Stephen Amell Stars in Fox’s Lifeguard Drama Reboot

Stephen Amell is set to star in the upcoming reboot of “Baywatch” on Fox, as confirmed by Variety. This marks the first casting announcement for the series, which has been picked up for the 2026-2027 broadcast season. Fox has ordered 12 episodes of the show, slated to begin production in Los Angeles this spring.

Amell’s Character and Storyline

Amell will portray Hobie Buchannon, the character known from the original series as the “wild child.” Hobie is now a Baywatch Captain, following in the footsteps of his father, Mitch Buchannon. The character’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets his daughter, Charlie, eager to join him in the lifeguard legacy.

Background on Stephen Amell

Stephen Amell is widely recognized for his leading role in the CW series “Arrow,” which ran for eight successful seasons. He also starred in the short-lived NBC spinoff “Suits LA” and has featured in the Starz drama “Heels” and the films “Code 8 Parts 1 & 2.” His representation includes UTA, Leverage Management, and Sloane Offer.

Production Details

• Open Casting Call: Set for February 18.
• Production Start: Spring 2026 in Los Angeles.
• Showrunner: Matt Nix, who expressed excitement about Amell’s casting, commending his ability to blend heart and fun in the series.
• Executive Producers: Includes McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto, and Mike Horowitz.

History of Baywatch

The original “Baywatch” premiered in 1989 on NBC and ran for 11 seasons, amassing nearly 250 episodes. It famously shifted to syndication after its first season. The series later transitioned its production to Hawaii, resulting in the name change to “Baywatch: Hawaii” in the final two seasons.

“Baywatch” became the world’s most-watched television show at its height, reaching audiences in over 200 countries. It starred notable actors such as David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, and Jason Momoa, among others. A reunion movie aired on Fox in 2003, and the show inspired a 2017 feature film starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

What to Expect from the Reboot

The new “Baywatch” reboot aims to capture the spirit of the original while introducing fresh storylines and characters. With Amell leading the cast, the series promises to blend action, drama, and nostalgia. Fans can look forward to the rich legacy of lifeguard heroism reimagined for a modern audience.