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When you think of Australian actors who have had their big Hollywood break, it’s almost always guaranteed their career began with a brief stint on Home & Away.
Just think of Chris Hemsworth, Margot Robbie and Naomi Watts, to name a few, who have all appeared on the Aussie soap at one point or another.
Among them is Sex/Life star Adam Demos – though his cameo was far more short-lived than the rest (he appeared for just one episode to be exact).
And while it’s been over a decade since Adam graced the sands of Summer Bay, it seems the Wollongong native is going back to his roots with a new beachside series.
Titled Rescue: HI-Surf, the new action-packed series stars the Aussie as one of many lifeguards tasked with keeping the North Shore of O’ahu safe.
“I’m having my version [of Home & Away] over here now, so it’s all good,” Adam tells ELLE Australia over Zoom in his Los Angeles home.
Certainly, the surf and rescue series also draws comparisons to the more internationally known Baywatch – but the similarities end there according to Adam.
“I can understand why people say it because it’s a lifeguard show and at times we’re running around in red shorts,” he says, “but this show is so different on so many levels – it shows you the lifestyle and culture of the people in the North Shore and it’s showing extreme rescues.”
“When people tune in, they’ll be pleasantly surprised that it’s something more than what they thought they were going to get,” he adds. “And look, Baywatch was a big deal back in the day, so it’s no slight on that either. I just think it’s a completely different show.”
What Is ‘Rescue: HI-Surf’ About?
Ahead of its Australian release, ELLE Australia was given a sneak peek at the series with access to the first four episodes of Rescue: HI-Surf, and we were left desperate for more.
Right off the bat, we’re introduced to several heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu – each as compelling as the next.
We have the stern Sonny (Robbie Magasiva) at the helm, and his main team of lifeguards consisting of hopeless party boy Laka (Kekoa Kekumano), and second-in-command Em (Arielle Kebbel).
They’re soon joined by two rookies; Kainalu (Alex Aiono) and Hina (Zoe Cipres), who are both eager to prove themselves on the team.
And then there’s the stoic Will, played by Adam Demos, who is trying to balance a romantic history with his coworker Em while being engaged to someone else.
“Not only is he great at what he does as a lifeguard, but then it was cool to play the dynamic on the personal level with Em,” Adam says.
The solution to getting out of this messy love triangle? Switching careers and becoming a firefighter instead.
“He’s trying to find a job that can keep him in the North Shore that he’s excited about, but also to get him away. As cool as his fiancée is, she can only go so cool when you’re working with your ex in those quarters.”
To his fiancée’s credit, the two are stuck in a tower all day, wearing nothing but bikinis and shorts… so yes, we wouldn’t be cool with that either.
“You can tell it’s not easy for him either – he loves Julie, but he is in love with Em. And Em’s the love of his life… but they separated for a reason,” he says.
“But then you work together too, so you put this tension – this romantic tension. The will they or won’t they, and then they’re rescuing people and putting their lives on the line together.”
The backstories and layers of the characters add to the thrill of the series because the excitement isn’t just limited to the water, but rather it’s spilling all over the workplace too.
Where Is ‘Rescue: HI-Surf’ Filmed?
Rescue: HI-Surf was filmed exactly where it’s set; the North Shore of O’ahu in Hawaii – otherwise known as the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world.
“Matt Kerr, the showrunner, is from the North Shore and his best friends are these lifeguards, and he’s so passionate about it. He just wanted to make a show that represented the community and also these individuals themselves who put their lives on the line,” Adam explains.
The setting also plays a big part in the types of rescues we see play out, including everything from jellyfish stings to people getting lost at sea.
Where Can I Watch ‘Rescue: HI-Surf’ In Australia
Rescue: HI-Surf will be available to stream from October 22 on Binge in Australia, so sign up here to watch it.
“I’m always stoked to work, but this is something I’m really proud of and I’m excited for it to be on Binge in Australia because basically everyone’s got that,” Adams says.
“I know my mum certainly has it because this is coming out soon,” he laughs.
Stream Rescue: HI-Surf on Binge from $10/mth, with a 7-day free trial.
The post Adam Demos Is Starring In A New Lifeguard Drama, But Says It’s Nothing Like ‘Baywatch’ appeared first on ELLE.