Full Breakdown
Sky Secures Exclusive UK & Ireland Rights to Baywatch Reboot
5/19/2026, 9:25:53 PM
Deal Overview and Distribution
Comcast-owned Sky has acquired exclusive rights to the Baywatch reboot for the United Kingdom and Ireland through a deal with distributor Fremantle. The co-production between Fox Entertainment and Fremantle is slated for a 2027 launch on Sky’s linear channels and its streaming platform Now. The deal includes both linear broadcast on Sky and streaming on Now, giving subscribers access across platforms.
Original Baywatch: Global Reach and Cultural Impact
The original Baywatch premiered in 1989, ran eleven seasons and ended twenty-five years ago. At its peak it drew over a billion viewers weekly in roughly two hundred countries, making it one of the most widely watched television franchises.
Key Figures and Cast
Sky’s acquisitions director Lucy Criddle led the deal, while Fremantle’s EMEA EVP Jamie Lynn oversees co-production. Fox Entertainment co-produces the series. The reboot stars Stephen Amell (Hobie Buchannon), Jessica Belkin (Charlie Vale), Shay Mitchell (Trina), Hassie Harrison (Nat), Noah Beck (Luke), newcomers Thaddeus LaGrone and Brooks Nader (Brad and Selene), original members David Chokachi and Erika Eleniak (Cody Madison and Shauni McClain), and Livvy Dunne (Grace).
Production Scope and Creative Direction
The series has been commissioned for twelve episodes set on Southern California’s shoreline, featuring lifeguards in the franchise’s signature red swimsuits. A press release describes it as delivering “high-stakes rescues, explosive drama and plenty of beachside heat.”
Official Statements & Strategic Rationale
Sky framed the acquisition as a strategic addition to its portfolio, emphasizing the franchise’s iconic status and the chance to introduce a refreshed cast to a new generation. Fremantle highlighted the brand’s global appeal and its adaptation for contemporary audiences, noting a balance of familiar elements with modern storytelling.
Verbatim Quotes
> “ Fremantle’s EVP for co-production and distribution in EMEA, Jamie Lynn, added: “‘Baywatch’ is one of the most iconic and globally recognised brands in television, and the excitement surrounding the series reflects its enduring appeal.” — Jamie Lynn, EVP for Co-production and Distribution, EMEA, Fremantle
Significance for the UK & Ireland Television Market
Exclusive rights give Sky, a Comcast-owned broadcaster, control over the Baywatch reboot in the United Kingdom and Ireland, adding a globally recognized brand to its portfolio. The partnership also demonstrates Sky’s commitment to original programming, reinforcing its role as a broadcaster in the region.
Future Outlook: 2027 Premiere
The series will debut on Sky and Now in 2027, marking the first release of the reboot in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
