If you find yourself laughing out loud while watching the new sports comedy Running Point, you're not alone. The Netflix hit is "a return to traditional comedy," said showrunner-producer David Stassen, and it provides viewers with that "big feel" they crave.
Cocreated by Stassen, Elaine Ko, Mindy Kaling, and Ike Barinholtz, Running Point stars Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon, a former party girl who becomes the president of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team. The family-owned business features older brother Cam (Justin Theroux), middle brother Ness (Scott MacArthur), younger brother Sandy (Drew Tarver), and surprise half-brother Jackie (Fabrizio Guido). The first season of the 10-episode Running Point premiered on Netflix on February 27, 2025, and was picked up for Season 2 merely days later. The series is also eligible for the 2025 Emmys in comedy categories.
Gold Derby spoke with Stassen, who shared insights and behind-the-scenes details about the show, its characters, and the overall narrative that resonates with audiences. He attributes the show's success to its traditional comedy style, which he says many viewers are seeking: “I always thought of it as a return to traditional comedy. Audiences are craving some of that big feel, with workplace and family and high stakes — everything baked into that.”
Stassen further noted the fortuitous timing of the show's release coinciding with the rise of basketball as football season ended. “We also got very fortunate with the timing. It came out as basketball was heating up, and as football was winding down,” he explained. The casting of Kate Hudson, combined with Mindy Kaling’s involvement, has also brought excitement. The show gets favorable comparisons to fan-favorite comedies like 30 Rock and Ted Lasso.
Of particular note is the show's representation of women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Stassen recalls how Jeanie Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, and her associate Linda Rambis inspired the premise, sharing, “They told Mindy when they first brought her this idea, 'We have funny stories to tell. We're two women running an NBA team. You wouldn't believe what we have to deal with.'” This collaboration provided a solid foundation of realism, infused with humor.
Audiences not only meet Isla but also her basketball team, which brings together a range of characters inspired by real-life sports figures. Stassen did mention that the characters, while drawing from various inspirations, are not directly based on any individual players: “We’re all such big basketball fans — Mindy, Ike, and I — that we pull from all of our experiences. But there's no one-for-one.”
Fabrizio Guido’s portrayal of the half-brother Jackie does stand out. Stassen describes him as “a completely uncynical person in this very cynical, competitive world,” adding some youthful charm. He is a character who will learn and grow, making relatable mistakes, one of which humorously involves him contracting chlamydia.
“We wanted him to be a funny, grounded character who doesn't know how to handle being popular and meet a lot of women,” Stassen said, noting that real-world escapades shape Jackie’s journey throughout the first season.
One of the most poignant moments in Season 1 is an exchange in the boardroom between the family members that explores deep cultural and familial dynamics. "Is he making you become Jewish? Because it turns out our dad said his children can't convert, or they lose their stake in the family business," is a line that captures the essence of the series’ blend of humor and seriousness.
Perhaps the most surprising element of the season was its finale. The Waves lost the championship at the buzzer, a decision Stassen defended based on character development. “Isla still has room to grow, and that's the way life is. You don't get it all at once.” This contrasts with the traditional expectations of a triumphant sports narrative.
With Season 2 confirmed, excitement is building as the creative team begins planning for new story arcs. Stassen shared, “We're so excited that we got the pick-up so fast. And we are filling out the Season 2 world, big picture stuff right now.” Characters will return with newfound experiences, continuing to evolve through their personal challenges.
As the Emmy nominations approach on July 15, Stassen expressed optimism. “It would be, honestly, so rewarding. You don't ever try and write for that goal in mind. But it would obviously be very flattering.” With a combination of humor, well-rounded characters, and a unique perspective on the sports world, Running Point looks poised to keep engaging its audience and potentially shine during awards season.
