Brooks Nader has officially signed on for Fox’s upcoming 12-episode Baywatch reboot, set to air during the 2026-27 television season. The 29-year-old model and producer joined cast and crew for the first table read on Monday, marking the start of production preparations for the highly anticipated series.
Nader’s Role and Career Highlights
Best known for her appearances on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues from 2020 through 2023, where she notably wore the iconic red one-piece swimsuit on the 2023 cover, Nader brings her experience as a swimsuit model and television personality to the reboot. She will play Selene, a sharp-tongued lifeguard captain at Zuma Beach, who frequently clashes with Stephen Amell’s character, Hobie Buchannon, due to their contrasting methods of rescuing people.
Besides modeling, Nader is a producer and star of the reality show Love Thy Nader, which was renewed for a second season on Hulu and Freeform, scheduled for release later this year. Her social media presence boasts over 2.1 million followers, where she regularly shares content highlighting her athletic physique and lifestyle.
Production Details and Cast Overview
The Baywatch revival will be directed by McG for its opening episode, with Matt Nix serving as showrunner. Filming is slated to start this spring in Venice Beach and at the Fox Studio Lot. Along with Nader and Amell, the cast features Jessica Belkin, Thaddeus LaGrone, and David Chokachi, who reprises his role as Cody Madison from the original series.
Another familiar face joining the reboot is Hassie Harrison, known for her work on the Paramount+ western Yellowstone alongside Kevin Costner. She portrayed the character Laramie in Yellowstone from 2020 to 2024. Costner himself will be part of the Baywatch project, reuniting in a new setting with some of his former co-stars.
Connections Between Cast Members and Industry Events
Brooks Nader was recently seen socializing with 71-year-old Oscar-winning actor Kevin Costner during the launch event for Zero Bond at Wynn Las Vegas. Other notable attendees at the VIP dinner hosted by Scott Sartiano included celebrities such as Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Alba, Tom Brady, LeBron James, and social media personality Alix Earle.
Costner, who has been single since his divorce from Christine Baumgartner was finalized in 2024 after nearly two decades of marriage, is expected to bring significant star power to the new Baywatch series alongside emerging talents like Nader.
Brooks Nader’s Personal and Professional Background
Originally from Louisiana, Nader graduated from Tulane University and has a background that blends entertainment, reality TV, and influencing. She formerly dated her Dancing with the Stars partner Gleb Savchenko and Prince Constantine Alexios of Greece and Denmark following her separation from ex-husband Billy Haire, whose divorce was finalized in 2025.
In addition to her producing and acting roles, Nader maintains endorsements with several well-known brands including Samsung Mobile, John Frieda, DoorDash, and Anastasia Beverly Hills, further cementing her status as a versatile figure in the entertainment and influencer arenas.
The Legacy and Impact of Baywatch
The original Baywatch series, famously starring David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, originally aired on NBC in 1990 but was canceled after its first season. However, it found massive success in syndicated reruns, eventually becoming the most-watched television show worldwide despite lukewarm critical reception. This legacy sets high expectations for the reboot, which aims to blend nostalgia with modern storytelling and fresh characters.
The upcoming Baywatch reboot, infused with action and drama set against the backdrop of Venice Beach, is positioned to captivate a new generation while honoring the franchise’s iconic past. With its mix of established stars and new faces, this version could redefine the show’s cultural footprint for the streaming and broadcast era.
