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Baywatch was a global phenomenon that ruled TV screens in the 90s, but the latest reboot seems to be drowning before it even hits the beach, according to a vocal group of fans.
In September, Fox announced they were 'reimagining' the iconic series with a 12-episode order for the 2026-2027 season.
The new show follows Hobie Buchannon (originally played by Jeremy Jackson) as he steps into the role of Baywatch captain, following in the footsteps of his legendary father Mitch Buchannon (originally played by David Hasselhoff), joined by a new generation of lifeguards patrolling the Los Angeles coastline.
When the casting choices were revealed, many were shocked to see social media stars like Livvy Dunne and Brooks Nader among the lifeguard team – better known for their Instagram following than their acting chops.
Alongside them are Stephen Amell, Shay Mitchell, and Noah Beck, with original Baywatch star David Chokachi returning as Cody Madison.
But when first-look photos and clips hit the internet on Wednesday, fans didn’t hold back, tearing into the reboot as a derivative idea, with influencers in lead roles and a plot destined for failure.
Baywatch was a global phenomenon that ruled TV screens in the 90s, but the latest reboot seems to be drowning before it even hits the beach, according to a vocal group of fans; (Pictured: Thaddeus LaGrone, Shay Mitchell, Stephen Amell, Brooks Nader, Livvy Dunne, Noah Beck, Jessica Belkin)
When the casting choices were revealed, many were shocked to see social media stars like Livvy Dunne and Brooks Nader (pictured) among the lifeguard team – better known for their Instagram following than their acting chops
Many seemed to be still haunted by the flop of the 2017 Baywatch film starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.
One critic posted, ‘Who the hell thought a Baywatch reboot was a good idea?’ Another didn’t mince words, writing, ‘This has FLOP written all over it. Why on earth is this even being considered? Hollywood is so out of ideas.’
One even predicted, ‘Watch it be cancelled after one season. Ain't nobody watching this.’
Another added, ‘Humanity has regressed since the '90s.’
The cast's influencer-heavy lineup didn’t go unnoticed either.
‘I really can’t stress how bad this script must be to cast so many influencers,’ one user complained. Another added, ‘Hollywood doesn’t believe in hiring actual actors or actresses anymore.’
One user questioned, ‘It's gonna flop— you have a gymnast with no tested acting abilities?’
And the lack of diversity didn’t escape criticism either.
But when first-look photos and clips hit the internet on Wednesday, fans didn’t hold back, tearing into the reboot as a derivative idea, with influencers in lead roles and a plot destined for failure
‘Not one Black woman on the whole cast. CHOP!!’ wrote one disgruntled fan.
Despite the vocal backlash, the cast seems to be embracing the opportunity.
On Tuesday, Nader posted a selfie wearing the famous swimsuit, expressing her excitement for the reboot.
In the post, she captioned the image, ‘Can’t wait for you all to see what we’re working on! #Baywatch2026.’
Nader will take on the role of Selene, a sharp-tongued captain of the Zuma Beach lifeguards.
Dunne, the gymnast-turned-influencer, was also spotted on set.
She’ll portray Grace, an eager and enthusiastic lifeguard, marking her acting debut.
Dunne, who has a huge following on TikTok and Instagram, is making her acting debut with this role, something that has sparked mixed reactions from fans.
Despite the vocal backlash, the cast seems to be embracing the opportunity
One critic posted, ‘Who the hell thought a Baywatch reboot was a good idea?’
One even predicted, ‘Watch it be cancelled after one season. Ain't nobody watching this.'
One user questioned, ‘It's gonna flop - you have a gymnast with no tested acting abilities?’
The plot sees Hobie Buchannon, played by Amell, now as the Baywatch captain, only to have his life upended by the sudden appearance of his daughter Charlie, who wants to follow in his footsteps and become a lifeguard.
Chokachi, reprising his original role as Cody Madison, now runs "The Shoreline," the unofficial Baywatch bar and grill, and still pulls on the red trunks for the occasional rescue.
Newcomer Mitchell will play Trina, a former lawyer who left her prestigious career to become a full-time lifeguard.
Harrison will portray Nat, a former foster kid turned Olympic athlete.
The official synopsis for the reboot reads: "Hobie’s world is turned upside down when Charlie shows up on his doorstep, eager to carry on the Buchannon family legacy and become a Baywatch lifeguard alongside her dad. OG heartthrob Cody Madison now runs The Shoreline, the unofficially official Baywatch bar-and-grill, and still puts on the red trunks for the occasional shift saving lives."
In a statement to Variety, Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, said, “In its first run, Baywatch defined an entire era of beach life and elevated lifeguards to iconic status. Now, with our partners at Fremantle, this television juggernaut is set for a modern-day comeback.
'Together, Fox and Fremantle, along with Matt Nix and original co-creator Greg Bonann, will bring the California dream to a whole new generation of fans with fresh stories, rising stars, and all the spectacle that make the Baywatch franchise a global sensation.'
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