scarcely have there been TV programs that have permeated popular culture as profoundly as Baywatch has done. Debuting on NBC in 1989, the extended lifeguard-themed drama series has established itself as a cultural landmark, characterized by its sunny beaches, stunning cast members, dramatic slow-motion shots and, of course, the distinctive red swimsuits. The show’s persistent appeal prompted Fremantle to invest considerable effort in making sure that it could be easily streamed online. As an executive explained, this process demanded a significant amount of time, perseverance, and, naturally, financial resources.
As Chief Operating Officer of Commercial and International at Fremantle, Bob McCourt recently attended the NEM event in Dubrovnik, Croatia. At this gathering, he discussed (as reported by Deadline) that there were essentially two significant challenges to prepare Baywatch for streaming platforms. The first hurdle was the necessity to upgrade the old episodes to high-definition quality. Furthermore, it was crucial to secure the rights for the music played on the show before it could be streamed online.
From a movie enthusiast’s perspective, it turned out that the content hadn’t been approved for streaming yet. The music used wasn’t cleared, and the quality was only standard definition. To elevate the viewing experience, we chose to invest significantly in remastering all episodes into high-definition format and replacing the existing music.
In numerous instances, obtaining rights for music suitable for specific media can be quite a task. But consider dealing with that for 400 songs spanning approximately 250 hours of TV content. It’s an expensive endeavor alright, but the rewards can be substantial. The thought of going through the process is definitely laborious. In the end, many of those tracks were swapped out entirely, yet the theme song remains, along with the tunes of The Beach Boys.
According to Deadline’s statement, classic, much-adored intellectual properties can prove profitable for a media company in this somewhat uncertain environment. Bob McCourt elaborated on why he is now convinced about their success in acquiring the rights to the show and making it available for streaming.
As a cinephile, I took a significant gamble with the production of Baywatch, but boy, did it pay off! This film has managed to secure distribution deals in every corner of the globe. From striking agreements with streaming giants like Amazon and Hulu, to reaching television networks such as RTL in Germany and France TV in France, this film’s success story continues to unfold.
In a light-hearted manner, Carmen Electra humorously explains why Baywatch was revolutionary back then by saying, ‘Here, it’s All the Same Regardless, Time to Take Off Your Trousers!’
Originally developed by Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz, and Gregory J. Bonann, Baywatch revolves around a group of lifeguards and their professional endeavors, as well as their personal relationships. After airing for one season on NBC, the series was terminated; however, it found a second chance through syndication, continuing its run for an impressive additional 10 seasons. The show also played a significant role in launching the careers of popular figures such as Pamela Anderson, Donna D’Errico, and Carmen Electra, who continue to be recognized today.
Currently, Fremantle is collaborating with Fox for a revival of the popular series “Baywatch,” which was initially rumored to be under development in 2024. During the NEM event, Bob McCourt mentioned that discussions about this project are still ongoing with the mentioned network. For now, specifics about the reboot remain unclear, but some original cast members have shared their thoughts on it. Pamela Anderson has expressed no interest in reprising her role as “C.J.” Parker, while Nicole Eggert, who’s reflected on her time on the show, hasn’t completely dismissed the idea of playing Summer Quinn again.
Despite uncertainties about the potential reboot, Fremantle’s strategic decisions ensure that the original “Baywatch” series will continue to be accessible for future generations. As someone who values preserving media, I find comfort in knowing that this iconic show can be streamed, and even owned on Blu-ray and DVD.
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2025-06-11 23:38