Seventeen television projects have been selected to receive funding from California’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program, Governor Gavin Newsom announced. The projects, including a new version of Baywatch and the relocated series The Night Agent, are expected to generate $1.2 billion in economic activity statewide.
With this latest round, the total impact from the first two rounds of TV funding under Program 4.0 has reached more than $2.5 billion. The state aims to retain and expand its entertainment workforce while encouraging high-value productions to remain in California.
“California’s creative economy isn’t just part of who we are — it helps power this state forward. From the folks on the soundstage to the people designing the sets, these are jobs that anchor communities. And when we make smart investments like our film tax credit, we’re keeping talent here at home, supporting good-paying union jobs, and strengthening an industry that defines the California brand. I’m proud to see the return of Baywatch where it belongs — on sunny California shores, creating jobs and fueling the very entertainment economy that sets this state apart,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
The selected projects are projected to employ about 5,165 cast and crew members as well as 35,946 background performers (measured in days worked) across 1,000 filming days throughout California. This second round for TV projects under Program 4.0 is estimated to bring $902 million in qualified spending within the state, including $487 million in wages.
“California continues to prove that when we invest in our creative workforce, the industry invests right back in us. These series aren’t just coming home, they’re bringing thousands of jobs, hundreds of millions in wages, and long-term economic value to our state. The momentum we’re seeing is exactly what this program was designed to deliver,” said Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission.
Several shows will relocate their production from other states or countries to California due to these incentives. These include The Night Agent season 4 (from New York), Mr. and Mrs. Smith season 2 (from New Jersey), and Baywatch (from Hawaii and international locations). Combined, these three series are set to provide nearly 1,000 jobs for local cast and crew with $116 million allocated for qualified wages.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to work alongside our partners at the California Film Commission to create an economically sustainable path for keeping a production like Baywatch – so spectacularly tied to this great city and state – right here in Los Angeles,” said Rob Wade, CEO of FOX Entertainment. “We’re especially grateful for the tremendous support from the many public officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who championed this effort, State Senator Ben Allen, State Assemblymember Rick Zbur, L.A. City Councilwoman Traci Park and L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. This collaboration between government and entertainment truly shows what’s possible when we work together to support local jobs and economic growth, while showcasing the stunning California coast for audiences around the world.”
“I’m excited and honored to be running this iconic show. I started the job in the wake of the California wildfires that devastated the coast and nearly destroyed my house,” stated Matt Nix, Baywatch Executive Producer and Showrunner. “I was inspired by the heroism of the first responders who fought to save our community, and I wanted to be a part of bringing filming back to California and showing the beauty and possibility of this incredible place. I’m grateful for the support of my partners and Fremantle and Fox and for the support of the California Film Commission. Baywatch was born in Los Angeles. I’m so glad we can bring it home again.”
Christian Vesper, CEO Global Drama at Fremantle added: “Baywatch has long been a valued part of Fremantle’s portfolio and continues to be one of the most iconic television series worldwide. We are thrilled to receive support from the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Baywatch’s home has always been the iconic California coast. Being allowed to bring this next chapter home where it belongs is very exciting.”
Returning shows such as Fallout will continue production in California with increased investment compared with previous seasons; Fallout Season 3 alone accounts for $166 million in qualified spending—21% higher than last season—and nearly $90 million directed toward wages.
“California has always dreamed in cinema. But for far too long we have been letting that dream slip away,” said Jonathan Nolan, Director / Writer / Producer of Fallout season 3. “We are so grateful to the film crews, state legislators, and everyone who took a stand to protect the creative economy and future of California.” He added appreciation for being able “to invest that money back into” his home state.
Other returning projects include Blood Ties Season 2 & Lot Patrol Season 2 (Imani Media Group) as well as Forever Season 2 (Netflix).
“I’ve been part of California’s film incentive program since its inception and continuing FOREVER here for Season 2 means everything…This show is both a love story and a love letter to Los Angeles— the city that raised me,” stated Mara Brock Akil.
Manny Halley from Blood Ties/Lot Patrol commented: “Our continued partnership with the California Film Commission allows us to keep our film productions in [the] state…We now have four TV series so 2026 will be a busy year…we’re super excited.”
In addition to established series relocating or expanding investment within California’s borders—four new television series plus two pilots were approved during this batch along with two new NBC Universal shows under a related soundstage incentive program: The Paper and Dig.
These eight projects are expected collectively to hire over 2,200 cast/crew members with approximately $136 million paid out as qualified wages over more than 345 filming days.
