Seventeen television projects have been selected to receive awards through California’s expanded Film and Television Tax Credit Program, Governor Gavin Newsom announced. The initiative is expected to generate $1.2 billion in economic activity across the state.
This round of tax credits brings the total economic impact from the first two TV application periods under Program 4.0 to more than $2.5 billion. The program aims to keep entertainment jobs in California and attract long-running, high-value television series back to the state.
“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 latest group of projects is projected to employ approximately 5,165 cast and crew members and 35,946 background performers over about 1,000 filming days statewide. Qualified in-state spending for this round is estimated at $902 million, including $487 million in wages.
Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission, stated: “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.”
Among shows relocating production back to California are “The Night Agent” season 4 (from New York), “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” season 2 (from New Jersey), and “Baywatch,” which will return for its twelfth year on television after filming previously outside California. Together these three productions are anticipated to hire nearly 1,000 local cast and crew members with $116 million attributed to qualified wages.
Rob Wade, CEO of FOX Entertainment commented: “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… 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.”
Matt Nix, Executive Producer and Showrunner for Baywatch added: “I’m excited and honored to be running this iconic show… I wanted to be a part of bringing filming back to California and showing the beauty and possibility of this incredible place… Baywatch was born in Los Angeles. I’m so glad we can bring it home again.”
Christian Vesper from Fremantle said: “Baywatch has long been a valued part of Fremantle’s portfolio… We are thrilled to receive support from the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program… Being allowed to bring this next chapter home where it belongs is very exciting.”
Returning productions such as “Fallout” will continue filming their new seasons in California; season three alone represents $166.3 million in qualified spending—21% higher than its previous season—with $89.5 million allocated toward wages.
Jonathan Nolan—director/writer/producer for Fallout season three—said: “California has always dreamed in cinema… We are incredibly proud to be shooting here and investing that money back into the place that gave so many of us our start.”
Other returning recipients include “Blood Ties” Season 2 & “Lot Patrol” Season 2 (Imani Media Group) as well as Netflix’s “Forever” Season 2.
Mara Brock Akil (Executive Producer for Forever) noted: “I’ve been part of California’s film incentive program since its inception… This show is both a love story and a love letter to Los Angeles—the city that raised me… Working with world-class crews while keeping jobs in my community–that’s not just filmmaking; that’s legacy.”
Producer Manny Halley added: “Our continued partnership with the California Film Commission allows us to keep our film and television productions in the state… We now have four TV series so 2026 will be a busy year for us…”
Additionally included among new awardees are four new TV series, two pilots as well as two NBC Universal projects (“The Paper” & “Dig”) approved under a separate Soundstage Tax Credit Program; these eight projects expect over 2,200 hires totaling $136 million in qualified wages across more than 345 filming days.
