Kate Hudson is stepping into the world of television with Running Point, a Netflix series that takes viewers into the high-pressure world of an NBA dynasty. The actress, known for her beloved romantic comedies, was drawn to this project for a very different reason: its focus goes far beyond love and relationships.
"Look, don’t get me wrong, I love a rom-com," Hudson, 45, told PEOPLE. "I love when it’s all about the relationships. But to do a comedy set in such a high-stakes environment that’s about family dynamics — to me, [that] is just so much fun."
A Story That’s Bigger Than Romance
Hudson plays Isla Gordon, the newly-appointed heir of the Los Angeles Waves, a fictionalized version of the Lakers, in a role inspired by real-life Lakers president Jeanie Buss. What excited her most about the series was how it portrayed a female protagonist beyond just her romantic life."It’s not just all about romance," Hudson explained. "It’s a much more full, honest portrayal of a woman’s life than just the pursuit of love."
That said, romance isn’t completely absent. Isla is engaged to a pediatrician, played by Max Greenfield. But as Running Point creator Mindy Kaling points out, love stories take a backseat in this series. "I love romantic comedies. I love the romantic comedies [Hudson] has done. But her character — romance is not even in the top five things they’re worried about in their life" Kaling said.
A Dream Role in a Dream Cast
Beyond the refreshing approach to storytelling, Hudson was also drawn to the comedic elements of the show. "I’ve been wanting to do series television, and I wanted to do something comedic," she shared. "I really wanted the first thing I did in TV to be what I love doing the most because if I’m going to do a series, that’s what I want to be doing every day."
Hudson is joined by an impressive cast, including Scott MacArthur, Drew Tarver, and Justin Theroux as her on-screen brothers, as well as Brenda Song, who plays her chief of staff and best friend. The family dynamic at the heart of the show adds depth to the comedy, which Hudson found particularly exciting. "It’s so fun. The sibling dynamic and playing inside of that was so great, and the chemistry — all of the actors are so talented and so smart," she said, praising her co-stars.
A Fresh Take on Female-Led Stories
For Hudson, Running Point is more than just a workplace comedy — it’s a new kind of female-led story. And while romance plays a role, it’s not the center of Isla’s journey. Running Point premieres Thursday, February 27 on Netflix, bringing a fresh perspective to comedy, family drama, and what it means to be a woman in a high-powered world.
