Fox President Talks About Postponing ‘Baywatch’ to January and How ‘Rescue: HI-Surf’ Stands Out as a More Dramatic Show

Fox’s Baywatch, currently in production in Los Angeles, is expected to debut in January rather than the anticipated fall rollout. The network’s decision comes as part of a strategy to enhance the series’ launch prospects.

During a press call on Sunday, Fox Television Network President Michael Thorn emphasized the network’s history of successful midseason launches, referring to recent series such as Best Medicine, Memory of a Killer, and Doc. “Obviously, Baywatch is a huge, huge priority for us, and we think we have a great opportunity to set the show up for success there,” Thorn stated ahead of the network’s Monday upfront presentation.

Executives at Fox have not confirmed whether Baywatch will air following a key NFL game, although this timing remains a likely possibility. They are awaiting the NFL schedule release later this week to finalize launch strategies.

Watch on Deadline

Thorn also provided insight into the network’s excitement about the project and the pressure stemming from high fan expectations. “We’re feeling great about where we are, but also feeling the pressure of already heightened fan expectations,” he remarked. “There’s only one Baywatch. It’s one of the most iconic, popular television franchises in TV history.”

‘Rescue HI-Surf,’ from left: Zoe Cipres, Kekoa Kekumano, Arielle Kebbel, Robbie Magasiva, Adam Demos, and Alex Aiono

Baywatch has been in development at Fox for several years. It initially teamed up with Rescue: HI-Surf, a lifeguard drama from producer John Wells and Warner Bros. TV. Though Rescue: HI-Surf started strongly behind an NFL doubleheader in September 2024, it was ultimately canceled after one season.

Two years prior, Fox held high hopes for Rescue: HI-Surf. When asked what the network learned from that experience, Thorn noted the broader television trend of launching multiple shows within similar genres. “We don’t see lifeguards as any different. We love John Wells, and we took a shot with HI-Surf. It didn’t quite catch on. Baywatch is a much soapier, juicier show than HI-Surf, and we hope it resonates as much as the original does; that’s our goal.”

Fox’s approach to casting has shifted with Baywatch. In contrast to Rescue: HI-Surf, which featured largely unknown actors, Baywatch boasts notable names. Thorn described the series as “pure escapism with a cast that blends top television talent with major social influencers.”