As a movie critic, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into the 2025 TV lineup, and let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster of laughter so far! One gem that recently graced Netflix is “Running Point,” a side-splitting comedy co-created by the brilliant Mindy Kaling. This new series revolves around an unorthodox professional basketball team owned by a family whose dysfunctionality will have you in stitches.
The show, while not always sugarcoated sweetness, manages to strike the right balance between humor and heart. And as a basketball enthusiast, I found myself thoroughly entertained. However, being an avid NBA fan, I couldn’t help but feel that more authentic court action was needed to fully satisfy my sports cravings. But overall, “Running Point” is a must-watch for anyone seeking a dose of laughter served with a dash of family drama.
What Do I Wish Was Different About Running Point?
The show, titled “The Waves,” is based in Los Angeles, centering around a fictional basketball team with the Gordon siblings at its helm, as their father previously owned it prior to his passing. The sitcom introduces an imaginary professional basketball league (ABL) populated by various unnamed teams. This setup provides Mindy Kaling and her team ample opportunities to craft unique basketball lore. Although I found the concept intriguing, I personally would have enjoyed watching the series unfold in a world where the NBA already exists.
Put differently, if we imagine a different scenario, the creators could have placed the Waves in the National Basketball Association as a team instead, stepping in for the Lakers (who serve as their inspiration) in this fictional universe. This idea isn’t entirely new; several popular sports TV shows and movies have introduced fictitious teams and players before. For example, HBO’s show “Ballers” and ABC’s series “Coach” featured fictional NFL teams, and on the classic sitcom “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,” the main character was a member of the Golden State Warriors.
It’s clear that “Running Point” doesn’t suffer significantly by not using the NBA in its storyline. Still, I can’t shake off the feeling that it was a lost chance, as incorporating the actual sports league might have added depth to this show.
How Could The Integration Of The League Have Made Running Point Even More Interesting?
Incorporating the NBA into the narrative of “Running Point” could have significantly enhanced its storytelling. By blending actual NBA events with the show’s fictional elements, the writers could draw from real-life happenings in the league for more engaging and topical content. For example, characters like the Waves players might discuss the unusual All-Star game format introduced this year, or comment on major trades and free agent signings that occurred after the fact, making the story more relatable and contemporary.
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One advantage of creating an NBA-focused comedy is that many real-life personalities such as players, coaches, analysts, and more can make appearances. It’s fun to envision stars like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, or Jayson Tatum interacting with fictional characters like Marcus Winfield or Travis Bugg. The crew from Inside the NBA could even pop up, and I find it intriguing to picture a verbal sparring match between Charles Barkley and the tricky character of Bugg.
Even though I’d love if the Waves lived in a universe featuring the Celtics, Nuggets, and Knicks, fans should still take a look at this fresh series. Opinions about Running Point have been varied, but here’s my recommendation: give it a try for yourself. Keep in mind that LeBron James won’t make an appearance in the show.
Right now, you can start streaming all ten episodes of Running Point. Additionally, if you’re curious about upcoming content, Netflix has shared their 2025 release schedule, which includes what else they plan to add to the platform this year.
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2025-03-06 22:18