Netflix is scoring big with its new comedy series Running Point, which arrived on streaming platforms on February 27, 2025. Co-created by the talented Mindy Kaling, the show stars Oscar nominee Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon, the newly appointed president of the fictional Los Angeles Waves—an organization inspired loosely by the real-life Los Angeles Lakers.
Set against the backdrop of the competitive NBA world, Running Point is not just about basketball; it's also about the trials and triumphs of women breaking through glass ceilings. Isla is determined to prove she's the right choice for the leadership role traditionally held by men. "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," expressed Brenda Song, who plays Ali Lee, Isla’s chief of staff and confidante.
The ensemble cast brings together various comedic talents, including Max Greenfield as Lev Levenson, Justin Theroux as Cam Gordon, who faces rehab challenges, and game-changer Chet Hanks, playing the wild yet talented player Travis Bugg. Bugg’s character embodies all kinds of drama, often causing turbulence on and off the court.
Hudson's Isla is facing her fair share of challenges as she navigates family dynamics, team expectations, and her love life. By the end of the first season, she had successfully led the Waves to the playoffs, only to face uncertainty with her brother, who has entered rehab, awkward romantic happenings, and the looming shadow of public scrutiny. "I had so much fun doing this. I just want to keep doing it," Hudson stated, making it clear she hopes for future seasons.
Of course, the real-life inspiration behind Isla is Jeanie Buss, the owner of the LA Lakers, who serves as one of the show’s executive producers. Buss had pitched the concept to Kaling five years ago, emphasizing her own experiences within the male-dominated environment of sports management. "I could spend hours trying to explain what she can say in one scene with a couple lines of dialogue. It’s brilliant," Buss noted, praising Kaling’s ability to encapsulate wrestling with family dynamics and career pressures.
While Isla Gordon is the heated central point, the supporting cast does not take a back seat. The interactions among Isla, her brothers, and the rest of the team play out various layers of comedy and drama, punctuating the series narrative with authentic emotional beats. Kaling’s clever writing graces each episode, skillfully blending humor with heartfelt moments, carving out genuine scenarios within the absurd tempo of sports life.
Chet Hanks’ character, Travis Bugg, reveals insights about his persona through rapid-fire comedic elements and outrageous situations. Drawing inspiration from former NBA great Jason Williams, Hanks portrays Bugg as both endearing and full of flaws. On his character's development, he remarked, "I just got the audition like anybody else. Travis was so similar to me – honestly, he’s just an exaggerated version of myself."
While Running Point offers easy-to-digest entertainment, critics have been mixed on its execution. It sometimes lapses through predictable territory, relying heavily on sitcom tropes, yet it still finds moments of charm and affection rooted deeply within its characters. The blend of silly antics and genuine emotional core remains relatable to many viewers, indicating how well-received it has been after its launch.
Deserving of its current popularity is the chemistry among the cast, where Hudson's humor melds seamlessly with her co-stars' dynamic performances. Fans can look forward to potential future seasons, with Hudson herself hopeful for five more as she quipped during media interviews, "We love making the show, if you want to just pick us up for five more seasons." Hanks echoed this enthusiasm, mentioning unspecified developments he hopes for with his character next.
Given the nature of Netflix productions and the promotional buzz generated, Running Point is poised to make waves both on the platform and among its fans. With its unique combination of sports culture and contemporary workplace comedy—delivering workplace commentary interwoven with basketball's societal aspects—viewers are undoubtedly rooting for Isla and her team, marking the show’s noteworthy debut.
So, what lies next for the Waves? Will Isla be able to hold her ground as the president amid the inevitable pressures? Only time will tell, but for now, this exploration of challenges faced by women in leadership is capturing plenty of attention.
If the first season serves any indication, viewers can expect to see more surprising developments and perhaps, challenging romances in the season to come, proving to be continuously worthy of audience investment.