Netflix is now streaming a 10-part comedy series with Kate Hudson’s first major foray into television that has split viewers down the middle.
Hudson stars as Isla Gordon, the only daughter of a wealthy family who run the hugely successful basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves.
When her older brother is caught up in a scandal and forced to step down, she’s the only one with enough sports know-how to step up as president and lead the Waves to victory.
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However, she’ll come up against some huge hurdles, including her sceptical brothers Sandy (played by Drew Tarver) and Ness (Scott MacArthur), sexism in the sports community and some earth-shattering family revelations.
Running Point is now streaming on from today (Thursday, 27th February), but what’s the verdict from critics?
Reviews have been lukewarm so far, with some absolutely scathing write-ups from some TV buffs who found the Mindy Kaling-helmed series a bit of a struggle.
The Guardian gave it just two stars, warning subscribers “you’ll be desperate for Kate Hudson’s basketball comedy to end.”
They continued: “This tale of a girlboss battling the sporting ’s patriarchy is a real grind.
“Perhaps it’d be funny if you care deeply about the sport … but shouldn’t a comedy be able to make you laugh regardless?”
The Hollywood Reporter was also rather critical, describing it as “only kind of worth rooting for.”
“If Running Point never feels like too much of anything, it never really feels like enough of anything, either,” they went on.
“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 did admit Running Point has an “effortlessly charming cast”, led by an “effervescent” Hudson.
The Telegraph’s review was also damning with an unfavourable comparison to Apple TV+ hit Ted Lasso.
They dubbed 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.”
On the other hand, there have been more positive comparisons to Ted Lasso, including from Time Magazine whose headline read “Succession Meets Ted Lasso in Netflix’s Extremely Fun Basketball Comedy Running Point”.
Their review went on: “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 Netflix subscribers. Will you be tuning in?
Running Point is now streaming on Netflix.