Shay Mitchell just made her boldest style move yet — and it involves a red swimsuit, a lifeguard tower, and a comeback to the screen that has everyone talking. The Pretty Little Liars icon was spotted on Venice Beach on March 18, 2026, filming the highly anticipated Baywatch reboot for Fox, suited up in the franchise's legendary red one-piece. And yes, she looked absolutely incredible.
Photo via Reality Tea
From Rosewood to Venice Beach
Spencer Hastings would never, but Shay Mitchell absolutely will. The actress best known for playing Emily Fields in Pretty Little Liars has been keeping herself in the spotlight since the show wrapped — building BÉIS travel (yes, the luggage brand you've seen everywhere), hosting the hit podcast Bite This, and dropping workout content that makes everyone rethink their gym routine. But joining the Baywatch 2026 reboot? That's the glow-up we did not know we needed.
Photos from the Venice Beach filming set show Mitchell mid-action — literally jumping off a lifeguard tower in the iconic red one-piece — doing her own stunts and fully committing to the role. The scene had fans absolutely losing it on social media, with comments flooding in about how naturally she inhabits the Baywatch energy. If there's ever been a real-life "main character moment," this is it.
The Red Swimsuit Moment We're Still Thinking About
Photo via Yahoo Entertainment
Let's talk about the red swimsuit itself. The classic Baywatch one-piece is cut high on the hips, fitted through the torso, and somehow manages to be both athletic and undeniably glamorous. It's the kind of swimwear that reads "I'm here to save lives" and "I woke up like this" simultaneously. Mitchell wore it like she was born for the role — relaxed, confident, and completely in her element.
She joins a stacked cast that includes Stephen Amell, Hassie Harrison, and fellow newcomers Brooks Nader and Livvy Dunne. You can check out the full Baywatch 2026 cast's red swimwear moments here, and Livvy Dunne's Baywatch debut here — but it's clear from set photos that Mitchell is stepping into that lifeguard tower with her whole chest.
Get the Look: Bold Beach Confidence
Photo via The Fashion Spot
Okay so we can't all film on Venice Beach in a lifeguard-issued one-piece (unfortunately). But the energy Shay Mitchell is bringing — bold, fearless, totally unapologetic beach confidence — is absolutely achievable. And it doesn't require a Hollywood budget.
The key to the Baywatch aesthetic is swimwear that actually does something: a defined silhouette, a pop of color, and a fit that makes you feel like the main character. Audi Swim's Bow Babe Contrast Top in Black ($24.99) paired with the Bow Babe Contrast Bottoms in Black ($24.99) brings that same high-impact beach energy — clean, confident, and completely bold.
If you want to channel Shay's "life's too short, jump off the tower" vibe in something that really pops, the Bow Babe Pink Top ($24.99) + Bow Babe Pink Bottoms ($24.99) delivers serious statement energy for under $50.
The PLL-to-Baywatch Pipeline
What's most compelling about Shay Mitchell joining Baywatch is how natural it actually feels. She's been living the coastal lifestyle content game for years — her travel and beach content on Instagram and YouTube is some of the most genuinely aspirational stuff out there. She's not just playing a lifeguard; she's already been that person off-screen. The camera on Venice Beach just made it official.
Mitchell has spoken openly about how important body confidence and physical strength are to her since becoming a mom in 2019. The Baywatch role feels like a culmination of that journey — using her platform and her body on her own terms, in a role that's equal parts action hero and style icon. That's a vibe worth celebrating.
For more bold swimwear inspiration, check out our 2026 Guide to the Boldest Bikini Styles and our Beach Cover-Up Guide for everything you need to go from beach to bar.
Shay Mitchell in a red swimsuit on Venice Beach is the spring 2026 content we didn't know we needed — but now that we have it, we're not letting it go. Jump off the tower. Wear the bold bikini. Main character energy is always in season.
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