Baywatch OG Returns for Fox Reboot

David Chokachi to reprise his role as Cody Madison after nearly 27 years.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The upcoming Baywatch reboot on Fox has cast its first original cast member, with David Chokachi set to return as Cody Madison, a role he played from Season 6 to Season 9 of the iconic 90s series. Chokachi expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to reprise the character nearly three decades later.

Why it matters

The return of an original Baywatch cast member signals that the reboot will aim to honor the legacy of the beloved series, rather than starting completely from scratch. Chokachi's Cody Madison was a fan-favorite character, and his involvement could help draw in nostalgic viewers while also introducing the franchise to a new generation.

The details

According to the character description, Cody now runs a bar-and-grill called The Shoreline, while still occasionally suiting up as a lifeguard. He will serve as a mentor and friend to the new generation of lifeguards, providing a second home for them and offering free wings 'after a big save.' Chokachi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reprise the role, saying he 'could not be more thankful' to be part of the reboot.

  • The original Baywatch series ran from 1989 to 2001.
  • The new Baywatch reboot is set to premiere on Fox in the near future.

The players

David Chokachi

An American actor who played the role of Cody Madison on the original Baywatch series from Season 6 to Season 9.

Baywatch

A popular American action drama television series that ran from 1989 to 2001, focusing on the personal and professional lives of a group of lifeguards in California.

Fox

An American commercial broadcast television network that is developing the new Baywatch reboot series.

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What they’re saying

“I could not be more thankful to Matt Nix, the executives at Fox, Fremantle US & the original creators for this amazing opportunity to reprise my role as Cody Madison on the new Reboot of Baywatch, coming soon to Fox”

— David Chokachi (Instagram)

What’s next

The Baywatch reboot is still in development, with more casting announcements expected in the coming months as the series prepares to premiere on Fox.

The takeaway

The return of David Chokachi as Cody Madison suggests the Baywatch reboot will aim to honor the legacy of the original series, rather than starting completely from scratch. Fans of the classic show will likely be excited to see familiar faces back in the iconic red swimsuits, while the new series also has the opportunity to introduce the Baywatch franchise to a new generation of viewers.