Netflix's latest sports-centered comedy, Running Point, debuted on February 27, 2025, with Kate Hudson taking center stage as Isla Gordon, the newly appointed president of the fictional Los Angeles Waves basketball team. This show, created by Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen, comprises ten episodes, each around thirty minutes, combining heartfelt narratives with comedy. The show is both entertaining and poignant, addressing themes of ambition, legacy, and personal growth.
The storyline kicks off dramatically when Isla's older brother, Cam Gordon, finds himself embroiled in scandal, prompting him to name Isla as his successor. Suddenly thrust from sister to president, Isla faces the challenge of leading the team through tumultuous waters, which includes managing not only the team but the personal pressures stemming from her own relationships and the world of professional basketball.
One of the core questions viewers find themselves pondering is whether the Waves will emerge victorious by making it to the playoffs and capturing the coveted championship title. Throughout Season 1, the Waves battle adversity, including the suspension of their coach and the rehab stint of key player Travis Bugg. Yet, when the moment of truth arrives during the playoff final, the Waves fall short, losing the title as the buzzer signals defeat. "in a good sports movie, the heroine who was underestimated, punched in the face, would have won the big game," Hudson remarked, reflecting on the unexpected ending.
Isla's personal life is just as complicated as her professional one. She is engaged to Lev Levenson, played by Max Greenfield. They’ve been together for three years, but Lev feels increasingly sidelined as Isla devotes more time to her responsibilities with the Waves. This tension culminates when Lev breaks off their engagement, leaving Isla heartbroken. Her mission to win back Lev sees her crashing his workplace, but the outcome is less than hopeful, with Lev indicating he needs time – "You'll have to do the thing you hate the most — wait." Hudson's character finds herself at crossroads, battling not only the losing end of the basketball season but also the potential unraveling of her relationship.
Adding to the drama is Isla's budding friendship with the Waves' head coach, Jay Brown. The nature of their feelings grows evident when they share a confusing moment — a kiss — prompting speculation about where Isla's loyalties truly lie. Does Jay represent the fresh start Isla might need, or does it complicate the already tense relationship with Lev?
The season finale takes yet another turn when Cam, fresh out of rehab, returns to claim his place within the organization. His jealousy of Isla's success creates palpable tension as he attempts to sabotage her efforts. Cam's motivations raise the stakes for Isla, promising more drama should the series receive the green light for another season.
Speaking about the inspiration behind Isla Gordon's character, it’s noteworthy to mention the parallels between her fictional story and the real-life experiences of Jeanie Buss, the president and owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. Like Isla, Buss took on the reins of her father's team amid familial turmoil, balancing personal ambitions with the expectations placed on her as she challenges the gender norms within the sports world. Buss's involvement as executive producer on Running Point signifies the authenticity and depth brought to the show's narrative, with Hudson herself indicating, "It’s easy to resonate with someone who’s stepping up, dealing with family issues and the harsh realities of their career."
Hudson reflected on the climate for romantic comedies today and defended the genre against critics. "I think the critic has changed," she noted, acknowledging the widespread judgment inherent to modern storytelling. Hudson emphasized the importance of grounding stories, arguing, "It starts with a great story. If you’re not grounding these stories and they’re not well-crafted, they’re just not going to stand the test of time." Her comments resonate within the comedy of Running Point, which balances light-hearted moments with significant emotional stakes.
With its release, Running Point quickly rose to the top of Netflix rankings, even dethroning the previous chart-topper, American Murder: Gabby Petito. It garnered positive reviews from audiences, securing an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and receiving praise for its relatable narrative and engaging cast. While the show left viewers with cliffhangers and burning questions about future relationships, no official announcement for Season 2 has been confirmed yet.
So, what does the future hold for Isla and the Waves? With unresolved tensions and the uncertainty of both her relationships and her leadership role, audiences can only await news of another season, hoping to see how Isla continues to navigate the highs and lows of being both president of the Waves and the person behind her decisions.