The Setup

“Running Point” delves into the intricate dynamics of the Gordon family, who helm the illustrious Los Angeles Waves basketball franchise. Isla Gordon, the newly appointed president, is at the forefront, striving to uphold her father’s legacy. Her siblings—known as the “big three”—include Ness Gordon, the unpolished general manager and the only Gordon with real basketball skills; Sandy Gordon, the astute yet often-overlooked chief financial officer; and Cameron “Cam” Gordon, the charismatic former president whose scandalous exit thrusts Isla into leadership. Through the waves of the game they love, the Gordons navigate being both a family and a team.

• Themes/Plot: At its core, Running Point explores the weight of family legacy and the unspoken rule that what happens on the court stays within the family. Isla Gordon fights to be more than just a supporting player in a dynasty that constantly sidelines her, striving for recognition not just as a Gordon, but as someone who truly loves the game. The series tackles deep-seated issues of misogyny, ageism, sexism, and nepotism within the sports world, showcasing the power struggles and biases that come with being a woman in a male-dominated industry.
• Creators & Key Cast: 

Creators:

• Ike Barinholtz
• Mindy Kaling
• Elaine Ko

Main Cast:

• Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon, the newly appointed president of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team
• Drew Tarver as Sandy Gordon, Isla’s younger half-brother and the team’s chief financial officer
• Scott MacArthur as Ness Gordon, Isla’s younger brother and the general manager of the Waves
• Brenda Song as Ali Lee, Isla’s best friend and chief of staff
• Fabrizio Guido as Jackie Moreno, the recently discovered younger half-brother of the Gordon siblings
• Chet Hanks as Travis Bugg, the team’s problematic point guard
• Toby Sandeman as Marcus Winfield, the long-time star player of the Waves
• Jay Ellis as Jay Brown, the head coach of the Waves
• Justin Theroux as Cam Gordon, Isla’s eldest brother and former president of the Waves
• Max Greenfield as Lev Levenson, Isla’s fiancé and a pediatrician
• Scott Evans as Charlie, Sandy’s ex-boyfriend and a dog groomer

• First Impression: Running Point had the potential to be a slam dunk, a high-stakes, fast-paced family drama.—think Dynasty, but set in the world of the NBA. However, it falls short of achieving truly memorable moments, lacking the spark that makes a show rewatchable.

Memorable Dialogue: “Nepo recognize nepo.” “Will you tell Zendaya I’m a huge fan? She won’t know who you are.” “Respectfully, I’ve seen your titties on the internet so I can’t really take you seriously.”

What Works?

Writing & Storytelling: The show leans heavily into the dysfunctional family trope, crafting a world where power struggles, clashing egos, and personal shortcomings drive the drama. The writing embraces the messiness of family dynamics, showing how legacy and nepotism breed both privilege and resentment. While some LA references—like the California Love needle drop, West Hollywood’s Gay scene, and playful digs at The Grove —feel a bit on the nose, they add to the show’s distinct sense of the lights, camera, and game of B-ball. Though not groundbreaking, the costume and set design subtly reinforce the show’s upscale, privileged world. 

Performances & Characters:  Kate Hudson’s take on the poised yet overlooked Isla is notable, but sometimes her fight for recognition feels more like an afterthought than a driving force. On the other hand, Brenda Song is a welcome presence—seeing the Suite Life alum back on screen adds a sense of nostalgia, and her character, Ali, brings a much-needed spark. Amid the disorder, their friendship provides some of the show’s most sincere moments. Chet Hanks leans into his over-the-top “wigga” persona with self-awareness, delivering exactly what you’d expect, while Jay Ellis adds another layer to the mix, though his character feels underdeveloped.

Visuals & Direction: Running Point has the polished, familiar look of a typical Netflix Original—competent but not particularly striking. While the show aims to explore the challenges of a woman navigating power in the male-dominated world of professional sports, its execution doesn’t fully align with its intended vision, leaving the narrative feeling somewhat disjointed.  

Score & Sound Design: The show’s soundtrack does a lot of the heavy lifting, using iconic hits to amplify key moments. From Tupac’s “California Love” kicking things off in the pilot to Steve Lacy’s “Dark Red” closing episode seven, the music choices add a much-needed pulse, often making scenes feel more engaging than the writing itself.

What Doesn’t?

Weaknesses in Story or Execution: The sibling dynamic is meant to be the heart of the show, yet it often feels inauthentic, with certain moments coming across as forced rather than organic. The series attempts to explore familiar tropes—the wealthy yet emotionally absent and abusive father, the long-lost secret sibling who is unrealistically accepted into the fold, and romance subplots that lack any real spark. The decision to keep the father unseen and only heard through a mysterious voice actor seems intentional—perhaps to emphasize his looming power and ghost-like presence in his children’s lives. While these are all classic storytelling elements of family dramas, Running Point struggles to make them feel fresh or engaging, leaving its exploration of legacy and dysfunction feeling more surface-level than impactful. 

Acting or Casting Issues: For a show centered around family ties, the sibling dynamic lacks the depth and tension needed to truly resonate. The cast is strong individually, but as a unit, the chemistry never quite connects, leaving the Gordon family feeling more like co-workers than relatives. “Before I was president, I was just Jack Gordon’s daughter,” said Isla. Isla’s mission to transform the Waves into a place of opportunity is clear, but her journey to recognition feels unearned. While the story positions her as someone fighting to be more than just a background player, her ascent happens too easily, diminishing the impact of her struggle. Rather than a hard-fought victory, it comes across as a narrative convenience—rushed to serve the plot rather than to truly develop her character’s arc. The way the characters are written fails to leave a lasting impression, making it difficult to care about them once they exit the screen. For a show that aims to draw viewers into the emotional complexities of sibling bonds, this lack of depth is a major misstep. Instead of fostering investment in their relationships, the storytelling feels shallow, never giving enough weight to their conflicts or dynamics to truly resonate.

Technical Flaws: For a show that centers on both family and basketball, it’s surprising how few scenes actually take place on the court. There’s a distinct lack of long, gripping game sequences that capture the intensity and thrill of basketball. While the show primarily focuses on the relationships and personal lives of its characters, it would have been more impactful if it struck a better balance, incorporating the competitive fire of the game alongside the family drama. This split focus could have added a level of excitement and depth, giving the show more substance and authenticity.

🎭 Audience Match

• If you like Swagger, Clipped,  or Hit the Floor, this might or be for you.
• Best for: Fans of sports, drama, and basketball.
• Not for: Viewers seeking a more coherent sports drama or those looking for deeper basketball action.

📌 Final Verdict: Skip It or Stream It?

STREAM IT

“Running Point” is a free throw of fun—best enjoyed if you don’t overanalyze it. If you’re looking for an easy, entertaining binge, it gets the job done.

CHRISKRATING: ⭐⭐⭐