Key Highlights
- Former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne makes her professional acting debut in Fox’s upcoming Baywatch reboot, appearing in the official trailer as rookie lifeguard Grace.
- The revival features Stephen Amell as Captain Hobie Buchannon alongside Jessica Belkin, Shay Mitchell, Brooks Nader, Noah Beck, Hassie Harrison, and Thaddeus LaGrone.
- Original cast members David Chokachi and Erika Eleniak will return as special guest stars when the 12-episode first season premieres in January 2027.
Livvy Dunne Doffs the Leotard for the Iconic Red Swimsuit
Former Louisiana State University gymnastics star Livvy Dunne has officially transitioned from the collegiate mat to the shoreline. Dunne appears in the official trailer for the upcoming Baywatch reboot, slated to premiere on Fox in January 2027. Following her retirement from competitive gymnastics, the American athlete takes her first professional step into screen acting, portraying a recurring character named Graceâan energetic young recruit working to secure her permanent position on the elite ocean rescue squad.
Dunneâs casting had been previously confirmed months prior, but the release of the official preview footage provides the first substantial look at her character in action. While Dunne will not serve as the central lead of the television series, her appearance donning the franchise’s unmistakable red swimsuit highlights the production’s strategy of bridging collegiate sports stardom, online influence, and classic television entertainment.
Stephen Amell Leads a New Generation of Baywatch Lifeguards
The updated narrative focuses on Hobie Buchannon, portrayed by Stephen Amell. Hobieâthe son of iconic franchise protagonist Mitch Buchannon, famously played by David Hasselhoff in the original 1989 productionâhas risen through the ranks to serve as the captain of the Baywatch unit. The veteran lifeguard finds his operational routine upended by the sudden arrival of Charlie Vale (played by Jessica Belkin), a daughter he never knew existed who is determined to follow in his footsteps as an ocean rescuer.
Foxâs ensemble strategy pairs seasoned television talent with prominent internet and lifestyle personalities to attract modern viewers while honoring the legacy brand. Alongside Amell, Belkin, and Dunne, the main cast includes Shay Mitchell, model Brooks Nader, social media figure Noah Beck, Hassie Harrison, and Thaddeus LaGrone.
High-Octane Action and Returning Legacy Stars
The newly unveiled trailer demonstrates that the revival remains committed to the visual hallmarks that made the original property an international phenomenon. Viewers are treated to the franchiseâs signature slow-motion beach sprints alongside high-stakes emergency sequences, including perilous deep-sea rescues, a catastrophic plane crash, heavy explosions, and emerging romantic entanglements among the lifeguard cohort.
Heritage cast members from the original run will also bridge the generational gap. David Chokachi is slated to return to his role as Cody Madison, while Erika Eleniak will reprise her classic role as Shauni McClain as a special guest star. Their inclusions directly tie the revival back to the groundbreaking drama that first debuted in 1989 and dominated syndication for over a decade.
Why This Matters
Arriving approximately 25 years after the conclusion of the original series run, Foxâs 12-episode order for Baywatch underscores television networks’ continued reliance on established intellectual property to cut through an increasingly crowded streaming and broadcast marketplace. By enlisting figures with massive digital footprints such as Dunne, Beck, and Nader alongside established dramatic actors like Amell and Mitchell, Fox is explicitly constructing a cross-demographic bridge designed to capture both nostalgic older audiences and younger digital-native viewers ahead of its January 2027 debut.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role does Livvy Dunne play in the Baywatch reboot?
Livvy Dunne portrays Grace, an enthusiastic aspiring lifeguard attempting to earn a spot on the lifeguard team. The role marks her professional screen acting debut and is a recurring part rather than the series lead.
When will the Baywatch reboot premiere and on what network?
The series is scheduled to debut in January 2027 on Fox, featuring a 12-episode order for its inaugural season.
Which original Baywatch cast members are returning?
David Chokachi will return as Cody Madison, and Erika Eleniak will reprise her character, Shauni McClain, appearing as special guest stars.
