Kate Hudson gives a slam-dunk performance as Isla Gordon, the owner/President of an LA NBA Waves basketball team, in the Netflix series Running Point. The 10-part series produced by Mindy Kaling—also a co-writer of a few episodes—offers a woman-in-charge point of view, which is refreshing to view. While managing the team presents challenges, these issues pale in comparison to the dynamics of the Gordon family, who own the team.
Isla, along with her older brother and Waves GM Ness Gordon (Scott MacArthur), is the General Manager of the Waves. He played professional basketball, although his Achilles tendon injury and trouble overseas forced his retirement, turning to the management side of the sport. Cam Gordon (Justin Theroux), the oldest brother, is the former President of the Waves, who stepped down due to a drug problem. Lastly, her half-brother and CEO Sandy (Drew Tarver) is a bit of an air-head.
Yes, it’s a fun yet chaotic family who navigate the complexities of managing a major basketball team filled with equally outrageous players. This fictionalized rendition of the life of Los Angeles Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss can be compared to a combo of “Succession” and “Ted Lasso,” with a bit of “Arrested Development,” the new twist is these wealthy people need some help from the diverse cultures that are in their lives, namely Hispanic and Black individuals, who mirror kindness and innate athletic abilities, that the Gordon’s lack. What is clear is that engaging with the players and fans necessitates a broader perspective.
The endearing story-line of Jackie Moreno (John Alejandro), a young guy selling snacks during the LA Waves basketball games, discovers news about his true identity. He is unequivocally the secret love child of Jack Gordon and Claudia Moreno, the housekeeper of his Malibu home. Moreno’s Jackie is a breath of fresh air as his innocence and kindness are his main features. One can’t help but be drawn to this character as he’s more thrilled about having a new family than the money, as his mom recently passed away from cancer.
I enjoyed Hudson’s troubleshooting as the only daughter of an overly traditional father, as she’s now in control, and despite taking a backseat, she knows more about the team than her brothers. The sudden change in ownership leads to hasty changes, and she’s judged by everyone, especially the media. She is helped by Waves coach Jay (Jay Ellis) on matters of dealing with players Marcus (Toby Sandeman), a former real-life basketball star, and Travis (Chet Hanks), the real-life oldest son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, the largest acting role to date.
Overall, “Running Point” is heartwarming, female-driven, and family-centered. With a great cast and script, this Netflix series is my favorite Kate Hudson role since her Academy Award nomination for “Almost Famous.” Hudson truly shines here, showcasing her problem-solving skills and signature humorous self, which adds to her magnetic persona.
Cast: Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Jay Ellis, Max Greenfield, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Roberto Sanchez, Uche Agada, Dane DiLiegro
Writers / Executive Producers: Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen
Showrunner: David Stassen
Executive Producers: Kate Hudson, Howard Klein (3 Arts Entertainment), Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis
Producer: Jordan Rambis
Studio: The series is produced by Mindy Kaling’s Kaling International in association with Warner Bros. Television, where Kaling is under an overall deal.
Episodes: 10
Sarah Knight Adamson© February 28, 2025