Netflix's new comedy series, Running Point, is making waves with its unique look at the world of basketball ownership, co-created by the talented Mindy Kaling. Premiering on February 27, 2025, the show follows Isla Gordon, played by the dynamic Kate Hudson, as she takes the reins of the fictional Los Angeles Waves after her brother's scandal.
Set against the backdrop of the high-stakes sports industry, the series focuses on the challenges Isla faces as she strives to prove her worth in a male-dominated environment. "When a guy gets a big job, he can f— up a bunch, and it’s them getting their sea legs or some s—. But women have to be perfect right off the bat," remarked Brenda Song, who plays Isla's best friend and chief of staff, Ali Lee.
The cast also includes Justin Theroux as Cameron Gordon, Isla’s brother, whose struggles with addiction create tension within the family. The season culminates with Cameron ominously stating, "I’m back," hinting at conflicts to come as Isla navigates her new position.
Kaling drew from her own experiences and the personal lives of the cast to inject humor and authenticity throughout the series. Hudson shared her enthusiasm about the project, stating, "I had so much fun doing this. I just want to keep doing it," as she expressed her hopes for multiple seasons.
Regarding the overall production, Running Point stands out for its blend of comedy with serious themes of gender equality and family loyalty. It showcases the nuanced dynamics within the Gordon family, emphasizing their various backgrounds and aspirations. Scott MacArthur and Drew Tarver, who portray Isla's brothers, play significant roles as they navigate their own ambitions and sibling rivalries.
The character of Sandy Gordon, played by Drew Tarver, humorously contrasts Isla's athletic drive with his own lack of sports prowess. "He’s hopelessly bad at sports, which, you know, I wasn’t good at them, so I was like, 'Oh, I can relate to this character,'" he joked, showing the clever writing infused with personal touches by Kaling and her team.
Adding to its appeal, the show also lightly weaves real-life relationships among its cast. Brenda Song, who is engaged to Macaulay Culkin, noted humorously how he ended up making a cameo on the show: "It was such a funny story because he was just visiting me on set. We should just throw him in the background… and it just sort of snowballed.” Culkin appears as a heckler at the Waves' game, effortlessly adding to the comedic atmosphere.
The ensemble cast, including Max Greenfield as Lev Levenson, Isla's fiancé, keeps the audience invested with compelling interpersonal drama. While Lev's character slowly drifts away, Isla's interactions with Coach Jay Brown (Jay Ellis) complicate her love life. The relationship dynamics mirror the real-life romances among the cast as they balance their performances with their personal stories.
Brenda Song described her transition during the filming, saying, "Honestly, I feel like — for the first time in my life, I really feel like I'm in this next phase." With the show's strong writing and character exploration, cast members feel empowered to embrace new challenges.
The series has been well-received, prompting fans and insiders alike to speculate about future seasons. "We love making the show; if you want to just pick us up for five more seasons," Kaling humorously addressed Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, underscoring the creative team’s enthusiasm.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding its continuation, Running Point has crafted compelling characters and engaging plots, leading viewers to root for Isla's success on and off the court. With themes of teamwork and family resonance strongly throughout, the show expertly balances comedic moments with heartfelt narratives.
Moving forward, many hope to see the unique cast reunite, as Hudson exclaimed her desire to continue this collaboration. Fans also eagerly await any updates. Song expressed the collective sentiment, stating, "Fingers and toes crossed for Season 2! We have such a wonderful time together; we just want to keep hanging out, to be honest." Whatever the future holds for Running Point, it's already secured its place within the fans' hearts.