When a dysfunctional family inherits the worst team in basketball history, chaos courtside becomes their only playbook. Running Point, Netflix’s uproarious new comedy-sports series, follows the Gordons—a trio of squabbling siblings thrust into managing the failing “San Diego Surge.” Think Ted Lasso meets Arrested Development, with a dash of White Lotus-level pettiness. Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson), a former yoga influencer turned clueless CEO, must team up with her estranged brothers—Sandy (Drew Tarver), a disgraced sports podcaster, and Ness (Scott MacArthur), a conspiracy theorist with a vendetta against sneaker brands—to save the team from bankruptcy. Cue halftime meltdowns, TikTok scandals, and a mascot (Chet Hanks) who may or may not be laundering money.
Created by Brooklyn Nine-Nine alumna Vanessa Ramos, the series blends slapstick humor with surprisingly poignant moments about legacy and family. The Surge’s roster includes a TikTok-obsessed rookie (Justin Hurtt-Dunkley), a washed-up MVP (Max Greenfield) clinging to his glory days, and a 7’2” Lithuanian center (Dane DiLiegro) who only communicates in emojis.
Get to Know the Cast of Running Point
1: Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon
Kate Hudson (born April 19, 1979) trades rom-com royalty for comedic chaos as Isla, a wellness guru whose mantra is “namaste… but make it profit.” The Oscar nominee (Almost Famous) and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days icon channels her real-life Fabletics empire into Isla’s absurd attempts to rebrand the Surge with kombucha sponsorships and halftime crystal healings. Recent roles in Glass Onion (2022) and Truth Be Told (2023) showcase her pivot to sharper comedy, but Isla marks her first leading TV role since Glee.
Off-screen, Hudson’s passion for fitness (she’s a certified yoga instructor) bled into the role: “Isla’s downward dog is flawless, even during a PR crisis.” As executive producer, she pushed for the show’s mix of physical comedy and heartfelt sibling dynamics. “The Gordons are hot messes… but you’ll root for them like they’re the ’96 Bulls.”
2: Drew Tarver as Sandy Gordon
Drew Tarver (born May 4, 1987), breakout star of The Other Two, steals scenes as Sandy, a self-sabotaging “sports genius” who accidentally livestreams his breakdowns. A Second City alum, Tarver’s improv chops shine as Sandy’s schemes—like trading the team’s star player for a viral corgi mascot—spiral into disaster. His film work (The Spy Who Dumped Me) and voice role in Q-Force (2021) hint at his range, but Running Point lets him unleash full himbo energy.
Tarver based Sandy on “every guy who argues about LeBron vs. Jordan at Thanksgiving.” Off-camera, he’s a die-hard Atlanta Hawks fan and podcast junkie. “Sandy’s the guy who’d bet his mom’s couch on a fantasy league… and lose.”
3: Scott MacArthur as Ness Gordon
Scott MacArthur (born December 21, 1981), co-creator of The Mick, brings his signature anarchic humor to Ness, a paranoid ex-marketer convinced the NBA is rigged by “Big Sneaker.” MacArthur’s writing credits (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) inform Ness’s unhinged rants about draft lotteries being controlled by AI. His acting chops, seen in AP Bio and Bless the Harts, balance Ness’s lunacy with unexpected warmth.
MacArthur ad-libbed most of Ness’s conspiracy theories, drawing from real Reddit threads. “Ness isn’t wrong… he’s just early,” he jokes. Off-screen, he’s a pickup basketball addict—though he admits, “I shoot like a possum on espresso.”
4: Brenda Song as Ali Lee
Brenda Song (born March 27, 1988) swaps Disney Channel roots (The Suite Life) for razor-sharp wit as Ali, the Surge’s overqualified GM battling the Gordon family’s nonsense. Fresh off Dollface (2021) and Celebrity Jeopardy! host gigs, Song’s Ali is a master of eye-rolls and Excel spreadsheets. Her chemistry with Hudson—a callback to their Almost Famous reunion in Glass Onion—fuels the show’s heart.
Song, a mom of two, relates to Ali’s “tired-but-iconic” vibe: “She’s the only adult in the room… and she’s over it.” Off-camera, she advocates for Asian-American representation in sports media.
5: Max Greenfield as Lev Levy
Max Greenfield (born September 4, 1980), New Girl’s Schmidt, reinvents himself as Lev, a past-his-prime point guard turned crypto bro. Greenfield’s physical comedy shines as Lev botches halftime NFT pitches and tries (and fails) to dunk. His recent work in The Neighborhood and Prom Pact (2023) proves his sitcom prowess, but Lev’s delusional swagger is next-level.
Greenfield trained with ex-NBA player Baron Davis for the role. “Lev’s knees are 90% ice packs, 10% ego,” he laughs. Off-screen, he’s a Lakers devotee and co-owns a pickleball league.
6: Chet Hanks as Travis Bugg
Chet Hanks (born August 4, 1990), musician and occasional internet lightning rod, leans into meta-humor as Travis, the Surge’s unhinged mascot “Buzzy the Bee.” Hanks’ viral “White Boy Summer” persona informs Travis’s chaotic energy—think dance battles gone wrong and sideline streaking. His acting chops, seen in Empire and Shameless, surprise in quieter moments where Travis reveals a hidden savvy.
Hanks, a former college soccer player, did all his own stunts. “Travis is the IDGAF energy this team needs,” he grins. Off-camera, he’s launching a Running Point-inspired merch line.
7: Dane DiLiegro as Badrag Knauss
Dane DiLiegro (born July 22, 1988), former pro basketball player turned actor (The Witcher), towers as Badrag, the Surge’s socially awkward center. DiLiegro’s 7’2” frame and deadpan delivery make Badrag a meme-worthy scene-stealer. His horror background (Prey) adds grit to the role, especially when Badrag headbutts a ref over a bad call.
Detail: Running Point (2025) Cast, Release Date, Story, Trailer & Everything We Know
DiLiegro consulted with NBA stars like Boban Marjanović for the role. “Badrag’s a gentle giant… unless you diss his mama’s pierogi recipe.”
8: J.P. Manoux as Arena Announcer
J.P. Manoux (born July 9, 1969), voice-acting legend (Phineas and Ferb), narrates the Surge’s disasters as the Arena Announcer. His booming baritone turns play-by-play into poetry, even during a halftime nacho shortage. Manoux’s live reads—often interrupted by mascot antics—become a running gag.
Manoux, a theater veteran, improvised most of his lines. “The announcer’s the only sane person in the building… and he’s losing it.”
9: Scott Evans as Charlie
Scott Evans (born September 21, 1983), Chris Evans’ brother and Grace and Frankie alum, charms as Charlie, Isla’s ex-husband and rival team owner. Evans’ knack for smoldering silliness shines as Charlie sabotages the Surge with gluten-free concession stands and boy-band halftime shows.
Evans, an LGBTQ+ advocate, pushed for Charlie’s arc as a pansexual heartthrob. “He’s chaos in a tailored suit,” Evans says.
10: Justin Hurtt-Dunkley as Victor Coburn Jr.
Justin Hurtt-Dunkley (born January 12, 2002), a real-life college basketball standout, makes his acting debut as Victor, a TikTok phenom more focused on sponsorships than assists. Hurtt-Dunkley’s authenticity elevates Victor’s blend of arrogance and naivety.
“Victor’s the Gen-Z answer to Uncle Drew,” he says. Off-screen, he’s finishing his business degree—and yes, his TikTok’s gone viral since filming.
11: Reese Alzona as Waitress
Reese Alzona (born May 17, 1997), improv comic and All That reboot star, steals scenes as the arena’s no-nonsense waitress. Her recurring bit—doling out life advice with stale pretzels—becomes a fan-favorite subplot.
Alzona’s stand-up background fuels her razor-sharp timing. “She’s the Greek chorus… but with nacho cheese,” she jokes.
Why Running Point Scores
With its killer cast, absurd twists, and heartwarming lows-to-highs journey, Running Point is your next binge obsession. Grab your jersey and stream it on Netflix starting February 27, 2025—just don’t spill the arena nachos.
