Running Point will return for a third season on Netflix, the streaming giant announced on May 13, 2026. The basketball comedy starring Kate Hudson as team president Isla Gordon received its renewal just weeks after **Season 2 premiered on April 23, 2026**, introducing viewers to fresh drama and higher stakes within the fictional LA Waves organization. The green light for Season 3 signals strong confidence in the series despite viewership fluctuations between its first two seasons.

How Season 2 Set the Stage for Renewal

Running Point Season 1 debuted on February 27, 2025, introducing audiences to Isla Gordon’s unexpected rise to power. When her brother Cam (played by Justin Theroux) enters rehab, the overlooked youngest sibling inherits control of the LA Waves basketball franchise—a family empire. The premise positioned the series as a fresh take on workplace comedy, blending corporate drama with sports humor. Mindy Kaling, a producer on the show alongside creators Elaine Ko, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen, brought her signature comedic sensibility to the project. The first season’s success on the Netflix platform warranted an immediate green light for Season 2.

Season 2 expanded the ensemble cast and deepened character relationships. Brenda Song (as PR director Ali Lee) and Drew Tarver (as older brother Ross Gordon) returned alongside Hudson, delivering storylines that critics praised for better integration of supporting characters. The improved critical reception—jumping from 79% to 90% on the Rotten Tomatoes critics’ scale—demonstrates that the creative team refined their approach after Season 1.

The Viewership Challenge and Why Netflix Still Renewed

Season 2’s opening weekend viewership of 5.3 million represented a notable decline from Season 1’s 9.3 million—a 43% drop that sparked industry conversation. Deadline reported this figure alongside similar trends for other returning shows, raising questions about whether Netflix would continue Running Point. However, the quick renewal announcement indicates that Netflix executives prioritized critical validation and long-term brand value over initial viewership metrics.

This decision reflects shifting Netflix renewal strategy. Rather than canceling every show that experiences viewership decline, the streamer recognizes that sophomore season slumps are common and often temporary. Season 2 remained in Netflix’s global Top 10 TV shows well beyond its opening week, suggesting sustained engagement among core viewers. The improved critical reception from industry reviewers drove subscriber conversation and bolstered the show’s perceived cultural import—a quality that streaming platforms increasingly value for prestige and brand positioning.

Cast Stability and Production Plans for Season 3

Netflix’s official renewal announcement confirmed that the core cast will return for Season 3. Kate Hudson leads the ensemble, supported by Justin Theroux, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, and Scott MacArthur, among other regulars. The show has also attracted notable guest appearances and cameos in previous seasons, leveraging its Los Angeles setting to draw sports personalities and entertainment figures.

Production will continue in Los Angeles, maintaining the show’s sunny Southern California setting. The same creative team behind Seasons 1 and 2 is expected to return, ensuring continuity in the show’s comedic voice and narrative direction. Given the standard development timeline for a Netflix series, Season 3 will likely premiere sometime in 2027 or 2028, though no official date has been announced.

“Running Point will take the court for another season. The basketball sitcom has officially been renewed for Season 3. In the upcoming episodes, Isla Gordon will continue to juggle the power plays and personal struggles that come with running her family business: the LA Waves basketball team.”

— Netflix Tudum, official renewal announcement, May 13, 2026

What’s Next for the LA Waves and Isla Gordon

Season 3 represents an opportunity for Isla Gordon’s character arc to deepen. After two seasons of establishing her leadership credentials and navigating family drama, the third season can explore higher-stakes business challenges and personal growth. The renewal also opens doors for fresh ensemble dynamics as the LA Waves organization evolves. Fans can expect the show to maintain its blend of workplace comedy, romance subplots, and basketball-adjacent humor that has built its loyal viewership base. as entertainment trends continue to shift toward character-driven comedies, Running Point’s focus on ensemble dynamics and layered storytelling positions it well for sustained audience interest.

The show’s renewal also signals that Netflix remains committed to longer narrative arcs in comedy programming, resisting the temptation to cancel shows after one successful season. For creator Mindy Kaling, this represents validation of her production vision and an opportunity to continue building the fictional world of the LA Waves alongside the ensemble cast that has become increasingly comfortable with the material.

Will Viewership Rebound for Season 3?

The critical trajectory suggests optimism. Season 2’s 90% Rotten Tomatoes score indicates that quality improvements resonated with reviewers and engaged viewers. Season 1 to Season 2 comparisons across Netflix comedy series show that sophomore slumps often reverse course when the show demonstrates artistic growth. Running Point’s path from 79% to 90% critics’ approval mirrors success stories in the comedy genre, where word-of-mouth and critical recognition can rebuild audience momentum heading into a third season. The delayed release of Season 3 details will also allow time for Netflix’s marketing team to build anticipation and capitalize on the show’s improved reputation.

Industry observers note that Netflix’s decision to renew after a viewership decline sends a message: the platform values creative excellence and artistic trajectory over first-week performance metrics. For viewers who found Season 2 sharper than Season 1, the Season 3 renewal offers validation that the show has earned another chapter to tell its story.

Sources

• Netflix Tudum — official Season 3 renewal announcement (May 13, 2026)
• Deadline — viewership data and renewal reporting (April 28–May 13, 2026)
• Variety — Season 3 announcement coverage
• Rotten Tomatoes — critical reception scores for Seasons 1 and 2
• Reddit r/television — viewership reporting and fan discussion
• IMDB — cast and series metadata
• Wikipedia — running point series premiere dates and production details