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Running Point: All we know About the new Mindy Kaling Comedy Series Starring Kate Hudson
Mindy Kaling is on fire right now! Fresh off her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, she’s bringing her signature comedic touch to Running Point, Netflix's exciting new sports comedy. A recently released featurette gave fans a sneak peek at the hilarious and heartwarming journey of Isla Gordon, played by Kate Hudson.
With a stacked cast that includes Max Greenfield, Drew Tarver, and Brenda Song, this series is already sparking major buzz. It’s the perfect blend of heart, humor, and basketball that’s sure to keep you hooked.
Get ready to dive into everything you need to know about Running Point, from its all-star cast to exciting plot twists. Trust us—this is one series you’ll want to watch. And as always, we’ll be keeping you in the loop with new details as soon as they drop, so stay tuned for more surprises!
Release date & Where to Watch
Running Point will premiere on Netflix worldwide starting Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, featuring ten exciting episodes.
What is the plot of Running Point?
Running Point follows Isla Gordon, who unexpectedly becomes president of the Los Angeles Waves after her brother’s scandalous resignation. Once overlooked, Isla must now prove herself to her skeptical brothers, the board, and the larger sports community.
Amid a male-dominated sports world, she faces the daunting challenge of restoring her family’s NBA franchise while navigating athlete egos, family dynamics, and personal growth. Drawing inspiration from Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, Running Point explores leadership, family dynamics, and the challenges of running a major professional sports team.
Isla’s journey isn’t just about sports—it’s about navigating complex relationships and proving she has what it takes to lead. Kaling’s signature humor and heart bring Isla’s story to life, making it relatable to both basketball fans and drama lovers alike.
Who’s Starring in Running Point?
- Kate Hudson (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Shell) as Isla Gordon
- Brenda Song (The Last Showgirl, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody) as Ali Lee
You are not ready for the duo that is Kate Hudson and Brenda Song in Running Point.
— Netflix (@netflix) February 17, 2025
Premiering February 27! pic.twitter.com/QbMFV7zuvN
- Scott MacArthur (The Righteous Gemstones, No Hard Feelings) as Ness Gordon
- Drew Tarver (The Other Two) as Sandy Gordon
- Max Greenfield (New Girl) as Lev Levy
- Fabrizio Guido (Family) as Jackie Moreno
- Toby Sandeman (The Royals) as Marcus Winfield
- Chet Hanks (Project X) as Travis Bugg
- Keyla Monterroso Mejia as Ana Moreno
- Justin Theroux (American Psycho) as Cameron “Cam” Gordon
- Roberto Sanchez as Stephen Ramirez
- Jay Ellis (Top Gun: Maverick) as Jay Brown
- Justin Hurtt-Dunkley as Victor Coburn Jr.
- Uche Agada (Rise) as Dyson Gibbs
- Dane DiLiegro (Prey, American Horror Stories) as Badrag Knauss
- Scott Evans as Charlie
- J.P. Manoux as Arena Announcer
- Reese Alzona as Waitress
- Jessalyn Wanlim as Bituin
- Marissa Reyes as Sofia
Character Descriptions:
- Isla Gordon: The only sister in the competitive Gordon family, Isla has long been excluded from running the family’s basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves, despite her passion for the sport. When unexpectedly appointed president, she finally gets the chance to prove to the male-dominated sports world that she belongs in the family business.
- Ali Lee: As the Waves' chief of staff and Isla’s lifelong best friend, Ali knows the complicated family dynamics inside and out. Tough, smart, and quick with profane comebacks, she keeps even the toughest players in check with her sharp wit, born from her tough upbringing in Chicago.
- Sandy Gordon: The Waves' CFO, Sandy, like his sister Isla, has often felt like an outsider in the Gordon family. Smart but hopelessly bad at sports, Sandy's job is to help redeem the franchise and make it profitable—though he can’t even make a shot into the office trash can.
- Ness Gordon: The general manager of the Waves, Ness is the only Gordon with real basketball experience, having briefly played professionally before a career-ending arrest. Now, he channels his misguided enthusiasm into behind-the-scenes efforts to prove his worth to his family.
- Jackie Moreno: After years of selling popcorn and cheering on the Waves, Jackie is shocked when he lands in the inner circle of his favorite team. Despite the obstacles he faces, he works hard to climb the ranks within the organization.
- Marcus Winfield: A two-time champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and 12-time All-Star, Marcus is a marquee player known for his past fling with Rihanna. Disillusioned by his success, he’s checked out—until Isla steps in as president to reignite his leadership and boost the team's morale.
- Travis Bugg: A part-time rapper and full-time troublemaker, Travis wreaks havoc both on and off the court. Though his place on the team is uncertain, his wild antics prove he’s an invaluable, if unpredictable, player.
- Lev Levenson: A kind-hearted pediatrician and Isla's fiancé, Lev provides much-needed support and relief for Isla as she navigates the pressures of running the Waves.
- Jay Brown: Once a star player, Jay is now the Waves' head coach. With his zen approach, he manages the team's on- and off-court chaos, helping keep the franchise together during tough times.
- Cameron “Cam” Gordon: The oldest sibling and former president of the Waves, Cam is beloved by all, but his reckless behavior often lands the team in trouble. Charming and knowledgeable about the franchise, he’s forced to turn to his siblings for help as his mistakes threaten the team.
Is There a Trailer for Running Point?
In the Running Point trailer, Kate Hudson's character, Isla Gordon, delivers a standout line: “I work in a family business, for the greatest basketball franchise in the history of the game, the Los Angeles Waves. And this is the story of the f**d-up family that runs it.”
Another sharp moment comes from Brenda Song’s character, Ali, who says, “On behalf of all women don’t ever make a mistake, looks bad for all of us,” delivering a relatable and humorous take on the pressure women face in high-stakes environments.
The trailer promises a blend of sass, humor, and empowering moments, with Isla navigating the chaotic world of her family’s NBA team. There’s a nod to "nepo baby" discourse, with Isla being called one, and later a “nepo crone” by her middle-aged advisors who don’t see her as young anymore.
Watch the full trailer below.
Kate Hudson and Brenda Song invite you into the world of Running Point, alongside executive producers Mindy Kaling, David Stassen, and Ike Barinholtz. Watch the full featurette below.
What has the cast & crew said About the Running Point Series?
The cast and crew have shared exciting insights about Running Point and its creative process.
Mindy Kaling, the show's creator, expressed her passion for writing about ambitious women, noting, “I really love writing shows about ambitious women, whether they’re a 15-year-old girl in the Valley [Never Have I Ever] or the president of a basketball team,” she told Tudum. “We wanted to ensure that audiences could see themselves in the characters’ struggles and triumphs,” she added.
Kaling also connected deeply with Isla Gordon, the character played by Kate Hudson. She told Tudum, “Isla Gordon is a character I connect with deeply. She’s a strong woman navigating a high-pressure environment, and her journey is both entertaining and inspiring.”
Ike Barinholtz, co-creator and executive producer, emphasized that Running Point is accessible to both sports fans and newcomers. “By creating compelling characters and storylines that resonate beyond the sports world, we wanted to engage a broad audience,” Barinholtz said.
Showrunner David Stassen added, "The combination of sports and family drama allows the series to tackle themes like ambition, legacy, and personal growth." Kate Hudson also highlighted the inclusive nature of the show, saying, “It’s designed to be inclusive and offer something for everyone without alienating folks."
“The camaraderie and mutual respect among the cast members created a supportive and fun environment,” Hudson said about the team-bonding to Netflix. She added, “We really felt like we could take creative risks and bring our characters to life in a way that feels authentic and engaging.”
Is Running Point Based on a true Story?
While Running Point is a fictional series, it takes inspiration from real-life sports figures—most notably Jeanie Buss, the president and co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. Buss, who made history as a woman leading an NBA team, is also an executive producer on the show.
Kate Hudson has acknowledged that Buss’s experiences helped shape her character, adding authenticity to Isla’s journey in the high-stakes world of professional basketball. “Having known Jeanie since I was a teenager, I felt a unique connection to the character,” Hudson told Tudum.
She added, “Jeanie’s life and career in the male-dominated world of professional basketball are inspiring, and her willingness to let us explore a comedic version of that world was liberating. Jeanie's openness and sense of humor allowed us to push boundaries and have fun with the character. We were able to focus on the heart and passion of a woman striving to succeed in a challenging role.”
What’s the Legal Matter Revolving Around Running Point Series?
In February 2025, Pepperdine University filed a lawsuit against Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery for alleged trademark infringement over Running Point. The university claims the show uses its basketball team’s name, the Waves, as well as its signature orange-and-blue colors and the number 37, which is associated with the school's founding year, 1937.
Pepperdine argues that Running Point’s portrayal of a fictional NBA team called the Waves “will cause consumer confusion and falsely suggest an affiliation between Pepperdine and the show.” (via NBC)
The university also raised concerns about the series’ themes, stating they include "explicit content, substance use, nudity, and profanity—elements that are inconsistent with Pepperdine’s Christian values and reputation."
According to the lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Pepperdine officials previously reached out to Netflix and Warner Bros. through email, phone calls, and a cease-and-desist letter but received no response.
The university is seeking an injunction to prevent further use of its trademarks and an unspecified amount in damages. Netflix and Warner Bros. have not commented on the lawsuit, and Mindy Kaling is not named as a defendant.
Behind the Scenes
Running Point is an upcoming American sports comedy series created by Elaine Ko, Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen. The ten-episode sitcom is executive produced by Kaling, Barinholtz, and Stassen, with Stassen also serving as showrunner.
Academy Award–nominated actress Kate Hudson, who is also an executive producer, joins a lineup that includes Jeanie Buss, Linda Rambis, Howard Klein, and Jordan Rambis as a producer.
Produced by Kaling’s Kaling International in association with Warner Bros. Television, where she holds an overall deal. Kaling, known for The Sex Lives of College Girls and Never Have I Ever, aimed to craft a series with the energy of Succession and Ted Lasso. Filming for the series began in February 2024 in Los Angeles.
Kate Hudson has also shared behind-the-scenes moments on her Instagram, offering fans an inside look at the production. Check it out below.
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