The First Full ‘Baywatch’ Trailer Is Here with Plane Crashes and Slow-Motion Running

Some television moments never fade, and a lifeguard sprinting down the beach in slow motion remains iconic. ‘Baywatch’ created a pop culture phenomenon around that imagery, and now Fox is banking on that nostalgia with the release of the first full trailer for its reboot.

This new iteration of ‘Baywatch’ is technically a sequel series, continuing the story of the original rather than starting fresh. Stephen Amell takes on the role of Hobie Buchannon, the now-adult son of legendary captain Mitch Buchannon, and he has stepped into the role of Baywatch captain. The series is set to premiere on Fox in January, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the day after they air.

Released on October 13, the approximately 3-minute trailer teases more than just sun-soaked beach scenes. Early reports indicate it includes a small plane crash, a wildfire near the beach, an exploding lifeguard tower, and plenty of interpersonal drama among the team. Notably, these moments are set to the original series’ theme song, “I’m Always Here.”

First trailer for the ‘BAYWATCH’ reboot, starring Stephen Amell, Noah Beck and Livvy Dunne. Releasing in January on FOX. https://t.co/WEwseoLE7c

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 13, 2026

Amell, known for his role in ‘Arrow’, leads the cast as Hobie, a character previously portrayed by Brandon Call and Jeremy Jackson. He is joined by Jessica Belkin, who plays Hobie’s daughter, Charlie Vale, eager to uphold the Buchannon legacy. The cast also includes Hassie Harrison as Nat, Shay Mitchell as Trina, Thaddeus LaGrone as Brad, Noah Beck as rookie lifeguard Luke, and Brooks Nader as Selene.

Livvy Dunne, the former LSU gymnast and influencer, makes her acting debut in a recurring role as Grace, an enthusiastic junior lifeguard. Mitchell’s Trina is a former lawyer who left a prestigious firm to pursue lifeguarding full time. This blend of established actors, newcomers, and social media personalities reflects the franchise’s broad appeal.

Fans of the original will recognize a familiar face. David Chokachi returns in a recurring role as Cody Madison, now managing The Shoreline, the unofficial Baywatch bar and grill. He also mentors the current lifeguard team and will don the iconic red trunks for some rescues.

This kind of nostalgia is central to the show’s approach. Instead of reinventing the wheel, it embraces the original’s spirit, with the trailer even highlighting that ‘Baywatch’ was once the most popular show globally. It’s a confident reminder of why the franchise became a cultural phenomenon.

The original ‘Baywatch’ premiered on NBC in 1989 but was canceled after one season. It was revived the following fall in first-run syndication, running for 11 seasons until 2001. At its peak, it aired in over 200 countries and reached more than a billion viewers weekly, significantly influencing beach culture and tourism in Southern California.

A 2017 feature film starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron attempted to revive the brand, but this series is a more direct continuation of the television show. This distinction may resonate with fans seeking the characters and tone they remember rather than a comedic twist.

Fox Entertainment and Fremantle are co-producing the series, with Matt Nix, the creator of ‘Burn Notice’, as showrunner and executive producer. McG, who directed the premiere episode, is also an executive producer alongside Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto, and Mike Horowitz. The first season will consist of 12 episodes.

The series has already generated buzz at the MIPCOM market in Cannes, where Amell and Nader have been promoting it. Nix, Amell, and Beck have emphasized the benefits of filming in Los Angeles. The show has also been sold to broadcasters, including Italy’s Rai.

Winter may seem an unusual time for a beach show, but that could enhance its appeal. Viewers in colder climates might welcome the sunshine, and the trailer’s mix of spectacle and drama suggests a series designed for broad, easy viewing. It also aims to maintain the franchise’s signature slow-motion running.

Whether this reboot can replicate the cultural impact of the original remains to be seen. However, with a polished trailer, a familiar theme song, and a cast ready for big rescues, Fox appears confident that audiences are eager to dive back in.

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