The iconic lifeguard drama Baywatch is making a splashy return to television, with filming underway this week on the sun-drenched shores of Los Angeles. Model and reality television star Brooks Nader took center stage during Tuesday's beach shoot, capturing attention in a sleek black swimsuit as production commenced on the highly anticipated series reboot.
A New Generation of Lifeguards
The 29-year-old Nader appeared tanned and toned on the coastal set, showcasing her muscular arms, slender waistline, and lean legs while filming scenes for the revival. The pinup model appears to be stepping into the formidable shoes originally filled by Pamela Anderson, who portrayed the memorable character CJ - Casey Jean Parker - on the original series alongside David Hasselhoff and Carmen Electra.
Social Media Teasers
Nader offered fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse through her Instagram Stories, sharing a selfie from the set with the caption "She's ready for the red suit" written across the image. This subtle hint suggests her character will eventually don the iconic red lifeguard swimsuit that became synonymous with the franchise.
Expanding the Cast
Joining Nader on the sandy set was gymnast-turned-influencer Livvy Dunne, who sported a blue-and-white swimsuit for her role as Grace, described as an enthusiastic and eager lifeguard. Newcomer Thaddeus LaGrone was also photographed during the beach filming session, though specific details about his character remain under wraps.
The series, first announced by Deadline in 2023 as being developed by Fremantle, is scheduled to launch on Fox as part of the 2026-27 television season. This revival aims to capture the spirit of the original 1990s phenomenon that ran for eleven successful years and launched numerous careers, including those of Alexandra Paul, David Charvet, Yasmine Bleeth, and Nicole Eggert.
Character Dynamics
Nader will portray Selene, the sharp-tongued Captain of the Zuma Beach lifeguards who clashes with Baywatch Captain Hobie Buchannon due to their fundamentally different approaches to saving lives. According to the official synopsis, Hobie Buchannon - the wild child from the original series - has now become a Baywatch captain following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Mitch.
The storyline takes an interesting turn when Charlie, the daughter Hobie never knew he had, unexpectedly appears on his doorstep, eager to continue the Buchannon family legacy by becoming a Baywatch lifeguard alongside her father.
Returning Faces and New Additions
Baywatch veteran David Chokachi, now 58, will reprise his original role as Cody Madison, who runs The Shoreline - the unofficially official Baywatch bar-and-grill. Cody still occasionally dons the red trunks for lifesaving shifts while serving as a mentor and friend to fellow lifeguards, famously offering free wings after significant rescues.
The ensemble cast expands further with Pretty Little Liars veteran Shay Mitchell joining as series regular Trina, a former lawyer who left a prestigious firm to work full-time as a lifeguard. Yellowstone actress Hassie Harrison will portray Nat, a former foster child turned Olympic athlete who serves as one of the beach's best lifeguards and Hobie's right-hand person and closest friend.
Nader's Background
Brooks Nader began her career as a bikini model, most notably posing for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she won the magazine's Swim Search open casting call, leading to features in the 2020, 2021, and 2022 issues before gracing the cover in 2023. Beyond modeling, Nader has acting credits including the 2018 film Backtrace and reality television experience on Dancing With The Stars, where she dated professional dancer Gleb Savchenko during her time on the program.
The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native has also participated in a series with her sisters and was romantically linked to football legend Tom Brady last year, adding to her public profile as she takes on this major television role.
During Tuesday's filming, Nader and Dunne appeared comfortable together, holding hands while walking along the beach as a security guard monitored the area from a nearby building. The actors engaged in an intense workout sequence, running toward the water with crew members visible in the background, suggesting the revival will maintain the original series' blend of drama, action, and beachside aesthetics that captivated audiences for over a decade.
