Netflix has become quite well-known for dabbling in films, TV series, and documentaries that center primarily on sports. The streamer’s latest series, Running Point, a comedy centering on love, family, and basketball, is yet another addition to its already impressive portfolio and is making itself out to be a must-watch show this February.
Running Point will comprise 10 episodes and star the uber-talented Kate Hudson in its titular role. The series is executive produced and co-written by Mindy Kaling, the prolific name behind works including Never Have I Ever and Four Weddings and a Funeral. She is joined by Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen, with Stassen also serving as showrunner. Running Point has been in the works for over a year now, but with the series’ release date set for February 27, 2025, there are several reasons why Running Point stands out from the rest this week.
What Is ‘Running Point’ About?

Running Point

2.5
/5

Release Date

February 27, 2025

Network

Netflix

Running Point centers on the Gordon family and their legacy in basketball, focusing specifically on Isla Gordon, the only sister in a family of brothers. Isla, despite her passion for the sport and knowledge of the intricacies of it, has been continuously overlooked by her family. First ignored by her father and then by her brothers, Isla’s primary responsibility is to handle the charity arm of the Los Angeles Waves. However, everything changes when her brother is forced to resign from his position as the president of the Los Angeles Waves.
Isla is appointed in her brother’s stead, and despite the skepticism of everyone surrounding her, Isla sets out to truly take the reins of her family business. With her new responsibilities come a plethora of challenges. She is thrust into an unpredictable, male-dominated environment and a role that is miles apart from her boring job in the charity section. However, refusing to give up in the face of adversity, Isla pushes through, making Running Point a comedic, heartfelt, engaging narrative that focuses not just on the sport but also on life and its uncertainties. According to Stassen:

“There’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a blend of comedy, drama, and relatable family dynamics. The show’s themes of resilience and personal growth are universal, and I hope they resonate with viewers.”

‘Running Point’ Is Based on a Real Person

Making Running Point stand out from all the rest of Netflix’s new releases this week is also the fact that the series’ narrative is loosely based on a real-life person. According to Kaling, the upcoming series is inspired by the life of real-life Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. She took over the controlling stake in 2013 after the death of her father, Jerry Buss. In a noteworthy feat, Jeanie Buss became the first woman to own a championship NBA team when the Lakers won the title in 2020.

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Isla Gordon’s real-life inspiration has been hands-on throughout Running Point’s development. According to Kaling, the creative team was in frequent contact with Buss, consulting her for real-life details time and time again. Kaling has also expressed that Buss gave the team “carte blanche on her life” because she wanted the series to truly resonate and be entertaining. In addition to Buss being hands-on throughout, the idea for the series was also initially proposed by Buss. In an interview with TIME, Kaling said:

“It was actually Jeanie Buss who reached out because she liked The Mindy Project and The Office. So many people write about her and make shows where she’s a tertiary character. She was like, “I run this. I want to be a producer on a show about my own life.””

‘Running Point’ Has an Impressive Cast

While its engaging, humor-driven narrative and real-life inspirations contribute heavily to setting Running Point apart from a plethora of other sports-centered work, the series’ incredible cast adds the perfect finishing touch to making the show an absolute must-watch. Running Point is led by Kate Hudson’s Isla, whom the narrative primarily centers on.
Hudson is joined by Justin Theroux, playing the oldest sibling and president of the Waves, Cam Gordon; Scott MacArthur, taking on the role of Ness Gordon and general manager of the Waves; Drew Tarver, playing Sandy Gordon and chief financial officer; and Brenda Song as Ali Lee, the Waves’ chief of staff and Isla’s longtime best friend. Additionally, Max Greenfield plays Lev Levenson, a pediatrician by career and Isla’s fiancé. Lev becomes Isla’s safe space as she steers her team through rough seas.

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Rounding out the cast are Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Jay Ellis, Chet Hanks, Roberto Sanchez, and Keyla Monterroso Mejia. Guido’s character is a popcorn vendor turned member of the Waves’ inner circle, while Monterroso Mejia’s character plays that of Guido’s cousin, a smart and ambitious personal injury attorney. Ellis takes on the role of head coach and is joined by Sandeman as a player on the Waves’ team and Hanks as the team’s point guard. Sanchez portrays the head of the Waves board and is a symbol of the old guard standing in Isla’s way.
With a storyline that promises more than a few laughs and possibly a fair share of heartfelt tears, together with a talented and dynamic cast and creative team, Running Point has set itself up to be a series that has something for everyone. Moreover, the heart and humor that the series also promises while it tackles the sport, family drama, and heavy themes, including ambition and legacy, puts Running Point on the path to becoming a truly special watch. Running Point premieres on Netflix on February 27, 2025.