Kate Hudson is poised to take the spotlight once again, this time as Isla Gordon, the president of the Los Angeles Waves, on Netflix’s upcoming series, ‘Running Point.’ Premiering on February 27, 2025, the series, co-created by Mindy Kaling, delves deep inside the high-pressure environment of professional basketball, exploring gender dynamics through Hudson's compelling performance.
‘Running Point’ isn’t just another sports comedy; it tells the story of Isla Gordon, who must fight to earn respect and assert her authority not only among players but also within her own family. Hudson's character stands at the helm of the fictional Los Angeles Waves, facing the unique challenge of proving herself as both the new president and as a woman in what is often perceived as a man’s world. This narrative is heavily inspired by Jeanie Buss, the current president of the Los Angeles Lakers, who navigated similar challenges following her father's passing.
During promotional interviews, Hudson expressed her delight at being part of such a dynamic project. ‘This idea of being thrust on this position of something I really love and then constantly feeling like I have to prove myself was a blast,’ she stated, underlining the series' comedic yet earnest exploration of self-empowerment.
Kaling, who also stars as one of the executive producers, has also been vocal about her admiration for Hudson. She highlighted Hudson’s unique charm and ability to defy expectations, stating, “She does not take herself seriously. That’s really rare when someone has so much power and so much to lose.” This sentiment captures the joyous yet relatable tone of the show as it melds heartfelt moments with laugh-out-loud situational comedy.
Remarkably, the series feels personal for Hudson as well. Growing up with brothers, she draws from real-life experiences to portray her character authentically. She added, ‘I was the only girl with three brothers, so I am drawing from my own life experience. It is fun to explore those dynamics.’ Her ability to add personal depth to her character is one of the many highlights expected from the series.
This blend of humor and real-world issues resonates with Hudson’s belief system. Reflecting on her upbringing, she shared, ‘Sometimes when you’re young and you’re self-possessed, there’s a lot of people who want to bring you down, but my parents instilled confidence and the okayness of being self-possessed.’ With parents like actress Goldie Hawn and musician Bill Hudson, it’s no wonder Hudson carries this forward, wanting to instill the same principles of confidence and self-worth within her own children.
Kate Hudson’s history as the quintessential Californian surf girl, combined with her undeniable talent, positions her well for this role. Having risen to fame more than two decades ago with her breakout performance as Penny Lane in ‘Almost Famous,’ Hudson has continued to challenge herself with diverse roles throughout her career. With ‘Running Point,’ she marks her first lead role on television and looks forward to audiences seeing her comedic chops alongside the more serious narrative of empowerment.
The blend of Kaling’s comedic vision, Hudson’s star power, and the thoughtful inspiration drawn from Jeanie Buss’s life adds layers to ‘Running Point.’ The series promises laughter, heart, and introspection about the not-so-easy road women often traverse to find their rightful place within both their families and careers. Hudon quipped, “You know the idea of being not just good at something, but being able to helm it when the chips are down? That, to me, is where the comedy flourishes.”
With the series debuting soon, fans and critics alike are eager to see how this combination pans out, and surely Hudson will lead the charge, showcasing her artistry and inspiring messages once more. Running Point seems to live up to its title, indicating both the ball of opportunity bouncing toward Hudson and the race toward gender equality within professional realms.