Netflix's Running Point arrives at the perfect time, offering a fresh take on the sports comedy genre. Created by David Stassen (The Mindy Project), with Mindy Kaling and Ike Barinholtz on the writing team, the series follows Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson), who unexpectedly becomes the president of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team after a scandal forces her brother to step down. What ensues is a hilarious, heartfelt battle to prove herself in a world dominated by skeptics, egos, and relentless media scrutiny.
A Winning Premise
Sports comedies have been making a strong comeback, with HBO's Winning Time and Apple TV+'s Ted Lasso setting the bar high. Running Point finds its own niche, blending workplace humor with the chaos of professional basketball management. Hudson's Isla is not just fighting for respect—she's challenging the deeply ingrained old-boys' club of sports executives, injecting fresh energy into a family business that never saw her as a serious contender.
Hudson Shines in a Career-Defining Role
Kate Hudson has always had a natural comedic charm (Almost Famous, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days), but Running Point taps into something deeper. She plays Isla with a sharp mix of wit, vulnerability, and determination. Hudson makes you root for Isla even when she's making mistakes, and her comedic timing is impeccable.
She's surrounded by an electric supporting cast, including Brenda Song as her savvy best friend, Max Greenfield as a skeptical board member, and Jay Ellis as a charismatic team executive. Each brings their own flavor to the show, making for an ensemble that feels organic and effortlessly entertaining.
Writing & Direction: Smart, Snappy, and Purposeful
With Mindy Kaling and Ike Barinholtz in the writers' room, Running Point is brimming with sharp dialogue and laugh-out-loud moments. There's an undeniable Veep-like energy in Isla's relentless navigation of front-office politics, PR disasters, and locker-room antics. The show balances comedy with moments of genuine heart, offering insightful commentary on women in leadership roles, the pressure of family legacies, and the ever-present tension between tradition and progress in professional sports.
Director James Ponsoldt (The Spectacular Now) brings a cinematic flair to the series, elevating it beyond the typical sitcom structure. The basketball scenes are dynamic, the behind-the-scenes drama is compelling, and the show never drags—every episode feels packed with movement and purpose.
Why Running Point Scores Big
The show's biggest strength is its ability to be both hilarious and meaningful. Isla's journey resonates with anyone who has ever been underestimated, and the show's humor never undercuts the weight of her struggle. It's a workplace comedy at its core, but it also tackles issues of gender dynamics, media influence, and personal ambition in ways that feel fresh and necessary.
The pacing is tight, the jokes land, and the emotional beats hit when they need to. The chemistry among the cast members is palpable, making Running Point feel like a show with staying power rather than just another mid-season filler.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for Comedy and Sports Fans
Netflix has delivered a sports comedy that doesn't just entertain—it says something. Running Point is more than a show about basketball; it's about resilience, reinvention, and breaking barriers. Hudson is in top form, and with a stellar supporting cast, sharp writing, and engaging storytelling, this is a series that could easily become a fan favorite.
What are your thoughts on Running Point? Do you think it can stand alongside shows like Ted Lasso and Winning Time? Let's discuss!
