Playing with the sexism of the sports world is a well-known joke and unfortunately without much progress, but Running Point has a trump card: Kate Hudson‘s charisma. The actress, daughter of Goldie Hawn and an Oscar nominee for the wonderful Almost Famous, had been somewhat “missing” or underused in Hollywood, but here she is at home and in charge.

Created by the equally talented Mindy Kaling, this comedy cleverly uses clichés. It avoids the more obvious ones, always with a “Ted Lasso” vibe, not so much about positivity, but about having a sports world led by a woman.

The role of Isla Gordon is perfect for Kate, and all her talent is used here. After her older brother Cameron (Justin Theroux) has to spend a few months in rehab, Isla takes over her family’s beloved professional basketball team, the Wavers, with all the problems that come with the job and being an executive navigating the male universe.

Misogyny is just the first hurdle to overcome: the Gordons are a dysfunctional family, and even her half-brothers, Sandy (Drew Tarver) and Ness (Scott MacArthur), want to kick her out. Little by little, everything starts to work out at work, but balancing it with personal demands proves more complicated.

I avoided going into details about the plot itself because it would be predictable, but trust me, it works. For Tedmaniacs, it’s like it’s about Rebecca leading the AFC Richmond club, but there’s more hope for Tedbecca than Ted Lasso allowed. Here’s a hint.

Since I started comparing, obviously, Running Point doesn’t have the same psychological layers as Ted Lasso; the characters aren’t as deep; they’re just confusing and funny, which resulted in a cold reception from critics in general. Nonsense, the chemistry of the cast is approved, there are many almost politically incorrect things and Kate Hudson can’t be less praised: the series is her.

The fact is that Running Point – clearly inspired by a true story, that of the family that owns the L.A. Lakers – doesn’t reinvent the formula or try to be grand. Nothing like that. It’s a traditional comedy, with usual situations, but still, with all the potential to reach the comedy playoffs. Honestly? It’s on par with Shrinking, if that’s good. In my opinion, it has better writing and characters, but it’s just as superficial.

There’s no confirmed second season yet, but the story ends completely headed for a sequel, with a twist in the last scene. You know what? I’d watch it!

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