Oklahoma is making a bold play to cement itself as a major player in the film and television industry, building on the success of its $30 million annual rebate program. With a growing roster of productions—from Hollywood blockbusters to independent features—state officials are pushing to expand incentives, ensuring that Oklahoma continues to attract top-tier talent and high-profile projects.

State leaders, including Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, are championing increased investment in the industry, positioning Oklahoma as a competitive hub for film and TV production. “We’ve really become a hub in the United States of America when it comes to film and television production,” Pinnell told FOX 25. “The storytellers coming here are shaping the vision and values for future generations. We’re doing that right here in Oklahoma.”

A New Focus: Bringing Sitcoms Home From Hollywood

On Monday, lawmakers introduced House Bill 2110, which proposes renaming the Compete with Canada Film Act to the Bringing Sitcoms Home From Hollywood Act. The bill would shift the state’s incentive program to focus specifically on live audience episodic television, opening the door for sitcoms and other multi-camera productions to relocate to Oklahoma.

Under the new bill, eligible productions would qualify for up to a 30% rebate on documented expenditures, with a minimum production budget requirement of $200,000. This move is part of a larger strategy to diversify Oklahoma’s production pipeline, creating long-term job opportunities and encouraging studios to establish permanent roots in the state.

Legislators Debate the Long-Term Economic Impact

During Monday’s hearing in the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Natural Resources, lawmakers discussed the economic impact of the proposed incentive expansion. Rep. Rob Hall (R-Tulsa) raised questions about the effectiveness of industry-specific tax breaks, asking why Oklahoma should prioritize film incentives over rebates for other industries.

Rep. Mike Osburn, the bill’s author, defended the proposal, emphasizing the long-term goal of establishing a sustainable industry. “The difference here is that we’re setting up an industry in Oklahoma,” Osburn explained. “We’re trying to build something from the ground up, and these incentives are crucial to attracting productions that will create jobs and generate revenue for the state.”

A Growing Production Hub in the Heartland

Oklahoma’s film industry has already generated hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact, fueling job growth and investment across the state. With an expanding soundstage infrastructure, diverse landscapes, and competitive tax incentives, the Sooner State is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for filmmakers looking beyond traditional hubs like California, Georgia, and New Mexico.

If House Bill 2110 is approved, Oklahoma could soon find itself hosting major network sitcoms and episodic television—a category that has long remained concentrated in Los Angeles. By securing a foothold in this market, the state would not only continue to attract high-profile productions but also establish itself as a permanent force in the U.S. film and television landscape.

The bill is still in its early stages, but one thing is clear: Oklahoma isn’t just competing—it’s aiming to redefine where Hollywood makes its next big move.