A licensing deal for one of the television properties drawing attention at this year's MIPCOM was confirmed on the opening day of the market. A licensing agreement between Rai and the Fox–Fremantle production partnership will hand the Italian broadcaster rights to the Stephen Amell, Brooks Nader, and Noah Beck reboot once the title's initial streaming window through Prime Video Italy concludes.
Ahead of the series' upcoming premiere, distributor Fremantle closed the deal at MIPCOM. Streaming rights to the series are distributed across multiple territories, with Prime Video holding licences covering Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Benelux, Switzerland, Austria, Turkey, Canada, Latin America, and India; Sky securing the arrangement for the UK and Ireland; and Stan taking on the Australian market.
Debuting many years after the original production wrapped, the rebooted show runs across 12 episodes and introduces a new group of lifeguards patrolling that familiar shoreline, with the iconic red swimsuits retained as a nod to the predecessor. Amell takes on the lead role of Hobie Buchannon, with the ensemble filled out by Jessica Belkin as Charlie Vale, Shay Mitchell portraying Trina, Hassie Harrison as Nat, Thaddeus LaGrone stepping into the role of Brad, Beck as Luke, and Nader bringing Selene to life.
Cody Madison returns to the screen through David Chokachi, who originated the part, while Livvy Dunne steps into the role of Grace. Reprising their respective characters — Shauni McClain, Jack J.D., and Darius and April Giminski, in that order — Erika Eleniak, Michael Bergin, and Kelly Packard are each set to appear in guest roles.
Fremantle's SVP for Distribution across French and German-speaking Europe, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and International territories, Al De Azpiazu, noted that a second-window arrangement with Rai 2 for Baywatch had been finalised ahead of the series' debut, pointing to the deal as an indicator of the property's enduring recognition and the appetite for it across international markets. At MIPCOM, the Baywatch series drew considerable attention from attendees.
The co-produced Fremantle and Fox Entertainment series is set to launch on Fox in January 2027. Matt Nix — whose credits include Burn Notice and The Gifted — is attached as showrunner and executive producer, joined by executive producers McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto, and Mike Horowitz. Those behind the project described audience response and early momentum around the series in positive terms.
The opening episode of the series was helmed by McG, the filmmaker behind Charlie's Angels. Those involved in the project described the series as carrying years of established identity while pivoting toward a newer generation of viewers, without shedding the range, feel, or entertainment value that its audience has historically sought.
Domestic distribution sits with Fox Entertainment Global, while Fremantle takes charge of selling the property across international markets.
