generation, Fox’s Baywatch aims to revive the beachside action and drama for its January 2027 debut.
