: Kate Hudson leads as Isla Gordon, with Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, and Justin Theroux. A Netflix sports comedy created by Mindy Kaling.){kind=link}
Created by Elaine Ko, Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen.
Running Point was premiered on February 27, 2025.
Distributed by Netflix.
Series Review
Netflix’s Running Point delivers a spirited mix of sports, comedy, and family dysfunction, with Kate Hudson stepping confidently into her first TV lead role as Isla Gordon.
After her brother’s rehab stint, Isla is suddenly tasked with running their family’s professional basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves.
What follows is a fast-paced, sitcom-style series packed with locker room politics, chaotic sibling energy, and Isla’s personal growth.
While Hudson shines with charm and comedic timing, the series occasionally stumbles with predictable plotlines and uneven jokes.
Still, its energetic cast — including Brenda Song, Max Greenfield, and Justin Theroux — brings enough fun to keep viewers engaged.
The series works best when leaning into its behind-the-scenes sports drama and quirky character moments.
Though not revolutionary, Running Point offers an entertaining binge for fans of workplace comedies and sports-inspired storylines.
Rating:
• IMDb: 7.3/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
• Google Audience Score: 64% liked this film.
Running Point Actors
Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon
DOB: April 19, 1979
Bio: Kate Hudson is an American actress, author, and entrepreneur.
She gained prominence with her Golden Globe-winning performance as Penny Lane in Almost Famous (2000), which also earned her an Academy Award nomination.
Beyond acting, she co-founded the activewear brand Fabletics in 2013 and has authored two wellness books: Pretty Happy (2016) and Pretty Fun (2017).
Role: Isla Gordon steps in as team president when her brother vanishes—juggling owner demands, player egos, and the weight of carrying on the Gordon legacy while forging her own path.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 • 10 episodes
What to Expect: A compelling arc from fish-out-of-water newbie to decisive leader, with Isla’s personal growth mirrored in the Waves’ on-court success.
Favorite Things: Power yoga, Broadway sing-alongs, beach volleyball with her sons.
Notable Works: Almost Famous, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Music (2021).
Brenda Song as Ali Lee
DOB: March 27, 1988
Bio: Raised in Carmichael, California, Brenda Song began her acting career in commercials at the age of five and quickly became a household name as London Tipton on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
A Young Artist Award winner, she’s been a consistent advocate for Asian American representation and continues to produce content spotlighting diverse voices.
Role: Ali Lee is Isla’s savvy chief of staff—managing player contracts, PR crises, and sneaking into scouting meetings to keep the Waves ahead of rival front offices.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 • 10 episodes
What to Expect: Razor-sharp strategy sessions, witty repartee with Isla, and moments of personal sacrifice when board politics threaten the team’s future.
Favorite Things: Inspired by Song’s real-life interests, Ali Lee’s character enjoys gourmet cooking, spontaneous road trips, and decompressing with binge-worthy streaming marathons.
Notable Works: The Social Network, Dollface, Secret Obsession.
Drew Tarver as Sandy Gordon
DOB: May 6, 1986
Bio: Born in Glennville, Georgia, Drew Tarver trained in improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York before moving to Los Angeles, where he built a successful career in comedy.
He gained critical acclaim for his role as Cary Dubek on The Other Two, earning a Critics Choice nomination in 2024.
Outside acting, he’s a podcast regular and contributor to late-night comedy writing rooms.
Role: CFO Sandy Gordon balances budget sheets—and sibling rivalry—while secretly funding Isla’s bold marketing stunts to boost ticket sales.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 • 10 episodes
What to Expect: Comic run-ins with league auditors, heartfelt pep talks when finances falter, and Sandy’s surprising gamble that saves the season.
Favorite Things: Experimental improv jams, writing sketch pilots, and collecting vintage Pez dispensers.
Notable Works: Bajillion Dollar Propertie$, Unfrosted, The Other Two.
Scott MacArthur as Ness Gordon
DOB: August 6, 1979
Bio: Chicago-born actor Scott MacArthur is best known for his work on The Mick and The Righteous Gemstones.
A graduate of the American Repertory Theater’s Institute for Advanced Theater Training, he brings sharp comedic timing and dramatic depth to his roles.
Offscreen, Scott is also a writer and performer with experience in stand-up comedy and short film direction.
Role: General Manager Ness Gordon maintains the roster, brokers trades, and butts heads with coaches—holding the family and franchise’s interests above all.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 • 10 episodes
What to Expect: Tense boardroom showdowns, last-second contract saves, and Ness’s crisis of conscience when a star player demands a trade.
Favorite Things: Stand-up gigs, screenplay writing, and vintage vinyl hunting.
Notable Works: No Hard Feelings, The Mick, Killing it.
Fabrizio Guido as Jackie Moreno
DOB: May 28, 1999
Bio: LA native and USC School of Cinematic Arts alum, Fabrizio Guido transitioned from behind-the-scenes work to a breakout acting career boosted by a viral audition video.
Passionate about youth filmmaking, he actively supports programs encouraging young creators to tell their stories.
Role: Jackie Moreno, the super-fan concessions manager whose insider knowledge—and secret film-style Snapchat stories—become key to rallying community support.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 • 10 episodes
What to Expect: Heartwarming grassroots campaigns, locker-room pep talks, and a viral marketing scheme that sells out the arena.
Favorite Things: Shooting short documentaries, street-ball pickup games, and drone photography.
Notable Works: Mr. Iglesias, Family, various award-winning shorts.
Toby Sandeman as Marcus Winfield
DOB: March 2, 1989
Bio: Toby Sandeman is a British former national sprinter turned model and actor.
He trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) before transitioning to television and runway work.
Toby has appeared in TV dramas such as Power Book III: Raising Kanan and The Royals, showcasing his versatility and commanding screen presence.
Role: Small-forward Marcus Winfield is the veteran heart of the team—mentoring rookies, calming trade rumors, and leading clutch comebacks.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 • 10 episodes
What to Expect: Inspirational locker-room speeches, late-game heroics, and a personal subplot balancing family and fame.
Favorite Things: Track sprints, high-fashion runway appearances, and youth sports coaching.
Notable Works: Power Book III: Raising Kanan, The Royals.
Chet Hanks as Travis Bugg
DOB: August 4, 1990
Bio: Born in Los Angeles, Chet Hanks is the son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.
He began his career with recurring TV roles on Empire, Shameless, and Your Honor.
Known for openly discussing his journey to sobriety, Hanks has also released music under the name “Chet Haze.”
Role: Travis Bugg, the mercurial point guard whose on-court brilliance is matched by off-court controversies—forcing Isla’s admin to juggle PR and playbook.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 • 10 episodes
What to Expect: Electrifying highlight reels, headline-making off-season antics, and a redemptive arc that unites him with the team.
Favorite Things: Recording hip-hop tracks, intense HIIT workouts, and tattoo-art collecting.
Notable Works: Empire, Shameless, Your Honor.
Max Greenfield as Lev Levenson
DOB: September 4, 1979
Bio: Max Greenfield is a New York-born actor celebrated for his Emmy-winning role as Schmidt on New Girl.
Beyond acting, he is a playwright and hosts podcasts related to comedy and storytelling.
He also gives acting workshops and supports emerging artists through his alma mater, the University of Arizona.
Role: Lev Levenson oversees PR and sponsorships—crafting viral campaigns, negotiating multimillion-dollar deals, and spinning losses into brand wins.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 • 10 episodes
What to Expect: Witty press conferences, behind-the-scenes deal-making, and Lev’s quest for the ultimate sneaker partnership.
Favorite Things: Writing plays, coffee-café hopping, and hosting improv nights.
Notable Works: New Girl, Veronica Mars, The Neighborhood.
Jay Ellis as Jay Brown
DOB: December 27, 1981
Bio: Born in Sumter, South Carolina, Jay Ellis played college basketball at USC before transitioning to acting.
He earned critical acclaim for his roles in Insecure and Top Gun: Maverick, showcasing a versatile range across drama and action.
Role: Head coach Jay Brown blends old-school discipline with modern analytics—challenging Isla’s authority while guiding the Waves through a rebuilding season.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 • 10 episodes
What to Expect: Intense training montages, tactical mid-game time-outs, and Jay’s personal journey reconciling past regrets with new hope.
Favorite Things: Youth basketball clinics, film producing, and charity work.
Notable Works: Insecure, Top Gun: Maverick, Escape Room.
Justin Theroux as Cam Gordon
DOB: August 10, 1971
Bio: Washington, D.C.–born Theroux co-created and starred in The Leftovers.
An accomplished screenwriter and actor, he earned acclaim for his work on Mulholland Drive and has appeared in major films like Iron Man 2.
An avid surfer, he brings both creative intensity and calm to his roles.
Role: Cam Gordon, the prodigal president whose sudden resignation catalyzes Isla’s ascent—and whose shadow looms over every board meeting.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 • Episodes 1, 3 & 8
What to Expect: Charismatic introductory scenes, family-tension flashbacks, and Cam’s eventual return in crisis.
Favorite Things: Writing screenplays, indie film festivals, and big-wave surfing.
Notable Works: The Leftovers, Mulholland Drive, Iron Man 2.
Keyla Monterroso Mejia as Ana Moreno
DOB: February 26, 1998
Bio: Hawthorne, CA–raised, Keyla’s breakthrough came on Abbott Elementary.
A rising star, she’s also a writer and comedian spotlighting Latinx voices.
Role: Ana Moreno, Jackie’s savvy cousin and in-house legal counsel—she navigates complex league regulations and secretly brokers pivotal deals.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 • Episodes 1–2
What to Expect: Quick-fire courtroom scenes, off-beat humor, and hints that Ana’s legal maneuvering will shape Season 2.
Favorite Things: Sketch comedy, Telenovela marathons, and DIY costume design.
Notable Works: Abbott Elementary, Freeridge, Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Roberto Sanchez as Stephen Ramirez
DOB: January 4, 1965
Bio: Born in Havana, Cuba, Roberto Sanchez made his breakthrough as Roberto in 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003).
A versatile Cuban-American actor, he has built a steady career across film and television, recently appearing in BMF and Apple TV+’s Palm Royale.
Role: Stephen Ramirez, the uncompromising Waves board chairman whose high expectations strain Isla’s early presidency—and whose eventual endorsement proves a game-changer.
Seasons & Episodes: S1 • Recurring
What to Expect: Tense boardroom confrontations, strategic demands, and Ramirez’s surprising show of support in the finale.
Favorite Things: Restoring classic cars, salsa dancing, and directing community theatre.
Notable Works: 2 Fast 2 Furious, BMF, Dexter: Original Sin.
More Actors
• Uche Agada as Dyson
• Dane DiLiegro as himself
• Jon Glaser as Sean Murphy
FAQ – Running Point
How many seasons of Running Point are there?
As of now, Running Point has one season with 10 episodes.
The series was released on Netflix on February 27, 2025, and has been renewed for a second season.
Where can I watch Running Point?
Running Point is available for streaming on Netflix.
Is Running Point based on a true story?
While Running Point is a fictional narrative, it draws inspiration from real-life experiences, particularly those of Jeanie Buss.
The series explores themes of leadership, family, and the challenges of being a woman in a leadership role within the sports industry. TIME
Who inspired the character of Isla Gordon?
Isla Gordon’s character is loosely based on Jeanie Buss, the president and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Buss took over the franchise after her father’s passing in 2013 and has been a significant figure in the sports world. She also serves as an executive producer for the series. PEOPLE
Where is Running Point filmed?
Running Point was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, aligning with its setting around the fictional Los Angeles Waves basketball team. SOAPCENTRAL
Conclusion
Running Point may not reinvent the sports comedy genre, but it scores with heart, humor, and a dynamic performance by Kate Hudson.
Its blend of family drama, front-office chaos, and personal reinvention creates a breezy, binge-worthy experience.
While the writing could dig deeper at times, the series benefits from a solid ensemble and a refreshing take on women in leadership roles within sports.
If you’re looking for light entertainment with a bit of team spirit and personal growth, Running Point is a worthy addition to your watchlist.