**’Running Point’ Offers a New Take on Well-Known Sports and Family Drama Themes**

Stop me if this sounds like a déjà vu: A driven woman steps in to revive a faltering sports team, navigating the challenges posed by a weathered veteran, a skilled yet erratic star, and a keen newcomer. You might recall *Ted Lasso*, but this time, it’s *Running Point*.

Or consider this scenario: Four troubled siblings—three brothers and one sister—vie for control over their departed father’s profitable enterprise. Sounds reminiscent of *Succession*, right? Not necessarily—it’s *Running Point* yet again!

Developed by Mindy Kaling, Elaine Ko, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen, *Running Point* intertwines aspects from two of the most celebrated shows of recent times, particularly drawing from *Ted Lasso*’s uplifting sports narrative. The outcome is a polished, captivating comedy that excels in its witty writing and charming cast.

### *Running Point* Adapts the *Ted Lasso* Approach for Basketball

Much like *Ted Lasso*, *Running Point* invites viewers behind the curtains of a struggling professional sports franchise—this time, the Los Angeles Waves, a fictional counterpart to the Lakers.

At the core of the organization are the Gordon siblings, managing the team since their father, the iconic yet contentious Jack Gordon, passed away. Cam (Justin Theroux) takes on the role of team president, former player Ness (Scott MacArthur) acts as the general manager, and business-minded Sandy (Drew Tarver) oversees finances as CFO. Meanwhile, their sister Isla (Kate Hudson) finds herself on the sidelines, running the team’s charity despite her extensive basketball expertise—an element her brothers overlook.

Isla finally seizes her moment when Cam unexpectedly elevates her to team president. (Her character is loosely based on Lakers president Jeanie Buss, who also serves as an executive producer on the series.) All of a sudden, she is at the helm of a male-centric organization filled with doubters—including her own family—who are waiting for her to stumble. Fans of *Ted Lasso* might notice hints of Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) in Isla, from her resolve to her prominent role in a male-oriented sport. However, Isla carries her own distinctive vibe—she’s more upbeat, and unlike Rebecca, she doesn’t aim to undermine the team. Instead, her task is to revive a franchise that appears beyond redemption.

Naturally, that’s easier said than done. Team captain Marcus Winfield (Toby Sandeman) has mentally checked out, while point guard Travis Bugg (Chet Hanks) is continuously caught in controversies. Their relationship may evoke memories of *Ted Lasso*’s Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) and Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), just as the Waves’ locker room shenanigans parallel those of AFC Richmond. However, the basketball backdrop maintains a sense of freshness, even for those viewers who aren’t ardent sports fans.

### You Don’t Need to Be a Basketball Aficionado to Appreciate *Running Point*

While having some familiarity with basketball could enhance your enjoyment during game scenes and boardroom discussions—where characters debate salary caps, trades, and shooting stats—it’s certainly not a requirement. *Running Point* is primarily centered around the connections off the court rather than the intricacies of the sport itself. At its essence, this is a narrative about a dysfunctional family that happens to own a multi-billion-dollar basketball franchise.

Every episode begins with Isla reminiscing about memories of her father, recalling his old-fashioned views, harsh critiques, and transactional perspective on players. The series delves into how these traits have influenced his children and their struggles to liberate themselves from his shadow. It’s as if the Roy siblings from *Succession* managed to acquire emotional insight—while still encountering plenty of hilarious blunders. Adding layers to the family drama is the revelation of Jack’s secret son, Jackie (Fabrizio Guido), who yearns to bond with his half-siblings.

The Gordon family dynamic drives some of the show’s most humorous instances, from a chaotic engagement celebration to a fierce dispute over player trades that morphs into a paintball match. The chemistry among the cast is palpable, with Hudson taking the lead through Isla’s comedic escapades. MacArthur and Tarver excel as an unlikely pair—Ness is boisterous and bold, while Sandy is quieter yet sharp. Theroux may be less frequent, but he makes a significant impact whenever he’s on screen, and Guido injects an innocent perspective that contrasts with his siblings’ billionaire antics.

Completing the ensemble are Brenda Song as Waves chief of staff Ali, Max Greenfield as Isla’s fiancé Lev, and Jay Ellis as head coach Jay.

### *Running Point* Holds Potential for a Big Score

Despite its qualities, *Running Point* does face some pacing challenges. Like many streaming comedies, it seems to hint that it could benefit from a longer