Baywatch had its origins as a prime time series on NBC. But after 22 weeks the network, citing marginal ratings pulled the plug, and the series seemed destined to fail. However, what the network failed to recognize was that a quiet yet fiercely loyal core of fans - both in the United States and overseas -- had bonded with David Hasselhoff and the cast.

Fortunately, a newly formed and aggressive independent production and distribution company realized the series' potential. All American Television, headed by global entertainment entrepreneur Tony Scotti, quickly seized the opportunity to sign David Hasselhoff and the show's original production team to an agreement in which "Baywatch" would go back into production and be sold market by market to individual stations in the united States and worldwide. Within weeks, the cameras were rolling again at Will Rogers State Beach near Santa Monica. "Baywatch," a series celebrating the heroics of lifeguards, had been rescued.

The rest is television history. On every continent of the globe -- with the exception of Antarctica -- one billion viewers in more than 110 countries and 195 U.S. cities keep a weekly appointment with the women and men of "Baywatch."

Now in its sixth season of syndication from All American Television, the series -- which Entertainment Weekly calls "the number one show on earth" -- captures the lives, loves and adventures of an elite corps of Los Angeles county Lifeguards including Lt. Mitch Buchannon (David Hasselhoff), Lt. Stephanie Holden (Alexandra Paul), C.J. Parker (Pamela Lee), Logan Fowler (Jaason Simmons), Caroline Holden (Yasmine Bleeth) and Hobie Buchannon (Jeremy Jackson). Hitting the beach again this season is the beautiful and conniving Neely Capshaw (Gena Lee Nolin) and the handsome Olympic hopeful Cody Madison (David Chokachi).

The "Baywatch" craze has burst from the screen and into the homes all around the world with a vast array of products from beach towels and pinball to "Baywatch" Barbie. Throughout it's existence, Baywatch has produced unforgettable television clips, gorgeous images of beach beauties, even a catchy theme song. It also created the Baywatch spin-off "Baywatch Nights." The series that seemed destined to fail now ranks among the top three of all syndicated prime time dramas and its global popularity continues to grow.