Fox recruits original ‘Baywatch’ heartthrob for the reboot and he is not just a lifeguard anymore
David Chokachi, forever etched into ‘90s TV memory as Cody Madison, is heading back to the sand. The former ‘Baywatch’ heartthrob has signed on for a recurring role in Fox’s reboot of the lifeguard drama, which is targeting the 2026–2027 television season. The network confirmed the casting news through a social media announcement, and just like that, one of the original beach boys is back on duty. According to the official character description, Cody hasn’t drifted far from the shoreline. He is now running ‘The Shoreline’ beach bar and grill, which also serves as the unofficial clubhouse for the lifeguards.
He still breaks out the red trunks every now and then for a rescue mission or two, but now he is also a guide and mentor for the new crew. He gives advice, a safe place to hang out, and, it seems, free grub after a successful rescue. Not a bad retirement plan. The timing of Chokachi’s return is interesting. This comes just days after it was announced that Stephen Amell would lead the series as an adult Hobie Buchannon. If that name sounds familiar, it should. Hobie was the young boy during the original series, played by Jeremy Jackson from 1991 to 1999. Now? He’s all grown up.
And he’s taking on a leadership position as a Baywatch captain, following in the footsteps of his father Mitch, who was originally played by David Hasselhoff. Here’s where things get messy (in a good way). Hobie’s world is turned upside down when a daughter he didn’t know he had shows up. She’s intent on continuing the Buchannon family name and learning to become a lifeguard just like him. So, you can bet on some family drama, beach rescues, and maybe some shouting across the beach. Production is expected to begin this spring at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, with further filming on the Fox Studio Lot. So yes, the cameras are coming back to actual sand and surf.
No green screen ocean in sight, at least not yet. Chokachi’s casting marks the first confirmed comeback of an original series star for the reboot. And that’s no small thing. The original ‘Baywatch’ premiered in 1989 and eventually turned into a global juggernaut, airing in more than 200 countries and reaching over a billion viewers weekly at its height. The show didn’t just create beach icons; it also launched careers. Alongside Hasselhoff, the series featured names like Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, Jason Momoa, and Yasmine Bleeth.
