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Netflix is moving closer to a major real estate decision in Los Angeles as it prepares for the end of its current studio lease. With its ten year agreement at Sunset Bronson Studios set to expire
later this year, the streaming company is now in negotiations to purchase the historic Radford Studio Center in Studio City. The property is owned by Hackman Capital Partners, and discussions are reportedly ongoing as both sides explore what one source described as a strong opportunity at the right price.
The timing of these talks is significant. Netflix has relied heavily on its Sunset Bronson base for production operations, but with the lease nearing its conclusion, the company appears focused on securing a long term solution that supports its growing content needs. Acquiring a major studio lot would give Netflix more control over production space, scheduling, and infrastructure, which have become increasingly important in a competitive entertainment landscape.
Radford Studio Center presents an appealing option. The nearly one hundred year old campus includes twenty two soundstages and carries a deep legacy in television and film history. Over the decades, it has hosted some of the most recognizable productions in the industry. Classic television shows such as Seinfeld, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and That 70s Show were filmed there. Even earlier in its history, the lot was home to creative figures like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton during its time as Mack Sennett Studio. This blend of historical significance and existing production capacity adds to its value.
The property has also seen recent changes in ownership and development plans. Previously known as CBS Studio Center, it was owned by Viacom before being sold in 2021 to Hackman Capital Partners and Square Mile Capital Management for 1.85 billion dollars. Two years later, the new owners announced an ambitious plan to invest around 1 billion dollars into modernizing the facility. The proposal included upgrades to soundstages, new production and office spaces, sustainability initiatives, preservation of historic elements, and improvements to transportation infrastructure. However, those plans did not move forward.
For Netflix, stepping into this situation could represent both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, the studio already offers a large scale production environment with a proven track record. On the other hand, any acquisition might involve revisiting or reshaping the previously announced redevelopment vision.
As negotiations continue, the potential deal highlights a broader shift in how streaming companies approach physical production space. Rather than relying solely on leased facilities, owning a major studio lot could provide long term stability and flexibility. For Netflix, the decision will likely come down to whether Radford Studio Center aligns with its future production strategy and financial priorities.
With its lease deadline approaching, the company appears to be weighing its options carefully. If the deal moves forward, it could mark a significant step in Netflix’s evolution from a digital streaming platform into a fully integrated production powerhouse rooted in Hollywood’s historic studio system.
