While 9-1-1and 9-1-1: Lone Star started as successes for Fox, the shows have now left a gap in their lineup for first responder content, but thankfully, the network’s secret replacement for the franchise is finally moving forward. After years of looking for something to fill the void left behind by Ryan Murphy’s first responder franchise, Fox is finally making progress.
While 9-1-1 is still forging ahead on ABC, Lone Star came to a close in early 2025, leaving a blank slate for Fox to work with. Though the network was hopeful about Rescue: HI-Surf, the series wasn’t as successful as the network had hoped and wound up cancelled after just one season on the air. Fox was left without a first responder show for the fall.
While first responder TV isn’t always the most well received, when a concept breaks down barriers and connects with audiences, it can become the cornerstone for a network lineup. Thankfully, Fox has some IP in its back pocket that it’s been able to call on for a reboot moving forward. Now, thankfully, things can start moving forward for the network’s secret 9-1-1 replacement.
The Baywatch Revival Is Finally Moving Forward At Fox
It’s Been In Development Limbo For Quite Some Time
Baywatch Title Card
Although it won’t be arriving on air for another year, Fox has given a Baywatch revival a straight-to-series order for the fall 2026 season. Baywatch, which originally ran from 1989 until 2001, may have become one of the most parodied rescue dramas over its run, but it was also one of the most successful of the era. With high-intensity rescues, Baywatch helped shape the genre.
According to Fremantle Media, Fox’s Baywatch revival received a straight-to-series order with 12 episodes in the first season. Original creators Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, and Dante Di Loreto will be on board, but the revival will be executive produced and helmed by Matt Nix, creator of Burn Notice. The updated Baywatch seems hopeful to honor the show’s legacy, but update the format.
Why The Baywatch Reboot Is Fox’s Best Chance To Replace The 9-1-1 Franchise
Niches In First Responder TV Can Be Hard To Find
Cast of Baywatch standing beside lifeguard vehicle
While it’s unclear exactly what direction Fox’s Baywatch reboot will go, a well-known series with an update is the best way to move for a network looking for a sure-fire hit. Though Baywatch was often the butt of the joke during its run and in its aftermath, it’s a piece of IP known to work. Filling a gap, Fox’s reboot could find success.
As the 9-1-1 franchise has been built on high-stakes arcs, big emotional moments, and life-or-death disasters, Baywatch could be the perfect choice to ensure that audiences are still finding those stories on Fox. Although the network tried to do something similar with Rescue: HI-Surf, the dramatic storytelling wasn’t up to par for audiences used to the depth of 9-1-1.
With Baywatch, viewers will likely already be aware of the franchise, even if they haven’t seen the series before. At its height, Baywatch was one of the most successful dramas on the air, and that name recognition will help move it forward. Given how difficult it’s been for Fox to find a 9-1-1 replacement, Baywatch may be its best bet at reeling viewers in.
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9-1-1 (2018) TV Show Poster showing the cast and the logo
Created by
Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Tim Minear
First TV Show
9-1-1
Latest TV Show
9-1-1: Lone Star
Upcoming TV Shows
9-1-1: Nashville
First Episode Air Date
January 3, 2018
Cast
Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, Oliver Stark, Aisha Hinds, Kenneth Choi, Rockmond Dunbar, Connie Britton, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ryan Guzman, Corinne Massiah, Marcanthonee Jon Reis, Gavin McHugh, John Harlan Kim
The 9-1-1 franchise is an American procedural drama television series created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear. The franchise focuses on the lives and careers of first responders—police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and dispatchers—who navigate high-pressure emergencies alongside their often-complex personal lives.
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