Chet Hanks has unexpectedly taken center stage as the standout star of Netflix's new comedy series, Running Point, where he portrays Travis Bugg, the president of a fictional basketball team. This show features Kate Hudson, alongside Justin Theroux and Max Greenfield, and offers viewers light entertainment during what some are calling "Trough TV" times.
While Running Point is characterized as one of those not-too-great, yet passable shows, it's hard to ignore Hanks's place within it, particularly as audiences grapple with what to watch next. At the heart of the show is Chet Hanks, who is no stranger to the limelight. This is the son of famed actor Tom Hanks and singer-songwriter Rita Wilson, and one may expect his background would serve him well as he attempts to carve out his niche away from his father’s considerable shadow.
Interestingly, Chet's recent rise has included moments of controversy and personal struggle. Hanks was sued for domestic abuse by his ex-girlfriend in 2021, and he has openly discussed his issues with substance abuse, which have plagued him for much of his life. On his Youtube channel, he described fame as "a double-edged sword," noting the perks and pitfalls of being the son of Hollywood royalty. "I'm very blessed. I got to do a lot of cool [expletive]..." he admits, yet he reflects on the unwanted attention and misconceptions stemming from his father's fame.
Perhaps what makes Hanks's performance as Travis Bugg particularly compelling is how he manages to capture the complex experience of being both privileged and burdened by the expectations associated with his lineage. He channels his unique traits, honed from his experiences, including some poignant lines like: "Is it cool if I vape?" during decidedly awkward moments, introducing humor amid the show’s family-centric theme.
Of note is the integral role his family plays not just off-camera but on-screen as well. Chet shares scenes with Kate Hudson, whose mother, Goldie Hawn, is another titan of the entertainment world. The blending of these famous lineages contributes to the show’s meta-narrative, subtly pointing to the often absurd world of celebrity and family dynamics.
Despite the comedy's average reception, Hanks's personal story of redemption is capturing hearts. He's been sober for the past three years, which he attributes to the birth of his daughter, Michaiah, with his ex-girlfriend Tiffany Miles. On the show Access Live, Hanks remarked, "If my daughter wasn't born, I don't know if I would've made the change necessary. It's – she saved my life, honestly..." This sentiment showcases the transformative power of parenthood, as well as his renewed focus on personal growth and familial connection.
Both Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have been incredibly supportive through Chet’s rehabilitation process. He has been vocal about their influence, stating, "They couldn't be more supportive..." Their role as grandparents to Michaiah is another motivating factor, with Chet sharing how delightful it is to witness his daughter build bonds with her grandparents. "It's awesome seeing them being grandparents as well, because I was really close with my grandparents and now my daughter gets to have the same experience," he added, showing appreciation for familial legacies.
Given Hanks’s history, watching him perform offers insights beyond just entertainment; it presents narratives of struggle, resilience, and hope. His participation seems almost poetic when considering his previous antics, such as attempting to popularize the term "white boy summer." Having previously garnered media attention for the wrong reasons, it appears Hanks may have found his path to success through his newfound focus.
Whether Hanks is acting alongside his father – he played roles with Tom Hanks previously, including the 2011 movie Larry Crowne – or making strides on his own, it's clear he remains dedicated to growth. Although he has not yet acted with his mother, Rita Wilson, the family remains tight-knit, supporting each other through different projects and at high-profile events.
For those tuning in to Running Point, it provides something more than just laughter. It is intertwined with the idea of personal metamorphosis and standing tall under the weight of familial expectations. Chet Hanks's story is not merely about how he is making it as Tom Hanks's son, but about how he is learning to find and express his own identity through humor and artistry.
To wrap it up, this Netflix comedy may be the platform for Hanks to reshape his public persona. Instead of just being remembered for his past controversies, he now has the opportunity to become recognized for his talent and resilience as he embraces his role, both on-screen and off.