Netflix’s ‘Running Point’ Cast & Character Guide

Running Point, Netflix’s latest addition to its long list of sports-centered works, debuted on February 27, 2025. Comprising 10 episodes, with each episode averaging at just thirty minutes, the heartfelt comedy is the 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 Point has a host of talented names, featuring a diverse cast from different backgrounds. The combination of the cast creates an eccentric dynamic, leading to compelling characters. While some names are well-known in the industry, Running Point also brings a few new faces to screens, offering the perfect blend of the familiar and new. Here’s where you may have seen some of Running Point‘s cast before.

Running Point

2.5
/5

Release Date

February 27, 2025

Network

Netflix

Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon

The uber-talented Kate Hudson plays the lead character in Running 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 film Desert 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’s Almost 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 in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003), Bride Wars (2009), Fool’s Gold (2008), Something Borrowed (2011), and You, Me and Dupree (2006). Hudson is also the talented voice behind the character Mei Mei in Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016).

Brenda Song as Ali Lee

Brenda Song takes on the role of Ali Lee in 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 in Running Point, Song is most famously known for her decade at the Disney Channel. Song starred as London Tipton in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Samantha Elizabeth Kwan in The Ultimate Christmas Present, Wendy Wu in Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, and Jennifer in Get a Clue. Since leaving the Disney Channel, Song has appeared in works including The Social Network (2010), Secret Obsession (2019), the Dollface series (2019-2022), and Love Accidentally (2011). Audiences may also recognize Song as the voice behind Shiny in The Little Engine That Could (2011).

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Justin Theroux as Cameron Gordon

Justin Theroux plays the eldest brother, Cam Gordon, in Running 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 works including American 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), and White House Plumbers (2023). Justin Theroux also has a career in filmmaking, making his directorial debut Dedication (2007), and writing the screenplays for Tropic Thunder (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Rock of Ages (2012), and Zoolander 2 (2016).

Scott MacArthur as Ness Gordon

The general manager of the Los Angeles Waves and Gordon brother, Ness, is played by Scott 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 with Mad TV in 2006. Since then, he has appeared in works including Mad Men, The Mindy Project, NCIS, and How to Be a Gentleman. MacArthur’s breakout role came in the Fox comedy series The Mick, where he played the character Jimmy Shepherd. MacArthur’s most recent works, in addition to Running Point, include Killing It (2022-2023), No Hard Feelings (2023), and Incoming (2024).

Drew Tarver as Sandy Gordon

Drew Tarver takes 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 sitcom Animal 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 including Big Time Rush, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Superstore, and The Other Two.

Max Greenfield as Lev Levenson

Max Greenfield, perhaps most notably known for playing Schmidt in New Girl, takes on the role of Isla’s fiancé, Lev, in Running 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 in Running Point, and in addition to being known as Schmidt in New Girl, viewers may have also encountered Greenfield in Veronica Mars (2004), Ugly Betty (2006), Modern Men (2006), The Neighborhood (2018), What Men Want (2019), and Unfrosted (2024).

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Jay Ellis as Jay Brown

Jay Ellis retains his first name in taking on his character, Jay, in Running 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 as Invasion and Related, with his breakout role being in The Game (2006) as Bryce Westbrook. Additionally, Ellis also appeared in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) as Lieutenant Reuben “Payback” Fitch.

Fabrizio Guido as Jackie Moreno

Fabrizio Guido takes on the role of Jackie 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 including Welcome to the Family (2013) as Demetrio Hernandez, Mr. Iglesias (2019) as Mikey Gutierrez, and in Good Burger 2 (2023) as Mr. Jensen.

Running Point is now streaming on Netflix.