Atanaria
If there’s one new show you absolutely need to watch, it’s Running Point. The latest Netflix gem, created by the powerhouse team of Mindy Kaling, Elaine Ko, Ike Barinholz, and David Stassen, delivers an irresistible blend of comedy, drama, and sports in a way that feels both refreshingly modern and deeply nostalgic. With Kate Hudson at the helm of a dream ensemble cast, this series is a testament to the magic that happens when stellar writing meets top-tier performances.
Kate Hudson: The Leading Lady We’ve Been Waiting For
It’s impossible to imagine Running Point without Kate Hudson, who is nothing short of a revelation as Isla Gordon, the unexpected president of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team. Known for her infectious charisma and effortless comedic timing, Hudson brings warmth, wit, and undeniable depth to Isla—a former party girl thrust into the high-stakes world of professional sports management after her troubled brother Cam (played brilliantly by Justin Theroux) enters rehab. Hudson is a natural fit for this role, delivering some of her best work to date as she balances Isla’s personal growth, family tensions, and the relentless pressure of proving herself in a male-dominated industry.
A Supporting Cast That Shines
One of Running Point’s greatest strengths is its perfectly curated ensemble cast. Scott MacArthur and Drew Tarver are comedic gold as Isla’s bumbling yet endearing brothers, Ness and Sandy Gordon. MacArthur’s portrayal of Ness—earnest, misguided, and completely clueless—is particularly delightful, while Tarver’s Sandy provides the perfect foil as a more straight-laced, anxious counterpart.
Brenda Song’s return to the screen is another major win. As Isla’s best friend and Waves’ chief-of-staff Ali Lee, she delivers fast-talking, sharp-witted brilliance, reminding us why she’s a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Jay Ellis, Max Greenfield, and even Chet Hanks add layers of intrigue, humor, and heart to the already electric cast. Ellis, in particular, stands out as Jay, the team’s head coach and a newly divorced dad navigating his own challenges.
A Sitcom with Substance and Style
While Running Point is laugh-out-loud funny, it doesn’t shy away from deeper themes. The show’s exploration of gender politics in leadership is sharp and necessary. Isla is constantly held to a higher standard than her male counterparts, a reality all too familiar for women in positions of power. The show doesn’t just highlight this double standard—it interrogates it, making Isla’s journey all the more compelling.
There’s also a subtle yet impactful commentary on privilege and family dynamics. The Gordon siblings, despite their wealth, are flawed and relatable, grappling with their father’s legacy and their own personal shortcomings. And then there’s the surprise addition of a secret Gordon half-brother, Jackie (Fabrizio Guido), whose unexpected presence shakes up the family dynamic in the best way possible.
The Perfect Blend of Comedy and Heart
If Ted Lasso and Succession had a sitcom baby, Running Point would be it. The series effortlessly oscillates between high-stakes corporate drama and laugh-out-loud humor, with rapid-fire dialogue and dynamic character interactions that only get stronger with each episode. The Pilot might take a second to find its footing, but once it does, the series soars. By the third episode, the chemistry is undeniable, the jokes land with precision, and the pacing is pitch-perfect.
An Ending That Leaves You Wanting More
Just like the most nail-biting sports games, Running Point saves its most exhilarating moments for the final stretch. The season finale is packed with suspense, emotional payoffs, and just the right amount of cliffhangers, making it clear that this show is only getting started. The only question left is: when do we get Season 2?
Fingers Crossed Netflix Doesn’t Blow The Whistle On This One!
Running Point isn’t just another sports comedy—it’s a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and sheer entertainment. It’s smart, stylish, and immensely fun, anchored by a cast that feels like they were born to play these roles. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, this show is impossible to resist. Netflix, if you’re reading this—renew Running Point immediately. We need more Isla Gordon, more Waves drama, and more of this incredible series.
A lot of our colleagues at prominent magazines and newspapers have been harshly criticizing this show, which were a bunch of tough reads on our end especially coming from fellow women writers. It seems that the days of having trouble accepting women lead sports comedies and women CEO roles with realistic conundrums of everyday work situations are not over yet and we only have to question… if Hannah Waddingham had been the center character of Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, would it had been one of the great sports comedies show ever? Sour and painful questions to still be asking ourselves in 2025.
If you watch one thing this weekend, make it Running Point. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
