In a remarkable move, Netflix has swiftly renewed the basketball comedy series Running Point for a second season, making it one of the quickest renewals for a first-year series on the platform. This exciting announcement comes just a week after the show's premiere on February 27, highlighting the streamer’s confidence in the series. This decision follows the recent cancellation of the drama series The Recruit after two seasons, showcasing Netflix's strategic focus on its comedy offerings.
Running Point has made a significant impact since its launch, attracting an impressive 9.3 million views during its debut weekend. The show quickly climbed the charts, ranking in the Top 10 across 83 countries, which underscores its global appeal and popularity among viewers. Mindy Kaling, the co-creator and executive producer of the series, expressed her excitement about the renewal, stating, “We are so thrilled to be able to deliver a Season 2 of Running Point to the fans of the show. We still cannot believe the response from audiences – thank you to everyone who has watched!”
Running Point is inspired by the real-life story of the LA Lakers and its president, Jeanie Buss. The plot follows Isla Gordon, played by Kate Hudson, who is unexpectedly appointed as president of the Los Angeles Waves, a prestigious professional basketball franchise, after a scandal forces her brother to resign. As she navigates her new role, Isla must prove herself to her skeptical brothers, the board, and the wider sports community, establishing her credibility in a male-dominated industry.
The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Jay Ellis, Max Greenfield, and Justin Theroux. The creative team behind Running Point includes writers and executive producers Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen, with Stassen also serving as the showrunner. The series is produced by Mindy Kaling's Kaling International in partnership with Warner Bros. Television, where Kaling has an overall deal.
While Running Point has secured its future, fellow Netflix freshman comedy series No Good Deed is still waiting for an update on its fate, nearly three months after its premiere. The contrasting fortunes of these shows highlight the unpredictable nature of streaming series renewals and cancellations.
As audiences eagerly anticipate the next season of Running Point, it is clear that Netflix’s commitment to delivering engaging and entertaining content continues to resonate with viewers worldwide.
