Critics Have Seen Running Point, And They Can’t Agree On If Kate Hudson’s New Netflix Comedy Is A Slam Dunk Or An Air Ball

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At present, you’ll find a wealth of fantastic sports movies on Netflix that can be streamed instantly. However, have you ever considered sports comedy series? The creative mind behind one such series, titled “Running Point,” is Mindy Kaling. This upcoming Netflix show has recently been added to the 2025 TV lineup. Critics have had a sneak peek at the series, starring Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon, who finds herself unexpectedly appointed president of her family’s basketball team. The reviews for the show are somewhat divided.

Currently streaming on Netflix under the title “Running Point,” showcases an entertaining ensemble cast headed by Kate Hudson, alongside Drew Tarver (“The Other Two”), Scott MacArthur (“The Mick”) and Justin Theroux. However, Kristen Baldwin of Entertainment Weekly criticizes that the collective humor from these talented actors is undermined by weak writing and dislikeable characters, awarding the series a mediocre grade of C-.

The three showrunners at Running Point (David Stassen, Ike Barinholtz, and Mindy Kaling) often opt for straightforward resolutions in the storylines, ranging from individual episodes to the final cliffhanger, which feels disappointingly predictable. Their writing seems lackadaisical, and the absence of novelty is even more puzzling considering Mindy Kaling’s recent success with shows like Never Have I Ever and The Sex Lives of College Girls, which are both innovative and humorous, while Point appears to fall short in comparison.

According to Hanna Ines Flint from IGN, this sports comedy, which is connected to the L.A. Lakers’ Jeanie Buss, is an ordinary entry into the genre, offering a familiar approach to women overcoming professional barriers. Flint gave it a “Mediocre” rating of 5 out of 10.

The show “Running Point” exudes an appeal, with Kate Hudson demonstrating she’s still got the acting chops for a leading role. However, its flat characters and shallow storylines result in a lackluster first season that fails to delve deeply into the complexities of managing a professional basketball team or provide the humor needed to hold audience interest. It also falls short in exploring the intricacies of its high-status characters, preferring pleasant likability over thoughtful social commentary, which ultimately weakens the show.

The basketball comedy wasn’t being criticized by all, as Alison Herman of Variety points out. She believes that the intriguing plotline and captivating cast deserve a second season for Running Point, allowing it to delve deeper into its characters and explore the complexities within the family’s dynamic. According to her writing, this could be an opportunity for the show to grow and improve.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’ve been mulling over an intriguing idea: merging the gripping narrative of “Running Point” with the time-tested formula of a workplace sitcom. If executed skillfully by veterans like Mindy Kaling and her crew, this fusion could be a captivating blend of suspense and humor.

Their knack for creating enticing will-they-won’t-they romances is almost second nature to them, and before you know it, a love triangle involving Lev, Isla, and Jay materializes on the screen. Despite its predictability, watching this unfold remains as engaging as ever.

Leah Marilla Thomas from AV Club expresses her anticipation for a renewal of Running Point, as she was generally satisfied with its outcome, particularly the captivating finale. Thomas assigns the series a B+ rating, praising Kate Hudson as both “triumphant” and “amusing” in this intelligent sports sitcom. Moreover, the critic goes on to say:

Much like an exciting basketball game, the final five minutes of Running Point’s first season are truly nail-biting. The finale leaves you on the edge of your seat, hinting strongly that Netflix might consider a renewal. This show is both comforting and intellectually stimulating. At first, some characters seem overly numerous and underdeveloped, but by the end, each character gets their moment to shine, giving a glimpse into several potential future directions for the series.

Ben Travers from IndieWire leans towards the initial critics’ perspective, describing the show as an “office comedy that embodies the generic blandness typical of many television broadcasts.” He does include some profanity in his critique. Furthermore, Traver criticizes the production for underutilizing Kate Hudson’s abilities, awarding it a C- grade and penning his review with this statement:

In Netflix’s show “Running Wild,” the fundamental issue lies in its structure. With numerous characters loosely defined, frequently shifting roles based on story demands, and insufficient emotional or comedic attachment to any particular aspect of the first season’s 10 episodes, Mindy Kaling’s new sitcom has a hard time resonating with viewers. It attempts to cover too many bases and instead of staying committed to its decisions, “Running Wild” becomes overwhelmed.

If the idea of a show blending elements from “Succession” and “Ted Lasso” piques your interest, then you might enjoy binge-watching the entire first season of “Running Point”, which is currently streaming on Netflix with all 10 episodes!

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2025-02-28 06:37