Beaches, rescues, red swimsuits – and around 125 people behind the camera. Jhamal Robinson, Head of US Production – Scripted & Unscripted at Fremantle, joins RTL stories – The podcast to talk about the new Baywatch.

“You have to respect what people remember”

Everyone has their own image of Baywatch – the coastline, the lifeguards, the water and, of course, the red swimsuits. For Jhamal, bringing the iconic series back means finding the balance between respecting that legacy and creating something for today.

“You can’t simply recreate the ’90s,” he says. He also reflects on working with members of the original creative team and a new generation of talent to bring the world of Baywatch back to screen.

“There’s about 125 people behind that camera”

A rescue at the water’s edge may look simple on screen, but behind it is a much bigger production machine. Jhamal explains that a scene involving just two people can have around 125 crew members working behind the camera, preparing everything from the current shot to what comes next.

Technology is increasingly part of that process too. Jhamal discusses how AI can help production teams build a clearer picture earlier, bringing together information on schedules, locations and even weather patterns.

“A strong team tells the truth quickly”

Beyond the scale of Baywatch, the conversation also offers a glimpse into Jhamal’s approach to leadership. His rule is simple: “Mess up, fess up, fix it.” Mistakes happen, he says, but strong teams raise problems early, solve them together and move forward.

That philosophy also shapes how he communicates. “Context is where I start,” he explains. Rather than simply telling people what to do, he wants them to understand why something needs to happen.

Also in this episode:

• How working across both scripted and unscripted production has shaped Jhamal’s career
• The unexpected moment he spotted American media personality and actor Noah Beck waiting to audition for Baywatch
• Why Jhamal says he can no longer watch television without thinking about what is happening behind the camera

Listen to the full episode and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

About Baywatch

Debuting in 1989, the beachside action drama ran for 11 seasons, travelled to more than 200 countries and became one of the most widely watched television shows in the world. Its red swimsuits, slow-motion rescues and Southern California coastline remain instantly recognisable decades later. Now, more than 25 years after its final season, Baywatch is heading back to television. Fremantle and Fox Entertainment are co-producing 12 new episodes for Fox in the US, scheduled for the 2026/27 season.