Netflix is reportedly bidding on the Radford Lot, the longtime home base of Big Brother. CBS has broadcast the American-based version of this series since its debut on July 5, 2000. They relocated filming to this lot during Season 6, where it has lived ever since. But hey, one network’s loss is another’s gain (maybe). Here’s what we know.
The streamer is in “final talks” to purchase the LA lot for around $330 million
The Radford Lot, officially known as Radford Studio Center, is one of the most renowned production facilities in Los Angeles, California. It has been in operation since 1928, hosting many iconic series. In addition to Big Brother, these series include Gunsmoke, Seinfeld, Leave It to Beaver, Gilligan’s Island, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show, and Will & Grace. And now, Netflix is in talks to acquire this 2.4 million square foot complex.
However, this wouldn’t be the first time the Radford Studio Center has changed hands. As Variety reported, Hackman Capital Partners purchased this complex from ViacomCBS for $1.85 billion in 2021. But shortly after, in 2022, the markets started shifting. There was a sharp decline in film and television production. As a result, Hackman Capital Partners defaulted on its $1.1 billion mortgage for this complex.
Netflix already has a presence in LA, including several leased studio spaces. Should this purchase go through, it would grant them an additional full production campus, complete with 22 soundstages, office buildings, and more.
That said, according to Entertainment Now, neither CBS, Netflix, nor the studio has spoken about what this sale might mean for the Big Brother series. As fans know, Big Brother typically premieres in early July. But, as of now, no details regarding the cast, theme, or release date have been announced.
Big Brother is streaming on Paramount+.
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