The Upcoming ‘Baywatch' Reboot Just Made a Major Family Tree Adjustment
The highly anticipated Baywatch reboot has an exciting announcement!
Mary McDonnell has joined the cast. She will play Gayle, the mother of the protagonist HobieBuchannon (StephenAmell).
According to Variety, the character is "a sophisticated woman with a wryly funny presence."
The character description states, "She cares deeply for her family and is there for them even when they're not sure they want her help."
"Gayle and Hobie have a long, complicated history, but no matter how much time or distance gets between them, family always seems to find its way back together. She's learned a thing or two about second chances over the years, and she shares that wisdom with humor and grace."
The two-time Academy Award-nominated actress is known for roles in BattlestarGalactica, Dances with Wolves, and Passion Fish.
The Baywatch remake stars two original cast members, DavidChokachi and ErikaEleniak, reprising their roles of CodyMadison and ShauniMcClain, respectively.
The series is introducing JessicaBelkin, ShayMitchell, HassieHarrison, ThaddeusLaGrone, BrooksNader, NoahBeck, LivvyDunne, and NadiaGray to the show.
The original Baywatch aired from 1989 to 2001, for a total of 11 seasons. It followed the interpersonal and professional relationships of Los Angeles lifeguards. The ensemble cast dealt with sharks, earthquakes, and even serial killers.
The remake will follow a similar storyline.
The 1989 Baywatch starred PamelaAnderson, YasmineBleeth, DavidCharvet, ErikaEleniak, and DavidHasselhoff and was created by MichaelBerk, DouglasSchwartz, and Gregory J. Bonann.
Fox is looking forward to the Baywatch premiere. The network's President, MichaelThorn spoke about the upcoming series in a press call earlier this month.
"We're feeling great about where we are, but also feeling the pressure of already heightened fan expectations," Thorn said. "There's only one Baywatch. It's one of the most iconic, popular television franchises in TV history."
Baywatch will be available in January 2027
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 7:55 PM.