“Running Point,” a sports comedy series on Netflix. It premiered on February 27, 2025, and has quickly gained attention. The show follows Isla Gordon, played by Kate Hudson, a reformed party girl who unexpectedly becomes the president of her family’s professional basketball team, the fictional Los Angeles Waves.
Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen and Elaine Ko created the series, which stars Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Justin Theroux, Max Greenfield, Jay Ellis and Chet Hanks.
The plot revolves around Isla navigating the male-dominated world of sports management, attempting to prove herself to her suspicious brothers, the team’s board and the larger sports community. It’s partially based on the real-life experiences of Jeanie Buss, the Los Angeles Lakers’ president and executive producer. The show combines humor, family dynamics, and a fish-out-of-water story, and has been compared to “Ted Lasso” for its feel-good sports comedy mood, however it leans more toward workplace satire.
“Running Point” has been well-received, hitting the 1 spot on Netflix’s U.S. charts shortly after release and earning a second season renewal by March 6, 2025. But, where was Running Point filmed? In this article, we’ll go over the Running Point filming sites, giving you a behind-the-scenes peek at the breathtaking scenery that brought the story to life.
Where Was Running Point Filmed?
Running Point was filmed almost entirely in Los Angeles, including spots like the UCLA Health Training Center and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, to keep that authentic basketball vibe. Let’s explore all filming sites in detail.
Los Angeles
Running Point was filmed almost entirely in Los Angeles, which was a very intentional decision. According to The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner David Stassen explained that the plan was always to shoot in Los Angeles. He specifically cited the need for a greater focus on filming in the city, especially in light of events such as the devastating wildfires. Stassen said, “Shooting at UCLA Health Training Center was a game-changer—it’s where the pros train, and it made our scenes feel legit.”
This decision also supported the show’s sense of authenticity, as nearly all of the locations in the series are genuine L.A. spots. The show prominently features well-known places such as:
- UCLA Health Training Center—Used for scenes showcasing team practices and training sessions.
- Los Angeles Athletic Club – Featured in several moments throughout the series, highlighting the team’s off-court interactions.
- Ritz-Carlton Hotel—Used for office meetings and key discussions involving the team’s executives.
The decision to film in real-life Los Angeles locations adds to the show’s immersive experience, making viewers feel like they are truly inside the world of professional basketball. Hudson added, “Filming at The Ritz-Carlton felt like Isla’s world—glam but intense.”
Trivia: Iron Man 2 shot there too, adding some Hollywood sparkle.
Glasgow, Scotland
Although almost all of Running Point was filmed in Los Angeles, there was one notable exception. The exterior of the Los Angeles Waves’ stadium in the show was actually a shot of the OVO Hydro arena in Glasgow, Scotland. While no full-fledged scenes were filmed in Scotland, the use of this exterior shot helped establish the grandeur of the Waves’ fictional home court.
Stassen explained, “We grabbed the OVO Hydro shot for the stadium exterior—it’s a small cheat, but the rest is pure LA.”
This small but significant detail adds an interesting twist to the filming process, proving that sometimes, even a Los Angeles-based show needs a little international touch!
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When Did the Filming of Running Point Take Place?
Filming for Running Point started in February 2024 and wrapped up by May 17, 2024. That’s a tight four-month window to get it all done, just in time for its 2025 Netflix debut. Quick and efficient—LA style!
Running Point Behind The Scenes
The Running Point cast and crew thoroughly enjoyed bringing the series to life. Kate Hudson took basketball lessons to make her scenes more authentic, while Chet Hanks spent time training with real players to prepare for his role as a cocky yet talented point guard. Director Amy Poehler encouraged improvisation, allowing for natural and hilarious moments that give the series its unique charm.
Filming basketball game scenes was among the toughest tasks. Working with actual athletes, the production crew made sure the on-court action appeared as authentic as it could have. Special camera rigs captured dynamic game footage, giving the spectator a courtside feel.
Running Point Official Trailer
If you haven’t watched the trailer yet, check it out here:
Netflix’s Running Point is more than simply a sports comedy; it’s a unique take on leadership, family, and overcoming stereotypes. Whether you’re a basketball lover or simply enjoy a good comedic drama, this series is a must-see!
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