Baywatch to Pop onto US cable

US cable net Pop has done a deal for classic lifeguard drama Baywatch.

Pop, which is owned by CBS and Lionsgate and was formerly known as the TV Guide Network, has acquired 176 episodes of the US series, which ran for a decade in first-run syndication in the US and was also sold around the world.

The series is distributed by FremantleMedia International, which struck the deal.

FremantleMedia predecessor Pearson Television coproduced the series, which ran for one season on NBC before it was cancelled and subsequently kept alive on US syndicated TV in the early 1990s. As a result, FMI is the rights holder.

FremantleMedia has continued to notch North American and international sales for the show in the years since it went off air.

Caroline Kusser, senior VP sales and distribution, FremantleMedia North America said: “We’re delighted to be working with Pop to bring this much loved cult classic back to TV screens.

“Iconic characters, explosive storylines and of course, those famous red bathing suits ignited a huge global fan base and I’ve no doubt its return is set to become staple viewing this summer.”