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 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 coastline.
When the casting choices were revealed, many were shocked to see social media stars like – better known for their Instagram following than their acting chops.
Alongside them are , , 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.’
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.
