Fans of Netflix can rejoice over the new sports comedy series, Running Point. Taking place in the bustling backdrop of Los Angeles, viewers might wonder: where was this show really filmed? The talented cast includes Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon, alongside Brenda Song, Scott MacArthur, Max Greenfield, and more. In the storyline, Isla finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the role of president of the fictional basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves, after her brother resigns.
This twist leads Isla into the challenging, predominantly male-oriented world of sports, bringing to light several real-life issues and themes. It’s telling that Running Point is rooted in a true story, yet it maintains a comedic tone that keeps it light and entertaining. The first season has already proved to be a hit, paving the way for a second season to come. The lingering question, however, is: Where were the filming locations for Running Point, and how authentic is its portrayal of Los Angeles?
Los Angeles
Running Point Is Shot Almost Entirely In L.A.
It’s notable that Running Point was filmed primarily in Los Angeles, and this was a deliberate choice. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner David Stassen emphasized that the intent was always to utilize Los Angeles for filming. He mentioned the importance of focusing on local shoots in light of recent events, such as the severe wildfires in the area. This choice reinforces the show’s authenticity, as most locations used for filming are indeed in Los Angeles.
This decision also supported the show’s sense of authenticity, as the locations really were filmed almost exclusively in Los Angeles.
Notable Los Angeles sites featured in Running Point include the UCLA Health Training Center, the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Various scenes, like team practices, Waves games, and office gatherings, were shot at these locations. While almost all of Running Point was based in Los Angeles, there was a notable exception.
Glasgow, Scotland
One Location In Glasgow Was Very Briefly Shown
Besides the stunning Los Angeles locales, there was a singular shot of the OVO Hydro arena in Glasgow, Scotland, used to depict the exterior of the Los Angeles Waves’ arena. While it’s a stretch to label Scotland as an actual filming location for Running Point, it does indicate that not every visual element originated from L.A.
The exterior of the Los Angeles Waves’ stadium in the show was actually a shot of the OVO Hyrdo arena in Glasgow, Scotland.
Nonetheless, the creative team behind Running Point has clearly made an effort to establish an authentic atmosphere throughout the series, predominantly filming in Los Angeles. It will be intriguing to see if season 2 continues down this path, but given the showrunner’s commitment to showcasing L.A., it’s very likely this trend will remain. It’s undeniably impressive that season 1 was almost entirely filmed in the heart of Los Angeles.