Running Point: A Slam Dunk or Just Another Airball

Running Point is a sports comedy series that premiered on February 27, 2025 and is streaming exclusively on Netflix.

The show, rated TV-MA for mature audiences, stars Kate Hudson and draws loose inspiration from Jeanie Buss, the real-life owner and CEO of the LA Lakers. Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen created the series. Buss also serves as an executive producer. Rather than a traditional retelling of the Lakers’ history, Running Point takes a fresh approach, focusing on Buss’ journey to earning respect in a male-dominated industry.

The Premise

In Running Point, Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) has spent her life on the sidelines of her family’s basketball empire—until a scandal forces her into the role of president of the LA Waves. Suddenly, she’s leading a top franchise, fighting to prove herself in a world that refuses to take her seriously.

Isla knows the game inside and out, but between condescending executives, sceptical players, and her own messy personal life, earning respect won’t be easy.

At her side is Ali (Brenda Strong), her fiercely loyal best friend and chief of staff, who helps her navigate the chaos. Meanwhile, her dysfunctional siblings—lovable but clueless Ness (Scott MacArthur), uptight numbers guy Sandy (Drew Tarver), and ambitious but troubled Cam (Justin Theroux)—seem more interested in undermining her than offering support.

Jackie (Fabrizio Guido), an unsuspecting outsider, discovers he’s part of the wildly complicated Gordon family and is suddenly thrown into their world

As Isla juggles power struggles, media scrutiny, and the pressures of turning around a failing season, she has to decide if she’s willing to fight for her place at the table—or if the whole game is rigged against her.

With sharp humour, heartfelt moments, sibling rivalry, and the occasional ¨glass door collisions¨, Running Point is a story about proving yourself, finding family in unexpected places, and learning that leadership isn’t just about calling the shots—it’s about knowing which battles are worth fighting.

Cast and Performances

Kate Hudson, you’d know from Glass Onion tells you that she is cut out for comedy. She shines as Isla Gordon, balancing wit and vulnerability while running a basketball empire and proving she belongs.

Brenda Song plays Alice Lee, Isla’s loyal and level-headed chief of staff, who alternates between calming her down and hyping her up—serving as both emotional anchor and comedic relief.

Jay Ellis shines as Jay Brown, the Waves’ disciplined Buddhist coach, guiding Isla—until their relationship takes a more affectionate turn.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Guido plays Jackie Moreno, a concessions worker who discovers he is the half-brother of the Gordon family. His earnest attempt to connect with his wealthy, dysfunctional siblings, despite their initial reluctance, offers both humour and heart.

Scott MacArthur makes Ness a lovable but clueless GM, while Drew Tarver’s Sandy feels too rigid and gets overshadowed by stronger characters. Justin Theroux excels as Cam, the unpredictable, drug-fueled eldest sibling whose wild antics provide a constant source of dark humour

Max Greenfield shines as Isla’s supportive fiancé, while Toby Sandeman brings authority as Marcus, the Waves’ disciplined star player.

Jay Ellis once again proves his ability to balance charm and depth, portraying a coach struggling with the pressures of leadership and fatherhood post-divorce.

Chet Hanks (Tom Hanks’ son) delivers one of the most unexpectedly strong performances as Travis Bugg, a cocky yet self-aware Florida-born athlete. His real-life controversies seem to fuel his character’s loud bravado, making Travis feel both authentic and entertaining. At times, it almost feels like Hanks is just playing himself—minus the basketball skills.

What I Liked About the Show

If you don’t know a free throw from a three-pointer, don’t worry—Running Point isn’t about the game, it’s about the people behind it. At its core, this is a story about family, power struggles, and personal challenges, all playing out against the backdrop of a multi-billion-dollar basketball empire. The drama off the court? Way more intense than anything happening on it.

The cast is perfect, with each of the Gordon siblings bringing their unique personalities to life naturally and effortlessly. Kate Hudson delivers her signature charm, blending comedic clumsiness with just the right amount of heart, while the rest of the ensemble fits so seamlessly into their roles that it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing them.

It’s undeniably a comedy—consistently funny, never dragging, and paced just right to keep you hooked from start to finish. But beneath the laughs, Running Point tackles some weighty themes: workplace ethics, drug use, and the challenges career-driven women face in male-dominated spaces. The show weaves these issues into the storyline with ease, proving that comedy can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

What Didn’t Work

For a series that keeps its episodes to around 30 minutes, Running Point moves at breakneck speed—almost like it’s in a hurry to rack up points (pun intended). The pacing feels rushed, making it tough to follow the timeline, especially for the basketball world. You either struggle to keep up or end up tuning out altogether.

Despite its basketball setting, the show barely engages with the sport, filling its world with characters who often feel underdeveloped. For example, the writers give Marcus (Toby Sandeman), a seasoned veteran, no real backstory or defining traits. For someone positioned to have an impact on the team, his personal life remains a mystery, making him feel like an afterthought.

Sandy and Ness, in theory, should balance each other—one’s clueless about basketball, the other knows it inside out. But when they’re together, their differences disappear. Aside from the occasional mention of money from Sandy or fast-food from Ness, they merge into one indistinct character, losing what should make them compelling.

Then there’s Isla and Lev’s relationship, which never really clicks. From the start, something feels off—whether that’s by design or just weak writing, it’s hard to tell.

Final Thoughts

Running Point is a modern spin on the classic comedic sitcom—fast, witty, and packed with entertaining moments. It delivers laughs and solid performances, but the rushed pacing leaves some characters underdeveloped, making it hard to stay fully invested. The basketball backdrop feels secondary, yet the humour and charm keep it engaging. While it’s not quite a slam dunk yet, season 2 is definitely in the pipeline, so we’ll see if it tightens up its game or keeps throwing airballs. Either way, it’s a fun, lighthearted watch with plenty of potential to score big.