Jay Ellis Rounds Out Cast Of Mindy Kaling's 'Running Point' Series

EXCLUSIVE: Jay Ellis (Insecure) is set for a major recurring role opposite Kate Hudson in Mindy Kaling‘s new basketball comedy series Running Point at Netflix.

In Running Point, when a scandal forces her brother to resign, Isla Gordon (Hudson) is appointed President of the Los Angeles Waves, one of the most storied professional basketball franchises, and her family business. Ambitious and often overlooked, Isla will have to prove to her skeptical brothers, the board, and the larger sports community that she was the right choice for the job, especially in the unpredictable, male-dominated world of sports.

Ellis will play Jay Brown. A former celebrated player, Jay Brown is the seasoned Head Coach of the Waves whose zen-like approach has led the team to multiple championships.

Cast also includes Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Max Greenfield, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Roberto Sanchez, Uche Agada and Dane DiLiegro.

The 10-episode series is produced by Mindy Kaling’s Kaling International in association with Warner Bros. Television, where Kaling is under an overall deal.

Kaling co-writes and executive produces alongside fellow Mindy Project alums Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen and Stassen serves as showrunner. James Ponsoldt directs the first two episodes. Hudson, Lakers’ President and Governor Jeanie Buss and the team’s Linda Rambis executive produce alongside 3 Arts’ Howard Klein, Kaling, Barinholtz and Stassen. Lakers’ Jordan Rambis is a producer.

Ellis is known for his role as fan-favorite Lawrence on Issa Rae’s Emmy-nominated HBO comedy series Insecure, which earned him an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He also directed the Season 4 episode “Lowkey Trippin” and later re-teamed with Rae on her HBO series Rap Sh!t, directing the season 1 finale. His recent film work includes a starring role in Top Gun: Maverick, and a lead role opposite Allison Brie in Prime Video’s Somebody I Used to Know. He also appeared in Hulu’s History of the World II. Ellis will next be seen in Freaky Tales, from Captain Marvel helmers Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Ellis is repped by UTA, Entertainment 360 and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman.