Actress Shay Mitchell and co-star Thaddeus Lagrone promoted the upcoming Fox reboot of "Baywatch" during a press event in New York City [1].

The project represents a high-profile attempt by Fox to modernize a legacy franchise for a new audience while maintaining the brand recognition of the original title.

Speaking at the Fox Upfront 2026 event on May 15, 2026 [1], Mitchell said the balance between innovation and nostalgia is key. The production aims to introduce new elements to the series without abandoning the core identity that made the original show a global phenomenon.

"We want to bring something fresh while honoring the legacy of Baywatch," Mitchell said.

Lagrone said the reboot is designed to appeal to younger viewers. He noted that the series intends to provide a different energy than previous iterations of the lifeguard drama.

"It's going to be a fun ride for a new generation," Lagrone said.

Visual elements of the show will also see updates, though the production will keep certain hallmarks. Mitchell said the team is making specific aesthetic choices regarding the wardrobe, which remains a central part of the show's imagery.

"The red swimsuits are iconic, and we're excited to put our own twist on them," Mitchell said.

Despite some speculation regarding a title change to "SHAY-watch!", reports from Fox News Digital and People indicate the series remains titled "Baywatch," and no name change was announced [2]. The cast and network are focusing on a creative direction that updates the storytelling while retaining the original name to ensure the show remains recognizable to fans of the original series.

“"We want to bring something fresh while honoring the legacy of Baywatch,"”

The decision to retain the original 'Baywatch' title while updating the creative approach suggests that Fox is prioritizing brand equity over a complete reinvention. By leveraging the nostalgia of the red swimsuits and the established name, the network is attempting to bridge the gap between legacy viewers and a new generation of streaming and linear television audiences.