If you’ve read my deep dives into company histories, you know I love unraveling the twists and turns that shape what we know today. Baywatch isn’t a large corporation, but its legacy spans several spinoffs and offshoots that feel just as complex. From its iconic red swimsuits to its global popularity, the show’s history is a mystery (ha!) that I'm eager to discover. Maybe together, we can learn something new!
That's what I love about writing for this site!
My interest was sparked last Halloween when a podcast by my friends over at The Retro Network mentioned Baywatch Nights, a spinoff I’d never even heard of. That obscurity hooked me, and when I don’t know much about a topic that intrigues me, I dive in to learn what I can.
I don’t have a strong personal tie to Baywatch. I've watched a few episodes, but it never clicked for me, beyond, of course, the famous beach-running-in-bathing-suits scenes. I was a bit young during its prime, and shows like Baywatch, Melrose Place, and L.A. Law were adult dramas aimed at an older crowd looking for a primetime soap opera.
Now that it’s mid-July and summer is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to look back at those summers from yesteryear before the internet, smartphones, and other constant distractions. Those summers are a time that I fondly look back on, playing outside all day or hanging around indoors to avoid the heat, as we spent hours flipping channels to find appealing daytime television.
With that thought in mind, let’s head back to the era of the “sex and surf” lifeguard saga that defined a decade: Baywatch (and its various spinoffs).
In the 1990s, Baywatch was a global obsession that defined its era. The sun-drenched beaches, red swimsuits, and slow-motion heroics made Baywatch the most-watched series of its day.
Created by Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz, and Gregory J. Bonann, the series blended melodrama, action, and glamour into a cultural juggernaut, capturing the carefree optimism of the pre-digital 90s. For millennials and Gen Xers, the opening chords of “I’m Always Here” by Jimi Jamison evoke instant nostalgia, transporting them to shared TV nights in a much simpler world.
Beyond the immediately recognizable flagship series, Baywatch spawned a spinoff and several made-for-TV movies that many casual viewers have long forgotten, including Baywatch Nights and Baywatch: Hawaii, as well as the films Baywatch: White Thunder at Glacier Bay (1998), Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding (2003), and the 2017 Baywatch reboot.
These extensions, though varied in tone and success, kept the legacy of the red bathing suit-clad lifeguard alive, each reflecting an evolution of cast, storylines, and the era in which they existed.
Baywatch debuted on NBC in September 1989, at a pivotal moment in television’s shift from network dominance to syndication and cable. Initially planned as a low-budget drama about Los Angeles County lifeguards, it ranked 73rd out of 103 shows and was canceled by NBC early in its first season.
David Hasselhoff, who starred as Mitch Buchannon, saw the series' untapped potential and invested his time and a small personal financial stake. He partnered with the show's creators as they attempted to revive it through syndication.
The Hoff's gamble paid off spectacularly. By 1996, Baywatch earned a Guinness World Record as the most-watched TV series, with 1.1 billion weekly viewers across 148 countries, from Germany to Japan.
The show’s aesthetic defined its cultural footprint. Most famously, the show's slow-motion shots of lifeguards running across Santa Monica’s beaches, clad in custom red swimsuits, instantly becoming iconic. Set to youthful pop anthems, these scenes celebrated the 1990s obsession with hot bodies and fast living.
The red one-piece, especially made famous by Pamela Anderson's C.J. Parker, became a fashion phenomenon, influencing swimwear trends. A 2024 Forbes article detailed the swimsuits’ tailored designs, such as a higher neckline for Alexandra Paul or a higher cut leg for shorter actresses, which maximized the visual impact. Baywatch also helped fuel the fitness culture of the 90s, inspiring viewers to emulate the lifeguards' toned physiques, aligning with 90s workout crazes like "Buns of Steel," "Tae Bo," and "The Thigh-Master."
Star power drove Baywatch’s dominance in the ratings. Fresh from Knight Rider, Hasselhoff brought his version of star power and charisma, while Pam Anderson’s C.J. became a global sex symbol. Anderson began her television career on Home Improvement, but cemented her fame on Baywatch and in her 1996 film, Barb Wire.
She did have that other video she's probably best known for, but we won't talk about it here.
The rest of the ensemble, Yasmine Bleeth, Erika Eleniak, Billy Warlock, Nicole Eggert, and later Carmen Electra (along with several others), gave the show a dynamic feel and kept viewers tuning in. Most fans today seem to prefer the early-season cast members over later additions, but the rotating cast ensured freshness in story and viewer engagement across its legendary 11 seasons.
Baywatch had a significant impact on the pop culture of the 1990s. According to an article in The Malibu Times, it exported the idealized stereotypical California "fun and sun" lifestyle, boosting tourism to Santa Monica and Malibu. Its influence permeated pop culture, with several SNL parodies and references by the (then) hottest sitcom on television, Friends (Joey's obsession with Yasmine Bleeth).
Believe it or not, the show also raised water safety awareness, with several public service announcements shot by the cast. After Baywatch (a documentary) director Matt Felker noted in Forbes that fans, including himself, became lifeguards after being inspired by the series to live life in the fast lane.
For 90s kids everywhere, Baywatch is like a time machine when viewed today. On the subreddit r/90sTV, many fans relive its golden era, saying things like "it takes me back to my childhood living room " or calling it a former "guilty pleasure." Some recall sneaking in episodes when parents weren't watching, drawn to its sex appeal, while others enjoyed its episodic structure that allowed self-contained stories to wrap up (usually) in a neat little bow. This nostalgia, tied to the pre-9/11, pre-smartphone era of boy bands and dial-up internet, led to what The Pop Culture Preservation Society Podcast calls "remembrances of carefree summers."
Baywatch’s success spawned a spinoff series and several films, each navigating the brand’s legacy amid changing audience tastes.
Baywatch Nights, the franchise’s only TV spinoff, aired from September 30, 1995, to May 17, 1997, for 44 episodes across two seasons. Created as a darker companion to Baywatch for an older audience, it reimagined Mitch Buchannon (David Hasselhoff) as a private detective running Buchannon Investigations in downtown Los Angeles. The show aimed for a Miami Vice-style crime drama, capitalizing on Hasselhoff’s star power and Baywatch’s syndicated success. However, its shift to gritty detective stories and, eventually, what can be considered science fiction and the supernatural, made the show a polarizing experiment. Some cherished it for continuing the campiness of the original Baywatch, but it was also criticized for straying a little too far from the beach... and reality.
Hasselhoff anchored this new series, leveraging Mitch's heroic persona in a new context. He was joined by Gregory Alan Williams as Garner Ellerbee, another Baywatch lifeguard turned detective, bringing some notoriety from his role in 1983's The Right Stuff. In one of her first major acting roles, Angie Harmon plays Detective Ryan McBride, an independent, feisty foil for Mitch. Harmon's casting proved to be a great one, as her later work in Law & Order and Rizzoli & Isles highlighted the promise she showed during her early career on Baywatch Nights.
The core trio was supported by Lou Rawls as club owner Lou Raymond, whose Sunset Bay club served as a central hub for the series. Lisa Stahl was added in Season 2 as a psychic named Destiny Desimone to amplify the show's supernatural pivot.
Several guest stars added a bit of flair, like Baywatch alumn Carmen Electra, who appeared as Tina during a crossover episode. Other celebrities, such as Billy Ray Cyrus and Mariska Hargitay, appeared in minor roles.
Filmed primarily in Los Angeles, Baywatch Nights traded Baywatch’s beaches for urban settings. Key locations included downtown LA’s neon-lit streets, the Port of Los Angeles for dockside scenes, and Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade for club exteriors.
Season 1’s gritty aesthetic utilized warehouses and alleyways, evoking the feel of old detective noir films. Season 2’s sci-fi shift incorporated soundstages for effects-heavy episodes, like “The Creature from the Bay,” which featured a giant sea monster.
Some beach scenes were shot at Santa Monica and Venice Beach, linking to Baywatch, though the focus remained on the city's night scene. A 1996 Los Angeles Times article details the production’s use of LA’s industrial zones, while nighttime shoots created logistical challenges for the cast, who balanced Baywatch filming by day.
Produced by Gregory J. Bonann and Baywatch’s syndication team, Nights targeted a broader audience, airing in a 10 PM timeslot to attract viewers seeking edgier fare. Season 1 focused on cases like kidnappings, extortion, and murder, with episodes like “Pursuit” (a car-smuggling ring) showcasing Mitch’s action-hero chops, reminiscent of Hasselhoff's Knight Rider.
Ratings, however, were disappointing at 3.5 million viewers compared to Baywatch’s 17 million. Facing cancellation, producers pivoted in Season 2 to sci-fi and supernatural themes, inspired by the success of The X-Files. Episodes like “The Curse of the Mirrored Box” (voodoo) and “Space Spores” (alien invasion) embraced absurdity, with low-budget effects and lame comedy. The clips on YouTube make me think of rubber monster puppets and poorly done green-screen UFOs, but this all adds to the campy feeling.
In a 1997 Entertainment Weekly interview, Hasselhoff admitted the pivot was “risky” but defended it as a creative gamble. Today, fans remain divided. Some fans on X/Twitter call it "so-bad-it's-good," while others deem it "cringeworthy." Critics of the time, however, were more blunt. They called Season 2 a "desperate gimmick" and a "poor attempt," but several noted Harmon's potential to be the breakout star.
Despite its Baywatch legacy, the series was canceled in 1997, averaging only 2.8 million viewers in its second season. And to think, in 2025, any program would murder for 2.8 million viewers.
It's currently available on the free streaming service Tubi.
Baywatch Nights is a quirky footnote in the franchise, reflecting the 90s’ willingness to stretch a brand with new ideas. Blending noir, sci-fi, and its Baywatch DNA, this series is a nostalgic oddity cherished by fans who embrace it, flaws and all.
A year after Baywatch Nights went off the air, Baywatch: White Thunder at Glacier Bay aired as a television special on February 24, 1998, and was later released as a direct-to-video film. The lifeguards embarked on an Alaskan adventure, departing from their roots in Santa Monica.
Produced during Baywatch's transition to Hawaii for its final seasons, the film served as a narrative bridge that tested new settings while retaining the show's dramatic campiness. Its mix of action, romance, and icy peril makes it a lesser-known entry in Baywatch's history, but one that is absolutely beloved by hardcore Baywatch fans.
Once again, David Hasselhoff led as Mitch, joined by Gena Lee Nolin's Neely Capshaw, a polarizing character known for romantic entanglements on the series. Carmen Electra portrayed Lani McKenzie, bringing the glamour and sex appeal from her Baywatch tenure, while David Chokachi’s Cody Madison added youthful energy.
New characters included Captain Tom Jenner (John Allen Nelson), a cruise ship officer, and diamond smuggler Gavin McHale (Anthony Addabbo), whose illicit scheme drove the film's premise.
The plot leaned on Baywatch regulars, with no major guest stars, focusing on familiar faces to anchor the new setting. In a 1998 TV Guide interview, Gena Lee Nolin called the film a “fun detour,” though she noted the physical demands of cold-weather filming were "brutal."
A 1998 Vancouver Sun article details the production’s challenges, including unpredictable weather and tight schedules, with cast members filming action scenes in subzero temperatures.
Production used Vancouver, British Columbia, as a stand-in for Alaska, leveraging its proximity to glaciers, fjords, and craggy mountaintops (and non-union film crews). Other key filming locations used were the Inside Passage (for the cruise ship scenes), which were shot aboard the real-life Princess Cruise Lines' Sun Princess. Garibaldi Provincial Park was used for the filming of the glacier scenes.
The luxurious decor aboard the Sun Princess created a unique aesthetic when shot against the drab, icy exteriors.
Some establishing shots used stock footage of Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park, although no principal photography took place there. Santa Monica’s beaches appeared briefly in flashbacks, tying the film to Baywatch.
Directed by Douglas Schwartz, the film followed Mitch and the lifeguards on a cruise aboard the Star of Glacier Bay, where they uncover a diamond-smuggling ring. The plot escalates with a shipwreck, glacier-top rescues, and a climactic showdown that mixes Baywatch’s rescue tropes with elements of a thriller film. The $5 million budget funded elaborate stunts, including a helicopter evacuation and underwater sequences.
The Pop Culture Preservation Society podcast noted that the film was an attempt to revive Baywatch's rapidly declining ratings (Season 8 averaged 8.2 million viewers, down significantly from Season 5’s 17.4 million).
The Alaskan setting, while visually striking, felt “off-brand” to some fans, as a Rotten Tomatoes review called it "disjointed but fun." Most fans have mixed feelings, and critics were lukewarm. A 1998 Entertainment Weekly review gave it a C+. EW praised the visuals but called the story "forgettable." The After Baywatch documentary frames it as a transitional piece, reflecting Baywatch’s attempt to evolve amid network changes. It's available on DVD (check eBay) and YouTube, which keeps it accessible to fans.
White Thunder is a niche entry, for sure. Valued for its campy excess of explosions and slow-motion chase scenes, it did play a role in Baywatch's late 90s pivot from the beaches of California to the shores of Hawaii, which we cover next. Regardless, it's a nostalgic snapshot of the franchise's ambitions to push beyond the beaches of California.
During the offseason between Baywatch seasons 9 and 10 in 1999, production was looking for a shift away from Los Angeles. Due to rising costs in L.A. and a declining syndication market, the Baywatch staff looked for a new locale. A pilot was filmed for Baywatch: Down Under, but local opposition on Avalon Beach in New South Wales led to an emergency change in local laws, banning filming on the beach.
As an alternative to Australia, Hawaii offered producers large financial incentives to move the series to the islands. To reflect the change in scenery, the show's name was officially changed to Baywatch: Hawaii.
To explain the change, Hasselhoff's Mitch Bucannon went on leave in Oahu, Hawaii, as he sorted out his thoughts following a mid-life crisis (triggered by a failed romance with Neely, his mother's recent death, and his son Hobie's move to the East Coast). While on Oahu, he saves the lives of a family on a remote beach and decides to form an international team of lifeguards in Hawaii.
He convinces Baywatch lifeguards J.D. and Jessie to fly out and join the new team. Australian lifeguard Allie Reese joins the team, as well as newcomers Kekoa Tanaka, a local Hawaiian lifeguard, and Jason, the brash 19-year-old Hawaiian (by way of Texas) who gets on everyone's nerves.
Baywatch filmed for two seasons in Hawaii, from 1999 until 2001. The agreement with the Hawaiian government mandated the addition of "Hawaii" as the subtitle (Baywatch: Hawaii), hiring a local production crew, filming on location for at least two years, and producing a minimum of 44 episodes. In return, the state agreed to offset filming costs by $870,000 per episode, with 60% of the funds to be spent in Hawaii. After fulfilling the two-year contract, the series was canceled due to poor ratings.
Two years after the series ended, and almost five years to the day the Alaska-based television movie aired, Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding, debuted as a Fox TV movie. This nostalgic reunion brought back core cast members and offered closure for fans. Set in Hawaii, this movie blended romance, action, and classic Baywatch tropes.
Once again, Hasselhoff returned as Mitch and was joined by Pamela Anderson as C.J., Alexandra Paul as Allison Ford (a new character resembling her prior role, Stephanie), Yasmine Bleeth as Caroline Holden, and Nicole Eggert as Summer Quinn. Other returnees included Jeremy Jackson (Hobie), Michael Bergin (J.D.), and Stacy Kamano (Kekoa).
A new villain, Leigh Dyer (Brande Roderick), added some drama.
Leaning heavily on nostalgia, Pam Anderson's return was the primary draw for fans, who longed to see her don the red bathing suit again after her Season 7 exit. Eggert, in the After Baywatch documentary, shared home videos of the cast getting along together behind the scenes, which added to the authenticity of the film. While brief, Yasmine Bleeth's appearance after personal struggles with drugs and alcohol was a fan highlight.
Filmed on Oahu in late 2002, the film utilized several locations from Baywatch: Hawaii, including Waikiki Beach and Turtle Bay Resort. The resort's lush grounds and oceanfront location served as the wedding venue, while rescue scenes were filmed in Kaneohe Bay's choppy waters. Aerial shots of Oahu's North Shore enhance the already beautiful scenery.
A 2003 Honolulu Star-Bulletin article notes the production’s boost to local tourism, with fans visiting filming sites and spending money on local restaurants and shops. Some interiors were shot in Los Angeles soundstages, blending seamlessly with the Hawaiian exteriors.
The $6 million film followed Mitch and Allison's wedding preparations, which were disrupted by Leigh Dyer, a vengeful ex-lover. Meanwhile, there was a crisis at the resort, and several swimmers needed rescuing. Slow-motion runs, helicopter stunts, and romantic subplots (like a rekindled flame with C.J.) catered to fans who longed for more Baywatch reminiscent of the "early days."
This fan service film drew 6.8 million viewers, which The Irish Star called "a love letter to fans." The cast's chemistry, especially Hasselhoff and Anderson's, evoked memories of Baywatch's peak. Critics were kinder than to prior spinoffs; a 2003 Variety review praised its “heartfelt simplicity.” The After Baywatch documentary underscores its emotional weight, with cast reflections on the franchise’s impact. It was released on DVD and is available on Peacock at the time of writing.
This cherished capstone offered closure for longtime Baywatch fans. Its Hawaiian backdrop and returning stars make it a fan favorite, encapsulating the franchise’s enduring appeal.
I'd be remiss not to mention the 2017 Baywatch film by Seth Gordon. This movie reimagined the series as an R-rated comedy starring Dwayne Johnson as a "reimagined" Mitch Buchannon. It targeted a new generation while making several nods to the original.
Released on May 25, 2017, the film featured Johnson as Mitch, a charismatic leader, and Zac Efron as Matt Brody, a disgraced Olympic swimmer. Alexandra Daddario (Summer), Kelly Rohrbach (C.J.), and Ilfenesh Hadera (Stephanie) rounded out the lifeguards, with Priyanka Chopra as villainous Victoria Leeds. Thankfully, cameos by Hasselhoff and Anderson bridged the two eras.
Fresh off a run in the Fast and Furious franchise, Johnson, arguably one of the largest stars in Hollywood, brought serious star power to the film while Efron's comedic ability added levity. Kelly Rohrbach, a Sports Illustrated model, echoed Anderson's version of C.J.
This film used locations in Miami and Savannah, Georgia. Miami’s South Beach provided vibrant beach scenes, while Savannah’s Tybee Island offered quieter shores. The Port of Savannah doubled as a dockside location, and Atlanta soundstages provided interior scenes.
With a $69 million budget, the film followed the lifeguards as they uncovered a drug ring. Self-aware humor mocked Baywatch’s tropes, like slow-motion runs. Grossing $177 million, per Box Office Mojo, it succeeded commercially but divided fans. Many fans on X critique its raunchy tone, alienating some viewers who preferred the older "family-friendly version of sex appeal." Several stunts, including several explosions, were a highlight to some fans. The After Baywatch documentary notes its role in introducing Baywatch to younger viewers.
Baywatch was a '90s cultural titan, with its red swimsuits and heroic lifeguards defining an era of optimism. Its spinoffs and films, from the eccentric Baywatch Nights to the heartfelt Hawaiian Wedding and the bold 2017 reboot, extended its legacy into four separate decades, from 1989 to 2017.
For fans, Baywatch is a nostalgic life preserver (see what I did there?), and its streaming presence rekindles 90s memories. Insights from social media and podcasts reveal its enduring impact, offering a sense of escapism in a sometimes turbulent world.
Whether you’re reliving Mitch’s rescues or discovering his sci-fi detective skills on Nights, Baywatch remains a vibrant touchstone. If you have time, dive into its world on streaming platforms or DVD, and let the waves of nostalgia wash over you, red swimsuit and all.
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