Beloved Baywatch Actor Returns for Fox's Reboot Series

Erika Eleniak to reprise her role as Shauni McClain in the upcoming Baywatch reboot on Fox.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A striking abstract illustration featuring bold, angular red and white shapes arranged in the silhouette of a lifeguard, capturing the high-energy spirit of the Baywatch reboot without using any text or identifiable elements.The Baywatch reboot aims to blend new talent with familiar faces, reconnecting the franchise to its classic roots.Santa Monica Today

Fox's Baywatch reboot is bringing back another original series star, with Erika Eleniak set to reprise her role as Shauni McClain. Eleniak's return as the former lifeguard, who is now a Santa Monica city councilwoman, will help bridge the franchise's past and present as the new series launches.

Why it matters

The Baywatch reboot is aiming to reconnect with the classic 1980s series that launched the careers of many stars. Bringing back familiar faces like Eleniak's Shauni McClain is a strategic move to appeal to longtime fans of the show while also introducing the property to a new generation of viewers.

The details

In the Baywatch reboot, Eleniak's character Shauni McClain will return to the beach to help Hobie Buchannon, played by Stephen Amell, launch the annual Beach Games. Other original series stars like David Chokachi as Cody Madison are also set to appear in the Fox reboot, which is co-produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle.

  • The original Baywatch series premiered in 1989 and aired for over a decade.
  • The Baywatch reboot is set to premiere on Fox during the 2026-2027 television season.

The players

Erika Eleniak

An actress who appeared in the early seasons of the original Baywatch series and is now reprising her role as Shauni McClain in the Fox reboot.

Stephen Amell

The lead actor in the Baywatch reboot, playing the role of Hobie Buchannon.

David Chokachi

An original Baywatch series star who is returning to the franchise to reprise his role as Cody Madison in the Fox reboot.

Matt Nix

The showrunner and executive producer of the Baywatch reboot on Fox.

McG

The director of the Baywatch reboot's premiere episode and an executive producer on the series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Erika Eleniak has joined the Fox Baywatch reboot in a guest-starring role.”

— Variety

What’s next

The Baywatch reboot is set to premiere on Fox during the 2026-2027 television season, with more casting announcements and production updates expected in the lead-up to the show's debut.

The takeaway

The return of Erika Eleniak as Shauni McClain signals Fox's commitment to honoring the legacy of the original Baywatch series while also appealing to a new generation of viewers. By bringing back familiar faces, the reboot aims to recapture the spirit that made the 1980s show a global phenomenon.