Baywatch Reboot: $21M Tax Break Moves Filming to LA!

The beach is calling, and this time, it's calling from Los Angeles. Fox's highly anticipated "Baywatch" reboot will officially film in the LA area, bringing those iconic red swimsuits back to their original stomping grounds. The show snagged a hefty $21.1 million tax credit – a full 40% – from the California Film Commission, which pretty much sealed the deal.

Baywatch Reboot: $21M Tax Break Moves Filming to L...

Now, anyone who remembers the original "Baywatch" knows it *is* Los Angeles. For nine glorious seasons, we watched those lifeguards run in slow motion across the sands of Will Rogers State Beach, with the occasional jaunt over to Venice or Malibu. The last two seasons took a detour to Hawaii, but let's be honest, it just wasn't the same. This reboot, slated for the 2026-27 season, is being touted as a return to form, and that means returning to LA.

It's been a quarter of a century since the final episode aired, and this isn't just a continuation; it's a whole new wave. "Burn Notice" creator Matt Nix is at the helm, promising fresh faces, new stories, and a modern take on the classic lifeguard drama. While it's a reboot, the California Film Commission is cleverly classifying it as "Season 12," which qualifies it as a production relocation back to Los Angeles – a move they clearly value.

Think daring rescues, complicated relationships, and plenty of beachside heroics, all updated for today's audiences. The classic red swimsuits are back, but expect contemporary issues and challenges woven into the storylines. The goal? To protect Southern California's shoreline, both literally and figuratively.

Staying in LA was always the dream, but it wasn't a sure thing. This tax credit was crucial. Apparently, Fox was seriously considering Australia as a backup location. Can you imagine "Baywatch" with kangaroos? I shudder to think. The head of Fox Entertainment even flew to Sacramento to personally plead their case. Talk about dedication!

The successful push for the tax incentive highlights how much everyone wanted "Baywatch" to stay put. In fact, Mayor Karen Bass is holding a press conference at the Venice Beach Lifeguard Operations Station – that historic building is apparently going to be a main backdrop! The conference is to celebrate the hundreds of union jobs and the boost to local businesses that the production will bring. It's a win-win for everyone, really.

Assemblymember Rick Zbur summed it up nicely, saying, "This is exactly what we envisioned when we strengthened the program — keeping our creative economy strong and our entertainment industry competitive." So, get ready for another dose of sun, sand, and slow-motion running. "Baywatch" is back, and it's staying right where it belongs: in Los Angeles.