The popular TV series Baywatch, which aired from 1989 to 2001, is making a comeback with a new version. This reboot, also called Baywatch, features an entirely new cast led by Stephen Amell and is set to debut early next year. The network announced the premiere date along with a promotional image of the cast, but the image attracted criticism for its representation of diversity.
Reports about the Baywatch revival first emerged in 2018. After a long development process, the series was officially approved in September 2025, receiving an order for 12 episodes directly to series. The show is scheduled to premiere on January 6, 2027, on Fox. Along with this announcement, the network shared a new cast photo featuring Stephen Amell as Captain Hobie Buchannon, alongside cast members Brooks Nader, Hassie Harrison, Jessica Belkin, Livvy Dunne, Noah Beck, and Thaddeus LaGrone. David Chokachi is also returning as Cody Madison from the original show.
After the promotional image was released, fans noted that Thaddeus LaGrone’s character, Brad, seemed to be the only Black character in the photo, which led to criticism of the show’s diversity approach. Viewers expressed concerns on social media, pointing out the lack of representation of women of color and the predominance of white actresses in the cast.
The original Baywatch also faced criticism for its diversity issues, as it initially included no actors of color among its main leads. Gregory Alan Williams, who portrayed Garner Ellerbee, was originally a recurring character before becoming part of the main cast. In a docuseries about the show, Williams recounted a moment that made him feel excluded, recalling that he was told he was not needed for a promotional photoshoot. He reflected that the show focused on celebrating European beauty.
Later seasons of Baywatch attempted to include more diverse characters. Alexandra Paul, who played lifeguard Stephanie Holden, had requested that her character have a boyfriend of color. However, the producers intended to introduce a Latino character linked to gang violence, which Paul criticized for promoting negative stereotypes. Eventually, Traci Bingham joined the cast in season 7 as the first woman of color, playing Jordan Tate.
Conversations about racial representation in television were reignited following the recent Emmy Awards, where all major acting awards went to white performers. Many viewers felt that actors of color, such as Sterling K. Brown and Janelle James, were overlooked for their performances. This led to further discussions about diversity in Hollywood.
What are your thoughts on the representation in the new Baywatch reboot?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Lei RV