Kate Hudson leads the Running Point cast as Isla Gordon, the first female president of a fictional NBA team, but while the basketball setting might draw in your sports-obsessed middle schooler, the humor leans heavily into "adults behaving badly" territory that's better suited for older teens and up.
TL;DR: Running Point is a sharp, fast-paced Netflix comedy starring Kate Hudson and Brenda Song that explores the chaotic front office of a pro basketball team. While it’s a slam dunk for fans of workplace comedies like The Office or Hacks, Screenwise rates it for ages 16+ due to its TV-MA rating, frequent mature language, and cynical adult themes.
Created by Mindy Kaling, Running Point follows Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson), who is suddenly thrust into the presidency of the Los Angeles Waves, a legendary (and struggling) pro basketball franchise, after her father steps down in a cloud of scandal.
The show isn't really "about" basketball in the way a documentary is; it’s a workplace comedy about power dynamics, family dysfunction, and the absurdity of billionaire sports culture. Think of it as the cynical, fast-talking cousin to the much warmer Ted Lasso. With Season 2 now premiering, the show has doubled down on its star power and its "no-filter" comedic style.
The ensemble is the main reason parents are hearing about this show. It’s a mix of A-list movie stars and comedy veterans who have great chemistry, but their characters are often intentionally unlikable or deeply flawed.
Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon
Isla is ambitious, slightly out of her depth, and constantly trying to prove she isn't just a "nepo baby." Hudson plays her with a mix of high-strung energy and genuine competence. For parents, she’s the relatable center of the storm, even when she’s making questionable ethical choices to save the team.
Brenda Song as Ali
If your kids grew up on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, seeing Brenda Song here might be a shock. She plays Ali, the team’s Chief of Staff and Isla’s best friend. She’s the smartest person in the room and usually the one delivering the sharpest, most mature one-liners.
Drew Tarver as Sandy Gordon
Sandy is Isla’s brother, who feels passed over for the presidency. Tarver is a comedic powerhouse (check him out in The Other Two for more of his style), and his character provides a lot of the sibling rivalry tension that drives the plot.
Scott MacArthur as the "Black Sheep" Brother
MacArthur plays the other Gordon brother, a scout who is more comfortable in a dive bar than a boardroom. His humor is often the crudest in the show, involving a lot of physical comedy and "guy-talk" that leans into the TV-MA territory.
Toby Sandeman as the Star Player
Sandeman plays the Waves' franchise player. His character explores the pressures of modern fame, social media brand-building, and the reality of being a "product" in the NBA machine.
Ask our chatbot about the 'Running Point' cast's other projects
The "trap" with Running Point is the NBA branding. If you have a 12-year-old who spends four hours a day playing NBA 2K26 and watching Steph Curry highlights on YouTube, they are going to see the Los Angeles Waves jerseys and think this show is for them.
It’s important to realize that this is a "Mindy Kaling show" first and a sports show second. That means the dialogue is lightning-fast, full of pop-culture references, and heavily focused on adult romantic entanglements and workplace politics. It’s not a "family" show in the traditional sense.
According to Screenwise's WISE scoring system, Running Point falls into the "Mature Teen/Adult" category. Here’s the breakdown:
- Language: Frequent. Expect "F-bombs" and creative insults in almost every scene. It’s the language of a high-stress professional environment.
- Sexual Humor: This is the primary reason for the TV-MA rating. The show features frank discussions about sex, dating apps, and workplace hookups. While it’s rarely graphic, the dialogue is very explicit.
- Alcohol/Substances: There is a fair amount of social drinking and references to the party lifestyle associated with pro athletes and L.A. elites.
- Cynicism: This is a "vibe" warning. The show portrays the world of pro sports as pretty cutthroat and shallow. If you’re looking for the "heart" of something like The Sandlot, you won't find it here.
If your older teen is watching, Running Point actually offers some great entry points for conversations that go beyond "don't say that word."
- The Business of Sports: Talk about how the show portrays players as "assets." Is it fair? How does it compare to what they see in real-life trades or the NBA 2K26 career mode?
- Women in Leadership: Isla Gordon is a rare female lead in a male-dominated industry. You can discuss the "double standards" she faces in the show—does she have to be "tougher" than her brothers to be taken seriously?
- Family Business Dynamics: The Gordon family is a mess. It’s a good chance to talk about why mixing family and business can be a recipe for disaster (and great TV).
Q: Is 'Running Point' appropriate for a 13-year-old?
Probably not. While every family is different, the TV-MA rating is there for a reason. The sexual dialogue and constant profanity are likely more than most parents want their middle-schoolers consuming, even if they are big basketball fans. Screenwise recommends waiting until age 15 or 16.
Q: Is 'Running Point' Season 2 better than Season 1?
Most critics agree that Season 2 finds its rhythm better. The cast feels more comfortable in their roles, and the jokes land more consistently. If you found Season 1 a little "choppy," Season 2 leans harder into the workplace comedy elements that work best.
Q: Is there a lot of actual basketball in the show?
Not really. You'll see some practice footage and occasional game clips, but the show is 90% set in offices, locker rooms, and private jets. If your child wants to see actual hoops, they're better off with The Last Dance or just watching a real game.
Q: How does the humor compare to 'The Office'?
It’s much faster and more "mean-spirited" (in a comedic way) than The Office. While The Office has a lot of heart and "cringe" humor, Running Point relies on sharp, witty insults and fast-paced banter.
Running Point is a high-quality, star-studded comedy that is perfectly built for adults and older teens who love the NBA and "inside baseball" (or inside basketball) stories. For younger kids, the jerseys are a lure, but the content is a mismatch. If you’re looking for a sports-themed show for the whole family, you might want to stick with Ted Lasso or a classic like Hustle.
If your teen is obsessed with the Waves and wants more content like this, but you aren't ready to greenlight a TV-MA show, consider these alternatives:
- For the Comedy: Try Superstore — it's a great workplace comedy that is much more accessible for younger teens.
- For the Sports Drama: Swagger on Apple TV+ offers a much more grounded, "PG-13" look at the world of competitive basketball.
- For the Business Side: Check out the podcast The Woj Pod (if it’s still around in your 2026 archives!) for real-life NBA front-office drama.