Shay Mitchell, known for her role in the hit series “Pretty Little Liars,” has expressed her excitement about her involvement in the much-anticipated reboot of “Baywatch.” During the Fox Upfront event held in New York City on May 11, 2026, she spoke with PEOPLE about stepping into the character of Trina, who is a lawyer turned lifeguard.
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Reflecting on her initial experience donning the iconic red swimsuit associated with the historic series, Mitchell shared, “Putting on the red outfit was surreal. I filmed the entire moment and thought, ‘This is insane.’ It felt like wearing a superhero costume without the cape.” Her enthusiasm highlighted the significance of the role and the legacy of the original series, which first aired in 1989 and ran for 11 successful seasons until its conclusion in 2001.
The reboot promises to bring a fresh perspective to a new generation of lifeguards patrolling the beautiful Southern California coastline. The cast also includes notable names such as Brooks Nader, Livvy Dunne, and Stephen Amell, further elevating the project’s profile. Mitchell, an avid admirer of the original “Baywatch,” is keen to honour its legacy while infusing the show with contemporary elements.
In an endearing moment at the Upfront, Mitchell hinted at what she hopes to take as a keepsake from the set, stating, “The swimsuit is definitely something I’ll be taking home. In years to come, when asked what I want from the show, it will be the bathing suits.” This light-hearted remark showcases her nostalgia for the show while also hinting at the cultural significance of the original costumes.
At the event, her outfit captured attention, featuring a vintage graphic tee emblazoned with a photograph of the original “Baywatch” cast. Complementing the tee was a stylish black skirt with a cutout design, which she praised her stylist for sourcing. “We had to pay respect to the OG cast, and this was a must-wear for me,” she remarked, demonstrating her appreciation for the show’s historic roots.
Describing her character Trina, Mitchell explained that the role involves a departure from her previous life as a corporate lawyer to one dedicated to saving lives on the beach. The actress stated, “I’ve always felt that ‘Baywatch’ had this heartwarming essence. It combined action with a fresh narrative, and we hope to replicate that charm.” Her comments indicate a desire to retain the core spirit of the original show while introducing new stories and characters.
The timing of the reboot could not be better, according to Mitchell, who believes that the world is in need of uplifting content. “I think we all crave heartwarming stories right now. There’s a current trend towards nostalgia in everything from fashion to media, and ‘Baywatch’ embodies that spirit,” she noted. Her perspective highlights a growing trend in entertainment, where established franchises are being revisited and reimagined for modern audiences.
Fans can expect the “Baywatch” reboot to premiere on Fox in 2027, offering a blend of humour, action, and the nostalgic warmth that originally captured the hearts of viewers. As Mitchell prepares to embrace her role, the anticipation surrounding the series continues to build, setting the stage for a modern take on a beloved classic.
With the return of iconic characters and the emergence of new ones, the show aims to create a balance between honouring its past and engaging today’s audience. As Mitchell stated, “We want to bring back that sense of comfort and fun that ‘Baywatch’ represented.” It seems that both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise are in for an exciting new chapter in the tales of lifeguards at the beach.