Running Point: The new Netflix series “Running Point” is a light-hearted comedy that makes for a perfect binge

When I’m in the mood for a good show, I head to the “Top 10 TV Shows” category on Netflix. Sitting in the #1 spot was the recently added “Running Point.” This was the first time I’d heard about the comedy series, and after watching heavier shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Night Agent” full of traumatic events, I was more than ready for some light comedy. 

“Running Point” was undeniably a typical underdog sports series, but it was able to maintain its hilarious writing while also getting into deeper issues like misogyny, addiction and internal family conflict.

The show follows former party girl Isla Gordon. Isla is unexpectedly appointed president of her family’s professional basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves, when one of her brothers, the former president, checks into rehab. As a longtime basketball fan overlooked by her late father, she’s eager to prove herself in the notoriously male-dominated industry.

Despite Isla’s deep love for basketball, she doesn’t know a whole lot about actually running a team, and everyone is expecting her to fail — making her the classic underdog. The writers definitely don’t hold back with the challenges Isla faces, from a secret half-brother to rebellious players. But somehow, Isla uses her basketball knowledge, persistence, questionable social skills and gut instinct to improve the team’s record.

Isla exemplifies “girl boss” in every shape and form, from making billion-dollar deals with a perfect blowout to strutting on the court with the essential 6-inch heels. Rom-com queen Kate Hudson, who plays Isla, makes the character come to life. Hudson’s ability to make seemingly cringy lines flow with Isla’s character keeps the series alive.

It wasn’t just Hudson that had me cracking up; Disney “Suite Life On Deck” legend Brenda Song graced the screen when she played Ali Lee, the team’s chief of staff. It was nostalgic to see the former Disney star on screen, and Ali’s raw take-no-crap attitude was great to see.

The series undoubtedly covers deeper subjects, although it only goes to the surface level, which prevents the humor from getting bogged down. Isla could’ve given long, repetitive monologues about how pressured she feels in a male-dominated industry, but instead, viewers get to see Isla take charge by getting sponsors and revitalizing the team’s chemistry. The show acknowledges issues like addiction and when it’s the right time for addicts to go into rehab, but not without adding a bit of dark humor.

While this lack of depth may seem lazy to some, it’s refreshing to watch a show where comedy takes priority over drama. Plus, it just doesn’t fit the characters’ rich and self-centered personalities to spend a lot of time being heartfelt about addiction and daddy issues.

However, it still needs a clear plotline with a central conflict—“Running Point” has about 20. The different conflicts are interesting, but none of them consistently impact future episodes. 

The Gordons have a secret half-brother, and that could’ve been a season-long conflict causing both family and business, but it was instead resolved in two episodes. Then there was the attempt to get Isla fired by her own brothers, but that was over in one episode.

These unsustained plot points make the series seem rushed and cause some issues in sustaining a storyline if the show continues. But for now, season one is still an entertaining and comedic experience.

“Running Point” definitely isn’t for those who want an in-depth discussion on a range of complicated issues. But for those who are in need of a lighthearted palette cleanser, watching Isla and the Waves create ripples in basketball makes for a perfect binge.