Social media star and former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne has been cast in Fox’s upcoming “Baywatch” reboot as a recurring character, the network announced Thursday. Dunne will portray Grace, described as “a highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard” in the series scheduled to premiere during the 2026-2027 television season. The casting marks a significant move into acting for Dunne, who became the highest-earning female college athlete before transitioning into a social media career with more than 15 million followers across platforms.
The new “Baywatch” series features a star-studded ensemble cast including Stephen Amell, Shay Mitchell, Jessica Belkin, Hassie Harrison, Thaddeus LaGrone, Brooks Nader, Noah Beck and David Chokachi. Chokachi is reprising his role as Cody Madison from the original series, which aired from 1989 to 2001 and became a global phenomenon.
Livvy Dunne Joins Expanding Cast Roster
According to the network, Dunne’s character Grace will be part of a storyline that centers on the next generation of lifeguards patrolling the beaches. The casting announcement comes after Fox and producer Fremantle recently held a day-long casting call to find additional players for the show. The series received a 12-episode order from Fox back in September 2025.
Dunne’s transition from collegiate athletics to entertainment has been closely watched by industry observers. Beyond her social media presence, she has appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue and has worked in fashion and media. Her representation by Brillstein Entertainment Partners and The Team signals a serious commitment to building an entertainment career beyond her digital platforms.
Baywatch Reboot Storyline and Production Details
The revival centers on Hobie Buchannon, played by Amell, who is now a Baywatch captain following in the footsteps of his legendary father Mitch Buchannon. The original character was portrayed by David Hasselhoff in the classic series. Hobie’s world changes when Charlie, the daughter he never knew existed, arrives eager to carry on the Buchannon family legacy as a lifeguard.
Meanwhile, the series will feature Cody Madison, played by returning cast member Chokachi, who now runs The Shoreline, described as the unofficially official Baywatch bar-and-grill. According to the logline, he still occasionally puts on the red trunks for shifts saving lives while mentoring fellow lifeguards and offering free wings after big rescues.
Creative Team Behind the Series
Matt Nix serves as showrunner and executive producer on the Baywatch reboot alongside McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto and Mike Horowitz. Additionally, McG will direct the series premiere episode, bringing his action-oriented directing style to the beach-set drama.
The series is co-produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle, with Fox Entertainment Global holding domestic distribution rights while Fremantle manages international sales. This production structure mirrors many contemporary television revivals that seek both domestic and global audiences.
In contrast to the original series’ long run of over 240 episodes, the reboot’s initial 12-episode order represents a more cautious approach typical of modern broadcast television. However, the casting of social media personalities like Dunne and Beck alongside established actors suggests Fox is targeting both traditional viewers and younger demographics who follow these stars online.
Production timelines and specific premiere dates within the 2026-2027 season have not yet been confirmed by Fox. Further casting announcements and details about additional characters are expected as the series moves closer to production.
