Brooks Nader, Livvy Dunne, and their crew are being heralded as the stars of a “Baywatch” reboot that’s supposedly the hottest thing on the market. But let’s cut through the fluff for a moment. This isn’t just about sun, sand, and sexy swimsuits—it’s about how mainstream media, particularly outlets like CNN and even the sensational tabloids, are packaging this as some sort of cultural revival. They’ve turned a nostalgic series into clickbait, presenting it as groundbreaking when it’s merely old tropes wrapped in a shiny new bow.

These networks are masters at spinning narratives that fuel a certain agenda. Sure, showcasing attractive young people in swimwear grabs attention, but what does that say about our media consumption? Are we really that starved for substance that we can only latch onto the superficial? It must be comforting for these corporations to know they can rely on sheer visual appeal to mask any lack of substance as the audience gobbles it up like candy.

Meanwhile, the actual talent involved could be getting overshadowed by the unending focus on their looks. Not a new practice in Hollywood, but it’s deeply concerning that we’re pushing this regressive narrative under the guise of entertainment. We should be asking who benefits from this aesthetic-driven approach—certainly not the audience, who deserves more than flash and dazzle. As CNN or Fox News crank up the hype cycle, let’s remain skeptical, aware that behind the slick marketing campaign lies the same tired industry playbook.