EXCLUSIVE : Fox is doubling down on its commitment to Rescue: HI-Surf , picking up seven additional episodes of the Hawaii-set lifeguard drama from Warner Bros. Television, Fox Entertainment and John Wells Productions. The back order brings Rescue HI-Surf ‘s first season, which will air in 2024-25, to 19 episodes.

The network has been high on the project — which marks ER and The West Wing alum Wells’ broadcast return — from the get-go, giving it a straight-to-series order last April and envisioning it as a potential franchise.

Earlier this year, as the series, delayed by the strikes, started production on O’ahu, Fox ordered seven back-up scripts, I hear.

The first two episodes, written by series showrunner Matt Kester and directed by Wells, were delivered last week and were received very well by the network for the authenticity of its portrayal of first responders on Hawaii’s North Shore while also testing high. Based on that, the on-screen chemistry of the cast and the strength of the scripts from the original order as well as the backup ones, a decision was made to order additional 7 episodes, I hear. Triggering the pickup now would allow the series to stay in continuous production, making it more efficient financially.

Rescue HI-Surf is an action-packed drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu — the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.

The series stars Robbie Magasiva, Arielle Kebbel, Adam Demos, Kekoa Kekumano, Alex Aiono, Zoe Cipres and Sea Shimooka.

Kester executive produce with JWP’s Wells, Erin Jontow and Daniele Nathanson.