10 Shows & Movies Like Baywatch (1989)

Description: Lifeguard is a direct precursor to Baywatch, focusing on the professional and personal lives of lifeguards. Like Baywatch, it combines rescue operations with interpersonal drama and romance, set against a beach backdrop. The film's emphasis on the lifeguard profession makes it a thematic sibling to Baywatch.

Fact: Lifeguard stars Sam Elliott as a veteran lifeguard questioning his career choices. The film was directed by Daniel Petrie. It offers a more serious take on the lifeguard profession compared to Baywatch's more glamorous approach.

Description: CHiPs is similar to Baywatch (1989) in its focus on action-packed rescue missions and the camaraderie among first responders. Both shows feature attractive leads in uniform, high-energy sequences, and a mix of drama and lighthearted moments. The sunny California setting and episodic storytelling also align with Baywatch's style.

Fact: CHiPs was created by Rick Rosner and starred Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox as California Highway Patrol officers. The show was known for its realistic motorcycle stunts. It ran for six seasons and became one of the most popular shows of the late 1970s.

Description: Magnum, P.I. shares Baywatch's sunny setting (Hawaii vs. California), action-packed plots, and charismatic lead (Tom Selleck as Magnum, David Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon). Both shows balance crime-solving with personal drama and feature a strong sense of location.

Fact: Magnum, P.I. was created by Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson. Tom Selleck's role made him a TV icon. The show ran for eight seasons and won multiple Emmy Awards.

Description: Knight Rider shares Baywatch's blend of action, technology (KITT the car vs. Baywatch's rescue equipment), and a lone hero (Michael Knight vs. Mitch Buchannon) fighting for justice. Both shows have a nostalgic, 1980s action-TV vibe and episodic storytelling.

Fact: Knight Rider was created by Glen A. Larson. It starred David Hasselhoff, who later became the face of Baywatch. The talking car, KITT, was voiced by William Daniels.

Description: Miami Vice shares Baywatch's glamorous portrayal of its setting (Miami's beaches vs. Baywatch's California coast), featuring attractive leads in stylish attire. Both shows blend action with personal drama and have a distinctive visual style—Miami Vice with its pastel colors and Baywatch with its slow-motion running scenes.

Fact: Miami Vice was created by Anthony Yerkovich and produced by Michael Mann. The show was famous for its fashion, music, and use of contemporary pop songs. It starred Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as undercover detectives.

Description: 21 Jump Street shares Baywatch's blend of action and youthful appeal, focusing on young, attractive law enforcement officers. Both shows were syndicated hits that capitalized on their stars' popularity (Johnny Depp for 21 Jump Street, David Hasselhoff for Baywatch) and featured episodic crime-solving narratives.

Fact: 21 Jump Street launched Johnny Depp's career. The show was created by Stephen J. Cannell and Patrick Hasburgh. It originally aired on Fox and was one of the network's first hits.

Description: Hunter is similar to Baywatch in its action-crime procedural format, featuring a charismatic lead (Fred Dryer as Hunter, Hasselhoff as Buchannon) and a mix of serious and lighthearted moments. Both shows were staples of 1980s action TV and featured strong, heroic protagonists.

Fact: Hunter starred Fred Dryer, a former NFL player. The show was created by Frank Lupo. It ran for seven seasons and was known for its gritty action sequences.

Description: Emergency! parallels Baywatch in its focus on first responders (paramedics and firefighters vs. lifeguards) and their heroic rescues. Both shows mix action with personal stories and emphasize teamwork. The procedural format and dramatic rescue sequences are key similarities.

Fact: Emergency! was created by Robert A. Cinader and Jack Webb. It starred Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe as paramedics. The show is credited with popularizing the paramedic profession in the U.S.

Description: The Love Boat shares Baywatch's episodic structure, ensemble cast, and mix of romance and light drama. Both shows are set in picturesque locations (a cruise ship vs. a beach) and feature guest stars in standalone storylines. The feel-good, escapist tone is similar.

Fact: The Love Boat was based on a nonfiction book by Jeraldine Saunders. It starred Gavin MacLeod as the ship's captain. The show featured countless celebrity guest stars over its nine-season run.

Description: The A-Team and Baywatch both feature teams of heroes undertaking missions (rescues for Baywatch, mercenary jobs for The A-Team) with a mix of action and humor. Both shows have a larger-than-life quality, memorable characters, and a formulaic but entertaining episodic structure.

Fact: The A-Team was created by Stephen J. Cannell and Frank Lupo. It starred George Peppard, Mr. T, Dirk Benedict, and Dwight Schultz. The show was famous for its catchphrases and over-the-top action.