In Mindy Kaling’s latest Netflix offering, “Running Point,” Kate Hudson takes center stage as Isla Gordon, the newly appointed president of the Los Angeles Waves, a professional basketball team managed by her family for several years. Stepping into this high-stakes role, Hudson’s character embarks on a journey to earn respect in the male-dominated sports industry. She faces scrutiny not only from her brothers, who were passed over for the position, but also from egocentric players and dismissive executives.
Echoes of reality resonate in Isla’s storyline, particularly when one considers the executive production team behind the series’ inaugural 10-episode season debuting this Thursday. Prominent among them is Jeanie Buss, the President of the Los Angeles Lakers, known for her struggle for control over the iconic NBA team following her father Jerry Buss’s death.
Jeanie Buss didn’t just endorse the show; she was instrumental in conceptualizing it. A known fan of “The Office,” Buss reached out to Kaling with a proposal five years ago. The collaboration resulted in Kaling taking on roles as co-creator, writer, and executive producer alongside Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen.
According to Kaling, Buss, despite her challenging role, possesses a great sense of humor and doesn’t take herself too seriously. This combination of power, responsibility, and comedic spirit is quite a rare trait in someone with such influence.
Kaling emphasizes Buss wanted the show to remain light-hearted, welcoming the use of her life as inspiration without any vanity. Her experiences, including a longstanding relationship with coach Phil Jackson, were fair game for the story’s development.
In the series, Isla faces early challenges after her promotion is announced. Her brothers, while outwardly supportive, advise her to avoid browsing Reddit, warning of comments labeling her as a nepotism beneficiary ill-equipped for the role. Her older brother, Ness, further diminishes her authority by suggesting her first act should be trading a troublesome player, Travis Bugg, portrayed by Chet Hanks.
Jeanie Buss noted at the show’s premiere that despite the seemingly exaggerated circumstances portrayed, such scenarios are not far-fetched in the realm of professional basketball.
For Kate Hudson, who grew up with three siblings, playing the lone sister amongst brothers was second nature. Known for her comedic talent in films like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” Hudson welcomed the opportunity to explore the comedic dynamics of a woman in leadership constantly proving her capabilities.
Mindy Kaling appreciates Hudson for defying the predetermined path often expected of those with famous parents, despite her lineage, which includes her mother, the celebrated actress Goldie Hawn. Hudson’s achievements, including an Oscar nomination for “Almost Famous,” are testaments to her merit.
“Running Point” also features notable actors like Brenda Song, Max Greenfield, Drew Tarver, and Jay Ellis.
Mindy Kaling herself embraces her identity as a minority in Hollywood, valuing her status as an Indian-American woman as a unique advantage in the industry.
Having always been conscious of her worth, Kaling admits that as a leader, she has learned the value of fostering confidence in others, nurturing latent talent. This approach extends to her team on “Running Point,” where a former personal assistant, Akshara Sekar, has made strides as a staff writer.
Reflecting on her leadership journey, Kaling finds joy in mentoring young women who diverge from her own experiences at their age.
A longtime basketball enthusiast, Kaling fondly recalls watching Celtics games with her father, highlighting sports as a means of embracing American culture. Her admiration for the game remains, with her visits to the Lakers’ facility, observing players like LeBron James, leaving a lasting impression.
Kaling aims to instill this enthusiasm for sports in her children, raising them to be ardent Lakers fans and preserving a cherished family tradition.
