Amazon Secures International Rights for 'Baywatch' Reboot and Original Series

by : Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Amazon Prime Video has officially acquired the international streaming rights for the highly anticipated 'Baywatch' revival. This move will bring the new series to audiences across a significant portion of Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, alongside Canada, Latin America, and India. Furthermore, this comprehensive agreement grants Amazon access to the entire historical catalog of the original 'Baywatch' series, spanning its initial nine seasons and the subsequent 'Baywatch Hawaii' chapters, ensuring fans can enjoy the full saga.

The revived 'Baywatch' ensemble features talents such as Stephen Amell, Jessica Belkin, Shay Mitchell, Hassie Harrison, Thaddeus LaGrone, Noah Beck, and Brooks Nader. Behind the scenes, Matt Nix, known for his work on 'Burn Notice' and 'The Gifted,' is at the helm as showrunner and executive producer. He is joined by an impressive roster of executive producers, including McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto, and Mike Horowitz. McG, acclaimed for directing 'Charlie's Angels,' is also set to direct the premiere episode.

This contemporary iteration of 'Baywatch' aims to honor its predecessor while presenting a fresh perspective for modern viewers. The original series, famously starring David Hasselhoff, initially faced cancellation after its debut season on NBC. However, it achieved remarkable global success through syndication, becoming a worldwide phenomenon broadcast in over 200 countries and captivating more than a billion viewers weekly. Beyond Hasselhoff, the show played a pivotal role in launching the careers of notable actors like Carmen Electra, Jason Momoa, and Yasmine Bleeth.

The production of the new series is a collaborative effort between Fremantle and Fox Entertainment. The inaugural 12-episode season is slated to premiere on Fox in January 2027, with its availability on Prime Video following later that year. Fox Entertainment Global holds the exclusive distribution rights within the domestic market, while Fremantle is responsible for all international sales, having successfully negotiated this deal with Amazon.

Michela Di Mondo, Executive Vice President of Distribution for Canada & International at Fremantle, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. She highlighted the opportunity to introduce the new 'Baywatch' to global audiences through Prime Video, while simultaneously providing fans with the chance to rediscover the beloved original series. Di Mondo underscored the enduring cultural impact of 'Baywatch,' suggesting that this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the franchise.