Mindy Kaling's 'Running Point': A Hilarious Dive into the Buss Family Dynasty

One of television's most prolific comedy creators, Mindy Kaling, is back with another Netflix offering. This time, she's tackling the famously dysfunctional, extremely wealthy world of the Buss family, owners of the Los Angeles Lakers, in her new show, Running Point. The series, loosely based on the life of Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' owner, promises a blend of humor, drama, and insightful glimpses into the lives of a powerful family navigating the complexities of business, family, and personal life. Kate Hudson stars as a fictionalized version of Jeanie Buss, portraying a powerful woman at the helm of a professional sports team. The series is set to premiere on February 27th.

A Blend of 'Succession' and 'Ted Lasso'

Running Point is expected to evoke comparisons to HBO's hit show Succession, given its exploration of the dynamics within a wealthy, powerful family. The show also shares similarities with Ted Lasso, focusing not just on the owners but also the athletes and coaching staff, offering a broader perspective on the world of professional basketball. However, Kaling's distinct comedic style, evident in shows like The Mindy Project, Never Have I Ever, and The Sex Lives of College Girls, promises to make Running Point uniquely her own, blending sharp wit and relatable characters to create a viewing experience that’s both engaging and funny. The series promises to explore the intricacies of family relationships, power dynamics, and the pressures of leading a successful NBA franchise.

Jeanie Buss's Collaboration and the Show's Authenticity

The collaboration with Jeanie Buss herself played a crucial role in shaping the series. Buss, appreciating Kaling's work on The Mindy Project and The Office, actively sought to be involved in the show's creation, a significant departure from other portrayals where she often appeared only as a secondary figure. This involvement ensured a degree of authenticity, allowing the writers to draw on real-life details. While Buss did set some boundaries, Kaling reveals that she gave the creative team significant freedom, underscoring her desire for a humorous and accurate portrayal of her life. As Kaling emphasizes, “She really gave Ike Barinholtz, Dave Stassen, and I carte blanche on her life because she wanted it to be funny. And she knew the realer it gets, the funnier it will be.”

Kate Hudson's Casting and Character

Kate Hudson's casting as the lead is another notable aspect. Hudson, known for her roles in 2000s rom-coms, brings her unique charm and comedic timing to the character. Kaling smartly leverages this by drawing parallels between Hudson's real-life persona and her character in the show. The character embodies the strength and determination often associated with Hudson, proving herself to be a tough yet likable boss. Kaling remarks on this, stating, “Kate Hudson and other rom-com stars—like Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock—are the type of people who can say tough things, and you don’t dislike them for saying it. We’re really stealing that for her in this boss role because she's a tough employer.” The choice to portray the character as a successful leader with relatable traits makes the portrayal both believable and engaging. The fact that Hudson has personal connections to the Buss family and the Lakers world further adds an authentic touch.

Mindy Kaling's Future Projects and Reflections

Beyond Running Point, Kaling continues to expand her creative horizons. She recently appeared on Meghan Markle's Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, sharing a fun anecdote about her visit to Montecito and Meghan's generous hospitality. Kaling also discusses her new Hulu series, Not Suitable for Work, a project that delves into the often-overlooked Murray Hill neighborhood in Manhattan. She describes the project as an exploration of a less glamorous side of New York, presenting a humorous take on a neighborhood typically associated with finance bros and young professionals. The project is unique because of its focus on a less-romanticized section of the city, unlike many films and shows that focus on more well-known areas.

Kaling's Acting Career and Family Life

Despite her extensive work as a showrunner, Kaling also reflects on her acting career, expressing gratitude for the recognition of her past performances. She acknowledges the temptation to star in her own shows, noting that Never Have I Ever provided a perfect opportunity to cast herself. However, she understands the focus on her role as a showrunner and the constraints of balancing her family life with a demanding career. With three children under seven, she aims to return to acting in the next few years, showcasing the constant balance she maintains between her personal and professional life. Her statement, “Maybe it’s better to not be in them. Right now I have three kids under the age of 7, but I miss it. I would like to return to screen in the next couple years,” perfectly encapsulates the sacrifices and plans she has in mind for the coming years.

The Enduring Legacy of Legally Blonde 3

Finally, the long-awaited Legally Blonde 3 is briefly mentioned. Kaling, who co-wrote the script, expresses optimism about its eventual release but acknowledges her limited control over the project's future. She highlights the positive impact of the time spent in development and the success of Jennifer Coolidge, whose recent resurgence further enhances the potential of the film. The project remains in development, showing an ambition to stay current and capitalize on the success of the actors. The statement, “If you put Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Coolidge in a movie right now, I don’t know a single person who wouldn’t run to the theaters to see it,” speaks volumes about the anticipation for the project. Kaling’s excitement about the film is evident, particularly given Coolidge’s success in shows such as The White Lotus.

This is a testament to her enduring creativity and commitment to bringing engaging and humorous stories to the screen. Kaling's diverse range of projects promises to keep audiences captivated for years to come. Her work continues to impress audiences and demonstrate her impressive skill in blending humor with the complexities of life. The upcoming release of Running Point only serves to further solidify her position as a major figure in modern television. The success of Running Point and other projects will continue to solidify her place as a leading creative force.