You Won’t Believe the Shocking Netflix Series Everyone’s Obsessed With

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Netflix‘s latest sports comedy, which debuted late last month, is off to a flying start. Running Point, starring the talented Kate Hudson in its lead role, was renewed for a second season just one week after its release. Given that Netflix takes its time to analyze the numbers before renewing a series, the incredibly quick renewal of Running Point stands as a testament to the faith that the streamer has in the series.

Created for screens by Mindy Kaling, alongside Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen, Running Point centers on the Gordon family and their legacy in professional basketball. Loosely drawing inspiration from real life, the series chronicles its protagonist, Isla Gordon, as she navigates leading the Los Angeles Waves Basketball team. Her path isn’t easy, as she faces challenge after challenge from her team, her family, and even her romantic partner. However, in weaving a narrative of both heart and humor, Running Point makes itself the perfect, light-hearted binge-watch.

‘Running Point’ Has Episodes That Are Ideal for Binge-Watching

Running Point is not a long, drawn-out series. With just 10 episodes, averaging 30 minutes each, the series is one that can be easily binged in one sitting. With smooth yet gripping storytelling, Running Point has a plot that is easy to follow, which means if viewers decide to power through all 10 episodes in one go, the series won’t leave them feeling drained and confused at the end. Despite its easy-to-follow plot, the story delivers enough suspense and excitement, with the well-crafted cliffhangers at the end of almost every episode creating an irresistible urge to hit ‘Next Episode’. In fact, many viewers would likely be disappointed by the lack of a ‘Next Episode’ option at the end of Season 1’s cliffhanger finale.

In addition, Netflix released all 10 episodes of Running Point in one go. Unlike series with staggered weekly releases, Running Point allows its viewers to forego the suspense of waiting for the next installment. While catering perfectly to modern viewing habits, where audiences prefer instant access to content, this strategy also keeps viewers immersed in the series’ narrative, heightening both the emotional and narrative momentum of the show.

‘Running Point’ Offers a Perfect Blend of Heart and Humor

Although primarily a comedy, Running Point brings the perfect amount of heart to its story. While the series definitely does not compromise on humor, in documenting Isla’s journey as she goes from simply handling the charity arm of the Los Angeles Waves to actually helming the team, Running Point touches on poignant themes, including family, relationships, legacy, and ambition.

As Isla navigates her new role, her own siblings attempt to undermine her, with her eldest brother even attempting to sabotage Isla’s work when he realizes that she is excelling in her role. While touching on the ugly emotion of jealousy that can occur between siblings, Running Point also zeroes in on the way that family sticks together. Isla forgives her brothers and even accepts a new brother into the family, though how she will deal with her eldest sibling remains to be seen. The series also touches on the dark side of ambition and the pursuit of legacy. Her dedication to the Waves’ team, its players, and her family’s name in the sport costs Isla her relationship. While Lev (Max Greenfield), Isla’s fiancé, is kind and understanding, he is not able to tolerate not being a priority in Isla’s life.

At its heart, Running Point is also a story of underdogs striving for success, both on and off the court. Each of the Waves’ players, despite their ambition, faces their own personal struggles and setbacks. Travis Bugg (Chet Hanks) deals with both an ego and substance-abuse problem, Marcus Winfield (Toby Sandeman) grapples with his position in the team, and Dyson Gibbs (Uche Agada) faces his own issues with not being able to perform. However, each player overcomes self-doubt and personal setbacks and, with Isla’s guidance, pulls together to succeed as a team. Although humor remains a prominent aspect of all interactions, the comedic element never undercuts the emotional moments. Instead, it enhances the emotion, making the show relatable without being overly sentimental.

The Cast of ‘Running Point’ Puts up a Dynamic Performance

In addition to having episodes that are ideal for binging and an effortless blend of heart and humor in its narrative, Running Point also has a talented cast contributing to the series’ binge-worthiness. From Kate Hudson in the titular role to every supporting actor, a distinct energy is brought to the screen, making the series both entertaining and engaging.

As the series’ lead, Hudson is able to effortlessly balance comedy and sincerity, injecting the perfect amount of humor into heartfelt moments. In doing so, she allows viewers to connect with Isla’s journey, one that encompasses both personal and professional growth. Matching Hudson’s effect on the series, each cast member, including Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Justin Therouz, Fabrizio Guido, and Jay Ellis, brings their own dose of comedy and heart to the series, interacting perfectly with each other to truly make Running Point authentic and entertaining.

The seamless interaction of its cast members enhances the series’ storytelling, providing dialogues and exchanges that feel natural, fast-paced, and humorous. The vibrant performances, which never feel forced and effortlessly switch between comedy and drama, pull audiences into the narrative, making Running Point an easy, comfort-food-like binge-watch. Running Point is streaming on Netflix right now.

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2025-03-18 03:08