Fox Locks 'Baywatch' Reboot Premiere for January 6

Key points

• Fox scheduled the 'Baywatch' reboot to premiere on Wednesday, January 6, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
• The series is a 12-episode order for the 2026-2027 broadcast season, co-produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle.
• Stephen Amell stars as Hobie Buchannon, a Baywatch Captain following in his father Mitch’s footsteps.
• Jessica Belkin plays Charlie Vale, Hobie’s daughter, who arrives to join the lifeguard team.
• The cast includes Shay Mitchell, Hassie Harrison, Thaddeus LaGrone, Noah Beck, and Brooks Nader.
• Livvy Dunne makes her acting debut as Grace, while David Chokachi reprises his role as Cody Madison.

Background

Our archive from October 2026 noted that Fox released the full trailer for the 'Baywatch' reboot on October 13, confirming a January 2027 premiere. The series was picked up in September 2025 for a 12-episode order. The original 'Baywatch' series debuted in 1989 and became a global phenomenon, spawning spinoffs and a 2017 film reboot. The current reboot is part of Fox’s strategy to launch scripted series in the midseason to capture high initial viewership.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline and Variety both confirm the January 6 premiere date and the 9 p.m. slot, noting that Fox has not yet released its full midseason schedule. Deadline highlights that this is the first time since 2024 that Fox has programmed scripted series on Wednesday nights, with 'The Masked Singer' expected to lead in at 8 p.m. Variety emphasizes the historical significance of the original 'Baywatch' series, noting it was the most-watched show in the world at its peak and aired in over 200 countries. Yahoo (via TheWrap) focuses on the new trailer featuring Megan Thee Stallion, highlighting her comedic interaction with the lifeguards. All sources agree on the core cast and production details, with no significant disagreements reported.

Why it matters

The 'Baywatch' reboot represents a major bet by Fox on a nostalgic brand, leveraging a midseason premiere strategy that has proven successful for other scripted series. The inclusion of high-profile names like Stephen Amell and Livvy Dunne, along with a cameo from Megan Thee Stallion, suggests a push to attract both legacy fans and new audiences. The series also aims to revitalize Fox’s Wednesday night lineup, which had been dominated by animation since 2024.

What to watch

Fox is expected to release its full midseason schedule in the coming weeks, confirming the 8 p.m. lead-in slot for 'The Masked Singer.' The 'Baywatch' reboot will premiere on January 6, 2027, and viewers can expect to see the full 12-episode order over the winter season. Further promotional materials, including additional teasers and trailers, are likely to be released in the weeks leading up to the premiere.