Los Angeles, California — The iconic red swimsuit is making a resurgence, as David Chokachi prepares to reprise his role in the reboot of the beloved series “Baywatch.” Chokachi, who made his mark as Cody Madison in the original iteration of the show, will join a fresh cast led by Stephen Amell, who takes on the character of Hobie Buchannon.
In this new version, Cody Madison has evolved, now managing a restaurant called The Shoreline, which aims to capture the essence of the series by serving as the “unofficially official Baywatch bar-and-grill.” Chokachi’s character remains deeply connected to his lifeguard roots, occasionally donning the famous red trunks to offer assistance and guidance to a new generation of lifeguards. Described as both a mentor and a friend, Cody is known for creating a welcoming environment, often treating his young colleagues to “free wings after a big save.”
Chokachi first joined “Baywatch” in its sixth season in 1995 and remained a staple until the show concluded in 1999. Following his time on the series, he appeared in the surf drama “Beyond the Break” from 2006 to 2009, as well as found roles in films such as “Atlantic Rim” and “Soul Surfer.”
Fox recently announced the order of 12 episodes for the revival, set for the 2026-2027 television season. Michael Thorn, president of Fox Television Network, expressed enthusiasm for the project in a statement, highlighting the original show’s influence on beach culture and lifeguard iconography. He stated that the venture aims to introduce “Baywatch” to a new audience while maintaining its signature charm and excitement.
Leading the reboot is showrunner Matt Nix, working alongside original co-creator Greg Bonann and a team of producers including McG and Michael Berk. There’s palpable excitement about bringing fresh stories and new talent to the franchise, which once captivated audiences worldwide.
Once considered the most-watched television program globally, “Baywatch” garnered a massive following, reaching viewers across more than 200 countries. The show catapulted stars like David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson to fame and remains a cultural touchstone.
While it’s still uncertain whether any legacy cast members will reprise their roles, Carmen Electra has hinted at her willingness to return. She remarked that the idea could be enjoyable but also acknowledged her reservations about working in the ocean, emphasizing the challenges that can arise in such an environment.
As anticipation builds for the revival, fans of the original series are eager to see how the new cast will breathe fresh life into a franchise that defined an era while still echoing its enduring legacy.