TV Show review
Review basis: 2 seasons, 20 episodes · through April 23, 2026
February 27, 2025 · TV-MA · Returning Series
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
Running Point is a Netflix comedy about Isla Gordon, a reformed party girl and overlooked sister who suddenly becomes president of her family's pro basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves, after her brother steps down for rehab. She works to prove herself to skeptical brothers, the board, and the sports world while handling family drama, players, and business deals. The show centers on her rise in a male-dominated family business and sports industry, with voiceovers about past sexism and a supporting gay romance storyline for one brother. It draws loose inspiration from real Lakers executive Jeanie Buss.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Running Point.
Woke representation / casting
Prominent Asian-American actress Brenda Song plays Isla's best friend and chief of staff in a key leadership role. Mixed ensemble includes Black players such as Uche Agada in recurring and promoted regular spots plus other diverse supporting actors in office and team positions. Patterns are audience-visible in competent non-white and female roles but not extreme signaling.
Woke political dialogue
Voiceovers and scenes recall the father's casual misogyny and brothers' initial skepticism. Characters discuss a woman needing to prove herself in the male-dominated sports world. The elements stay light and comedic rather than extended activist lectures.
Identity-driven story themes
The main arc follows an overlooked woman stepping into family leadership in a traditionally male sports and business world, framed around overcoming sexism and doubt. Recurring gay romance subplots for brother Sandy (with a boyfriend in season 1 and a player in season 2) add visible LGBTQ representation. Creator comments emphasize ambitious women stories.
Production
Western institutional / cultural critique
The sports front office and traditional family male leadership appear initially resistant to female competence. Brothers are often shown as flawed or out of their depth. The tone is workplace comedy and family satire more than deep systemic or ideological critique.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant. The story is original fiction loosely inspired by real-life experiences rather than ideological rewrites of established characters, canon, or historical figures.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Some viewers and critics call out "mildly woke parts," heavy girlboss or patriarchy framing as preachy or stereotypical, and overbearing male emasculation. Online comments occasionally label it typical agenda-driven casting. Backlash remains scattered and limited; the show is mostly praised as fun entertainment rather than a major flashpoint.
Creator track record context
Mindy Kaling has a documented pattern of diverse casting and advocacy for greater minority and women representation. Co-creator Ike Barinholtz has liberal political satire in his background. Jeanie Buss made public 2020 statements on racism. Other team members have milder or lower profiles.
