Netflix’s latest comedy series, Running Point, is a full-court press of laughter, quarrels, and messy basketball business practices, making it the perfect watch to put you in the March Madness mood. Starring Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon, a former party girl turned president of her family’s pro-LA Waves basketball team, this show effortlessly radiates girl boss energy. Despite being overlooked for years in favor of her three brothers, Isla proves she is much more than a wild card. As players acted out, coaches risked it all, and media sabotage ensued, Isla confronted every challenge and slam dunked it!
But Running Point isn’t just about Isla’s rise in sports management—it also highlights the diverse representation of the women who surround her. Through Asia Lee, the Waves’ chief of staff (played by Brenda Song), we get a peek at Korean traditions, like in Episode 4 when she celebrates her child’s Doljanchi, a Korean first-birthday ceremony. In Episode 7, “The Yips,” Eesha Aman (Ranjita Chakravarty), a seasoned coach for the Indian women’s national team, helps Dyson (Uche Agada) with his free throws, showing that women worldwide can dominate the male-dominated world of pro basketball at any age.
Beyond its diverse representation, this show makes bold statements through fashion, particularly with Isla’s sharp, stylish business wear. From vibrant, loose-fitting two-piece suits to timeless pencil dresses, Hudson serves looks as Isla. In Episode 5, “Beshert,” the renowned stylist Law Roach even makes an appearance, styling Isla in the series. So, if you’re looking for outfit inspiration for your office days, add this show to your watchlist and take notes!
But like any show, Running Point isn’t without its flaws—misogyny, substance abuse, ageism, and sexism all play significant roles in the series. With its dry humor, the one-liner insults toward women, masked as jokes, draw a thin line between hilarious and offensive. For instance, in Episode 7, a misogynistic board member calls Isla a ‘dumb C’ after trash-talking podcaster Sean Murphy (Jon Glaser) reveals that she is planning to trade MVP Marcus Winfield (Toby Sandeman). However, the running gags make up for it, like Isla repeatedly running into the glass door every time she leaves the gym because it’s so clear.
When Working with Family Gets Chaotic—And Teammates Cross the Line
Healing from toxic family bonds is a central theme of the show. Alongside Isla are her three selfish brothers—Sandy (Drew Tarver), Ness (Scott MacArthur), and Cam (Justin Theroux)—who are all vying for her spot. While Ness and Sandy don’t get along (often getting into physical fights), they team up to sabotage Isla, reporting every mistake she makes to the higher-ups in hopes of forcing her to quit. Meanwhile, their eldest brother, Cam, who stepped down due to drug addiction and a car accident, secretly leaks information about Isla to the media and makes under-the-table deals in an effort to reclaim his position as president. On top of that, a fourth half-brother, Jackie (Fabrizio Guido), joins the company as Isla’s assistant, attempting to bring the fractured family together.
Amidst the family chaos, an engaged Isla also navigates her growing intimacy with Jay Brown (Jay Ellis), the head coach, and player Travis Bugg (Chet Hanks), blurring the lines between business and pleasure. Isla and Jay were friendly from the beginning, but as he opened up to her about his divorce and his need to be transferred to a different state to stay close to his kids, they both ended up catching feelings. On the other hand, Travis didn’t approve of Isla being his boss and caused the most trouble by bashing her in interviews and involving his ‘momager’ (which eventually led to Isla being assaulted). Despite the issues Travis caused, Isla made it her mission to put him in rehab after he confessed to having a drug addiction. These storylines offer the typical workplace romance and drama you can’t get enough of.
With Running Point officially renewed for a second season, fans eagerly await the next chapter in Isla’s journey. While the first season wrapped up with plenty of drama, there are still lingering questions about Isla’s future with the team. Will Isla remain president after Cam’s return? Will she leave her fiancé and pursue a relationship with Coach Jay? Will Isla’s mom ever make an appearance? And what will her brothers do next to try to take her spot? Hopefully, all these loose ends will come together in season 2!
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