Kate Hudson dazzles in her first major TV role, starring in the 10-part comedy series that has viewers completely divided.
In Running Point, she portrays Isla Gordon, the sole daughter of a wealthy family at the helm of the highly successful Los Angeles Waves basketball team.
Thrust into the limelight when her brother’s scandal forces his resignation, Isla, armed with sports savvy, rises to the challenge as the team’s president, aiming to guide the Waves to glory.
The show serves a dynamic slam dunk of family drama and sporting ambition but faces off-court opposition from sceptical siblings Sandy (played by Drew Tarver) and Ness (Scott MacArthur), along with tackling rampant sexism in the sports world and earth-shattering family secrets.
Running Point hit streams today, Thursday, 27th February, igniting discussion and debate among fans and critics alike. Critical reviews lean towards the frigid side; some have delivered blistering critiques of the Mindy Kaling-steered project.
Kate Hudson’s ‘girlboss’ comedy leaves viewers ‘desperate for it to end’ (Image: NETFLIX)
The Guardian bestowed a mere two stars, signalling subscribers with a stark caution, “you’ll be desperate for Kate Hudson’s basketball comedy to end.”
They further lamented: “This tale of a girlboss battling the sporting world’s patriarchy is a real grind.”
They questioned its comedic potency: “Perhaps it’d be funny if you care deeply about the sport… but shouldn’t a comedy be able to make you laugh regardless?”
Likewise, The Reporter offered measured endorsement, calling it “only kind of worth rooting for.
Is this sharp-edged sitcom on Netflix the new Ted Lasso? (Image: NETFLIX)
“If Running Point never feels like too much of anything, it never really feels like enough of anything, either,” they continued. “Despite being generally amused throughout the season’s 10 episodes, I did not often find myself laughing out loud, or rushing to jot down a particularly hilarious one-liner.”
However, they conceded that Running Point boasts an “effortlessly charming cast”, led by an “effervescent” Hudson.
The Telegraph was equally critical, comparing it unfavourably to Apple TV+ hit Ted Lasso. They labelled it “lightweight froth for those who find Ted Lasso too serious”, adding “The #girlboss moments are more cringe-worthy, as when Isla secures make-up retailer Sephora as sponsor.
“It’s a less charming Legally Blonde, peppered with f-words, and with the feel of a show spat out by AI.”
Kate Hudson stars in her first major TV role (Image: NETFLIX)
Conversely, there have been more favourable comparisons to Ted Lasso, including from Time Magazine whose headline read “Succession Meets Ted Lasso in ‘s Extremely Fun Basketball Comedy Running Point”.
Their review added: “The juxtaposition of damaged characters and lighthearted tone works surprisingly well, saving the show from erring into either self-importance or saccharine-and yielding Kaling’s first consistently good series for adults.”
Despite the mixed reviews, the star-studded cast, which also includes Justin Theroux, Brenda Song and Chet Hanks, will certainly prove enticing to subscribers. Will you be watching?
Running Point is now streaming on .