David Hasselhoff, Peter Cetera, Jimi Jamison, & Cory Lerios
Series Premiere
January 13, 1990
Series Finale
May 14, 2001
Episodes / Seasons
241 Episodes (11 Seasons)
Network
NBC / Syndication
Genre
Action-Adventure Drama
Theme Song Lyrics (I’ll Be Ready)
Some people stand in the darkness
Afraid to step into the light
Some people need to help somebody
When the edge of surrender’s in sight
Don’t you worry
It’s gonna be all right
Cause I’m always ready
I won’t let you outta my sight
I’ll be ready, I’ll be ready
Whenever you fear, no, don’t you fear
I’ll be ready
Forever and always, I’m always here
In us we all have the power
But sometimes it’s so hard to see
That instinct is stronger than reason
But it’s just human nature to me
Don’t you worry,
It’s gonna be all right
Cause I’m always ready
I won’t let you outta my sight
I’ll be ready, I’ll be ready
Whenever you fear, no, don’t you fear
I’ll be ready
Forever and always, I’m always here
Behind the Tune: Meaning & Story
The theme for Baywatch, titled “I’ll Be Ready,” is an iconic piece of music co-composed by David Hasselhoff and Peter Cetera. The series followed the thrilling lives of lifeguards patrolling the sunny beaches of Southern California and later Hawaii, eventually becoming a global sensation.
Originally premiering on January 13, 1990, the show ran for a total of 11 seasons and 241 episodes. While it began on NBC, it found its true success in syndication, eventually rebranding as Baywatch: Hawaii for its final two seasons. With its picturesque settings and heroic themes, it achieved significant popularity worldwide.
The song’s lyrics reflect the show’s core message of vigilance and rescue. Over the years, “I’ll Be Ready” has become a cultural phenomenon, synonymous with the adventurous spirit of beach life and the nostalgia of the 1990s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who performed the vocals for the Baywatch theme?
The most famous version of “I’ll Be Ready” was performed by Jimi Jamison, the lead singer of the rock band Survivor.
Was “I’ll Be Ready” the only theme song used?
No. During the first season on NBC, the theme song was “Save Me” by Peter Cetera. “I’ll Be Ready” was introduced when the show moved into syndication.
Is there a connection to the show “Baywatch: Hawaii”?
Yes, “Baywatch: Hawaii” was the rebranding of the original series for seasons 10 and 11, reflecting the change in filming location.
