Netflix's new comedy series Running Point promises to be a delightful watch for sports enthusiasts and aspiring girlbosses. The show, executive-produced by Mindy Kaling and Jeanie Buss, co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, revolves around the dysfunctional Gordon family, who owns the prestigious L.A. Waves basketball franchise. At the heart of the story is Isla Gordon, played by Kate Hudson, who, after stepping up to become the team's president, is determined to turn around the floundering organization and reclaim its championship glory.
Hudson’s Isla is thrust unexpectedly to the forefront of the Los Angeles Waves. Initially, Isla, the only daughter of the Gordon family, was running their charity, showcasing her deep-rooted passion for basketball. But when her brother Cam (Justin Theroux) falls from grace due to personal struggles, it is up to her to navigate not only the team dynamics but also the challenges of being the first woman to lead the franchise.
Reflecting on her approach to comedy, Hudson expressed her enthusiasm for Running Point, saying, "I don't do much comedy unless I feel really safe with the people who are doing it." For Hudson, laughter should stem from well-crafted scripts, emphasizing the necessity for good writing behind solid comedic performances.
The show had roots several years prior when Buss, inspired by her experiences as the Lakers' president, approached Kaling to create this series. Buss highlights how, even as she navigates serious responsibilities, she finds humor is key. Hudson admires Buss's take on her career, stating, "I like risk-taking comedy, and this just felt like the perfect kind of walking the line... it was very, very easy yes for me."
Illustrative of their collaborative spirit, Hudson captures the essence of Buss herself, who is known for her warmth and accessibility as she navigates the male-dominated sports industry. “Jeanie loves comedy. She’s got a great sense of humor. She’s very self-deprecasting,” Hudson remarked, underscoring Jeanie’s solid reception of the show's creative freedom.
Running Point features a diverse cast, each contributing to the show's dynamic family narrative. These include Brenda Song as Isla’s best friend and Chief of Staff, Ali, and Scott MacArthur as Ness Gordon, Isla’s clumsy yet endearing brother. The show also highlights diverse male figures including Chet Hanks as the provocative player Travis Bugg and Jay Ellis as Jay Brown, the ambitious head coach.
While the series has been met with mixed reviews, it resonates with audiences seeking humor within the trials of family and corporate sports management. Critics have noted the series lacks depth compared to other comedies, labeling it as more of "easy viewing" akin to watching light-hearted reality TV.
Yet, it’s not just about laughs; the show engages with themes of family loyalty, personal ambition, and the challenges of female empowerment. Hudson reflected on the unique pressures of her character, saying, "You do feel this sense of responsibility to honor it in the best way you can—because it is deserved."
Indeed, the nature of Isla's character reflects both the struggles and triumphs women face within male-dominated environments. Mindy Kaling, co-creator, expressed her vision to portray ambitious women dealing with societal expectations and personal challenges, stating, "We wanted audiences to see themselves in the characters’ struggles and triumphs."
After the debut season's finale, audiences are now left wondering what the future holds for Isla Gordon. Will she continue to fight against the sexism of her brothers and the board, or will she manage to secure her position? Kaling has yet to confirm season two plans, but speculation is rife as to what direction the show might take.
Kaling’s track record with series such as The Mindy Project showcases her ability to create relatable and strong female protagonists, and Running Point is no different. The narrative cleverly intertwines business and sport with comedy, making it potentially relatable to both sports fans and those interested in industry dynamics.
Overall, the series reclaims the narrative of women struggling for recognition within family businesses, all rapped up with humor and heartfelt storytelling. Whether the show deepens its character narratives or remains light and comedic will determine its path forward.
The debut season of Running Point is currently available for streaming on Netflix, and as viewers await news of potential renewals, the horizon looks positive for Hudson and her portrayal of Isla Gordon as she meets each challenge head-on and emerges stronger.