David Chokachi Returns to the Beach in Fox's 'Baywatch' Revival

More than three decades after it first redefined beachside drama, 'Baywatch' is making waves again. David Chokachi, an original cast member, has been officially cast to return to his beloved role as Cody Madison in the upcoming revival of the legendary lifeguard series. A new series that blends legacy characters with a new generation of lifeguards prepared to patrol the coastlines is scheduled to debut on Fox Broadcasting Company during the 2026–2027 season. 

A TV Legend Returns: Baywatch's Legacy and Its Reboot

When 'Baywatch' debuted in 1989, it immediately rose to prominence as one of the most adored TV shows ever. The lifeguard drama, which began on NBC before experiencing enormous success in syndication, followed the heroic sun-drenched lives of beach lifeguards in Hawaii and Los Angeles. The show became a global phenomenon over the course of 11 seasons and around 250 episodes. At its peak, it had over a billion weekly viewers in more than 200 countries, making it one of the most watched TV shows ever.

Image Courtesy: South China Morning Post

Known for its iconic slow-motion beach runs, unforgettable red swimsuits, surf-rescue action, and dramatic personal storylines, 'Baywatch' launched the careers of stars like David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, Jason Momoa, and, of course, David Chokachi. The 'Baywatch' reboot was formally approved by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle for the 2026–2027 television season, following years of public enthusiasm and nostalgia, including a 2017 feature film version starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron. 

The new series was ordered straight to series with 12 episodes and aims to strike a balance between honoring the legacy of the original and updating it for contemporary viewers. The revival promises exciting rescues, complicated relationships, and seaside heroism with a contemporary twist, with Matt Nix (of Burn Notice fame) serving as showrunner and an executive producer team that includes original writers.

Image Courtesy: South China Morning Post

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Nostalgia Meets New: What the Reboot Has in Store

The return of David Chokachi, a member of the original 'Baywatch' ensemble, is one of the most significant announcements ahead of the remake. After 25 years, Chokachi, who portrayed lifeguard Cody Madison from 1995 to 1999, will return to the role in the upcoming 'Baywatch.' Running The Shoreline bar-and-grill, the unofficial lifeguard hangout, and still sporting the iconic red trunks to occasionally assist with rescues, his role has developed into a mentor figure.

Beyond that, Cody serves as a link between the original 'Baywatch' era and this new interpretation by offering advice, companionship, and even free wings following a significant save. Stephen Amell will play Hobie Buchannon, the adult son of original series hero Mitch Buchannon, portrayed by David Hasselhoff during the 1989–2001 run, joining Chokachi in the cast.

Image Courtesy: Entertainment Weekly

In this rebooted world, Hobie is now a Baywatch Captain whose life is upended when his daughter, Charlie, arrives eager to follow her own lifeguarding path. By fusing legacy motifs with new character arcs and contemporary lifeguard difficulties, this reboot is going to weave nostalgia via a new generational tale. 

The formal premiere of the remake is planned for the 2026–2027 TV season on Fox, with production starting in spring 2026 at Venice Beach and on the historic Fox lot in Los Angeles. The relaunch is already creating excitement among fans who are excited to return to the sun-drenched world of 'Baywatch,' this time with a combination of old favourites and new heroes, even if the core ensemble outside of Chokachi and Amell is still being put together, including open casting calls for a variety of roles.

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