LA Officials Secure ‘Baywatch’ Future In Venice

Despite reports of Fox’s Baywatch reboot being pushed out of Venice Beach, local officials are determined to keep production in Los Angeles County.

On Friday, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath met with city officials, production leaders and agency representatives at Fox Studios, where they addressed logistical issues and government restrictions that have reportedly impacted filming.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park assured that, despite rumors, the show “was never leaving Venice or Los Angeles,” according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

“The city, county and production team are deeply committed to the success of this marquee effort,” added Park. “We are excited to meet the needs of their expanded footprint in Venice and all along the coast.”

With filming taking place through July, following a $21.1 million tax credit from the California Film Commission, Horvath noted that the meeting resulted in updates to the Coastal Development Permit, which will also improve future productions.

“Bringing Baywatch back to Los Angeles is not just important — it’s essential to sustaining our local economy and reinforcing our position as the global capital of the entertainment industry,” said Horvath. “While challenges are inherent to any production, what defines success is how quickly and effectively we address them.”

The meeting addressed needs for more flexible production hours, expanded parking and the creation of a dedicated on-set liaison.

Fremantle’s head of production, Jhamal K. Robinson, said, “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved in bringing this production to life and for the ongoing collaboration. Filming continues on Venice Beach and at other locations across Los Angeles County.”

On Baywatch, the wild child Hobie Buchannon (Stephen Amell) from the original series is now a Baywatch Captain, following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Mitch (played by David Hasselhoff in the OG series). Hobie’s world is turned upside down when Charlie (Jessica Belkin), the daughter he never knew, shows up on his doorstep, eager to carry on the Buchannon family legacy and become a Baywatch lifeguard alongside her dad.

The reboot received a 12-episode straight-to-series order from the broadcast network in September, after having been in development at Fox since winter 2024.