February 2000 – BBC
Lifeguard drama Baywatch is looking for rescue itself – after its producers hit financial trouble in its new home of Hawaii.
Creator and executive producer Greg Bonnan is asking the state government for $2.5m to help it out of a budget deficit which he says could put the show out of business.
He said the crisis stems from a 50% drop in revenue for the show’s owners, UK-owned Pearson Television.
Bonnan explained: “The situation is awful right now. If we can’t get assistance from the state, there’s no chance the show is coming back. Baywatch will be out of business, forever.”
The show – shown in 148 countries worldwide – moved to Hawaii from Los Angeles last year after a high-profile bidding war between Hawaii and the Australian state of Queensland.
Hawaii offered producers $3m to move the show, now called Baywatch Hawaii, as well as free air fares, hotels and car rentals. Local businesses also offered help, with the move expected to generate $35m of publicity over the next two years.
