Baywatch (1989 — 2001)

Baywatch (1989–2001) is an American action drama series that follows the adventures of lifeguards stationed in Los Angeles County, California, and Hawaii. Starring David Hasselhoff, it was created by Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz, and Gregory J. Bonann and produced throughout its 11-season run by the same team. Featuring a constantly changing ensemble cast, the show delves into the personal and professional challenges faced by its characters. Despite initially being cancelled after its first season on NBC, Baywatch found new life through syndication and went on to become the most-watched television series in the world with a weekly audience of over 1.1 billion viewers, earning it a reputation as a pop cultural phenomenon and frequent subject of allusion and parody. The show aired from 1989 to 1999 under its original title and format before undergoing a setting change and major cast overhaul from 1999 to 2001 as Baywatch: Hawaii.

This long-standing series follows a team of lifeguards on a popular resort beach. Veteran Mitch Buchannon oversees the rotating group of lifeguards, who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of vacationers. He often intervenes to rescue them from turbulent waters and occasional conflicts that arise among the young guards in this demanding job. Baywatch centers on the lifeguards’ duties and their relationships, typically tackling situations related to beach hazards and other aspects of California (later Hawaii) beach culture. While saving people from drowning is a common storyline, various other themes, such as earthquakes, shark attacks, and serial killers, also provide dramatic conflicts for the show.