Running Point: A Charmingly Lighthearted Netflix Comedy
A Familiar yet Delightful Premise
Running Point is a warm, engaging Netflix comedy that leverages the talents of Kate Hudson, who plays Isla, a lovable yet underestimated nepo baby thrust into the high-pressure world of professional basketball. The show revolves around the Los Angeles Waves, a storied franchise once led by Isla’s late father. Now, with her brothers—each with their own quirks and shortcomings—working for the team, Isla finds herself unexpectedly promoted to the top spot. Her eldest brother, Cam (played by Justin Theroux), is the capable but troubled figure who has been running the team until his abrupt departure to rehab in the pilot episode. Meanwhile, her other siblings, Ness (Scott MacArthur) and Sandy (Drew Tarver), are comically ineffective in their roles, leaving Isla to step up and prove herself.
Isla’s journey is both heartwarming and humorous. She’s a reformed party girl who is deeply knowledgeable about basketball, thanks to her upbringing, but her one recurring flaw—her clumsiness—provides much of the show’s comedic fodder. Her frequent collisions with glass doors become a running gag, leaving her with an old-fashioned ice pack pressed against her head more often than not. Despite these mishaps, Isla is determined to wrangle the team’s eccentric players, negotiate trade deals, manage the coaching staff, and schmooze with bigwigs, all while keeping the Waves in playoff contention.
A Tribute to Jeanie Buss and Modern Nepo Culture
The show is loosely inspired by Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, who serves as an executive producer. This real-life connection adds a layer of authenticity to the series, which explores themes of nepotism, family dynamics, and the challenges of living up to a legacy. Isla’s character is particularly compelling because she’s the overlooked sibling who never received the same attention from her father as her brothers did. Yet, she’s deeply committed to the family business, even as she navigates the complexities of being a woman in a male-dominated industry.
The show’s creators—Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen, and Elaine Ko—have crafted a narrative that feels both personal and universally relatable. While Running Point doesn’t quite reach the heights of Kaling’s previous work, The Mindy Project, it still maintains a sunny, affable tone that makes it easy to watch. The series is light on depth and ambition, but it compensates with a winning cast, a breezy pacing, and a lighthearted humor that never tries too hard to land big laughs.
A Star-Studded Ensemble Brings the Show to Life
One of the standout features of Running Point is its talented ensemble cast. Kate Hudson shines as Isla, bringing a perfect blend of charm, vulnerability, and comedic timing to her role. Her character’s growth from an underappreciated heiress to a capable leader is both satisfying and rooted in realism. She’s supported by a cast of colorful characters, each with their own distinct personality.
Brenda Song plays Isla’s best friend and assistant, delivering a performance that’s both hilarious and endearing. Jay Ellis brings his signature charisma as the team’s handsome and successful coach, while Chet Hanks adds some much-needed humor as a mischievous player who’s more interested in causing trouble than understanding complex words like “refute.” Max Greenfield is delightful as Isla’s doting fiancé, and Jon Glaser steals scenes as a gruff sports radio host who doesn’t mince words. If some of the actors feel like they’re reprising familiar roles—Drew Tarver’s character, for instance, is reminiscent of his work on The Other Two—it doesn’t detract from the show’s overall appeal.
Basketball Takes a Backseat to Movies and Mischief
One of the more surprising aspects of Running Point is how little basketball actually factors into the show. Instead of delving into the nitty-gritty of the sport, the series uses movies as a narrative device to guide its characters’ decisions. Whether they’re drawing inspiration from Casino, The Wedding Singer, or the John Wick franchise, the Waves’ misadventures often feel more like they belong in a rom-com than a sports drama.
This approach is both a strength and a weakness. On the one hand, it makes the show more accessible to viewers who aren’t sports fans. On the other hand, it feels like a missed opportunity to explore the inner workings of a professional basketball team. Still, the show’s lighthearted tone and pop culture references are undeniably fun, and they add a unique flavor to the series.
A Featherweight Comedy with Plenty of Heart
Running Point is the kind of show that doesn’t pretend to be anything more than it is—a lighthearted, feel-good comedy that’s perfect for binge-watching on a lazy weekend. It’s not revolutionary, nor does it try to be. Instead, it relies on its cast’s chemistry, witty dialogue, and a series of humorous misadventures to keep viewers entertained. The show’s 10 episodes fly by with ease, thanks to their breezy pacing and the infectious charm of Kate Hudson.
If there’s a criticism to be made, it’s that Running Point lacks the depth and ambition of other streaming comedies. The show’s humor is more anecdotal than laugh-out-loud funny, and its characters, while likable, aren’t given much room to grow beyond their initial archetypes. However, what the series lacks in complexity, it makes up for with its sheer likability and a sense of optimism that’s hard to resist.
In the end, Running Point feels like the kind of show that’s happy to exist in the shadow of better, more groundbreaking comedies. It’s a comfortable, familiar watch that doesn’t challenge its audience but still manages to be awfully good company. If you’re looking for a lighthearted distraction with plenty of heart, Running Point is a slam dunk.