Running Point,Netflix’s latest addition to its long list of sports-centered works, debuted on July 18, 2025. Comprising 10 episodes, with each episode averaging at just thirty minutes, the heartfelt comedy isthe perfect binge-watch. The series follows its protagonist, Isla Gordon, as she struggles to carry on her family’s legacy in basketball. Isla takes on the presidency of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team following a scandal that forces her elder brother, Cam, to resign from his position. However, it isn’t a smooth sail for Isla, who has to prove herself both to her family and the industry.
Created by the talented Mindy Kaling, together with Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen,Running Pointhas a host of talented names, featuring a diverse cast from different backgrounds. The combination of the cast createsan eccentric dynamic, leading to compelling characters. While some names are well-known in the industry,Running Pointalso brings a few new faces to screens, offering the perfect blend of the familiar and new. Here’s where you may have seen some ofRunning Point’s cast before.
Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon
The uber-talentedKate Hudsonplaysthe lead character inRunning Point.Hudson deftly portrays her character,Isla Gordon, who has continuously been overlooked by her family when it comes to basketball. Beginning with her father and carrying to her brothers, Isla’s interest in and knowledge of basketball has never been acknowledged. All this changes when she is suddenly named the president of the Los Angeles Waves. With plenty to prove, Isla takes on the task, beginning a journey interjected with plenty of humor and a fair share of tears.
Having begun her career in Hollywood almost three decades ago, making her film debut in the 1998 filmDesert Blue,Hudson is now one of the most longstanding and well-known names in Hollywood. The daughter of Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson, her breakthrough role was in Cameron Crowe’sAlmost Famous(2000), where she played the character Penny Lane. Hudson earned a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for her work in the film.
Since then, Kate Hudson has gone on to star in a plethora of works, carving out an impressive career for herself and dabbling in various genres. She is most notably known for her roles inHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days(2003),Bride Wars(2009),Fool’s Gold(2008),Something Borrowed(2011), andYou, Me and Dupree(2006). Hudson is also the talented voice behind the character Mei Mei inKung Fu Panda 3(2016).
Brenda Song as Ali Lee
Brenda Songtakes on the role ofAli Leein the Netflix series. Isla’s best friend and the chief of staff of the Los Angeles Waves, Ali is a crucial character who helps Isla navigate her tumultuous journey. Hailing from Chicago, Ali has a fearless and slightly intimidating nature. She is also the character who is the closest to the Gordon family, understanding the family and their dynamics like no other.
Prior to taking on her role inRunning Point,Song is most famously known for her decade at the Disney Channel. Song starred as London Tipton inThe Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Samantha Elizabeth Kwan inThe Ultimate Christmas Present,Wendy Wu inWendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior,and Jennifer inGet a Clue.Since leaving the Disney Channel, Song has appeared inworks includingThe Social Network(2010),Secret Obsession(2019), theDollfaceseries (2019-2022), andLove Accidentally(2011). Audiences may also recognize Song as the voice behind Shiny inThe Little Engine That Could(2011).
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Justin Theroux as Cameron Gordon
Justin Therouxplays the eldest brother,Cam Gordon, inRunning Point.Cam is the president of the Los Angeles Waves but continuously finds himself getting into bouts of trouble. It is one such scandal that leads to him handing over his presidency to Isla in the series.
Theroux has previously starred in worksincludingAmerican Psycho(2000), where he found his breakout role in Timothy Bryce,The District(2000-2002),Mulholland Drive(2001),The Girl on the Train(2016),Maniac(2018), andWhite House Plumbers(2023). Justin Theroux also has a career in filmmaking, making his directorial debutDedication(2007), and writing the screenplays for Tropic Thunder (2008),Iron Man 2(2010), Rock of Ages (2012), andZoolander 2(2016).
Scott MacArthur as Ness Gordon
The general manager of the Los Angeles Waves and Gordon brother,Ness, is played byScott MacArthur. Despite their legacy in the sport, Ness is the only Gordon sibling who actually played basketball. Despite not having a lengthy career in the sport, Ness strives to prove that he is worthy enough to hold the position of general manager for the Waves.
MacArthur made his industry debut withMad TVin 2006. Since then, he has appeared in works includingMad Men,The Mindy Project,NCIS, andHow to Be a Gentleman.MacArthur’s breakout role came in the Fox comedy seriesThe Mick,where he played the character Jimmy Shepherd. MacArthur’s most recent works, in addition toRunning Point,includeKilling It(2022-2023),No Hard Feelings(2023), andIncoming(2024).
Drew Tarver as Sandy Gordon
Drew Tarvertakes on the role of the youngest Gordon brother,Sandy Gordon. Sandy is the Waves' Chief Financial Officer, but as the half-sibling in the family, feels somewhat alienated. Although intelligent and ambitious, Sandy is not athletically gifted, but strives to prove that his place in the Gordon family and their legacy is well-deserved.
Tarver made his on-screen debut in an episode of the veterinary sitcomAnimal Practice,playing the role of Todd. He went on to find his breakthrough role in the comedy series,Bajillion Dollar Propertie$and has appeared in works includingBig Time Rush, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Superstore,andThe Other Two.
Max Greenfield as Lev Levenson
Max Greenfield, perhaps most notably known for playingSchmidt inNew Girl,takes on the role of Isla’s fiancé,Lev, inRunning Point.A pediatrician with a good heart, Lev attempts as best as he can to be there for Isla, although he appears not to receive the same effort in return. Prior to his role inRunning Point,and in addition to being known as Schmidt inNew Girl,viewers may have also encountered Greenfield inVeronica Mars(2004),Ugly Betty(2006),Modern Men(2006),The Neighborhood(2018),What Men Want(2019), andUnfrosted(2024).
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Jay Ellis as Jay Brown
Jay Ellisretains his first name in taking on his character,Jay, inRunning Point.Ellis' character is the head coach of the Waves, and despite having a history as a player himself, Jay is quite successful as a coach. Ellis has previously appeared in shows such asInvasionandRelated,with his breakout role being inThe Game(2006) as Bryce Westbrook. Additionally, Ellis also appeared inTop Gun: Maverick(2022) as Lieutenant Reuben “Payback” Fitch.
Fabrizio Guido as Jackie Moreno
Fabrizio Guidotakes on the role ofJackie Moreno, a Waves fan and popcorn vendor who goes on to become a part of the Waves' inner circle when he finds out he is related to the Gordon family. Moreno is ambitious and looks to work his way up through the Waves' organization, a journey that comes with its own share of challenges. Guido has previously appeared in works includingWelcome to the Family(2013) as Demetrio Hernandez,Mr. Iglesias(2019) as Mikey Gutierrez, and in Good Burger 2 (2023) as Mr. Jensen.
