Critic Reviews

It’s such a relief to see a show actually respect, and take advantage of, the television form! Hudson has an eye-catching wardrobe (courtesy of costume designer Salvador Pérez Jr.) and the episodes have a thematic and visual brightness that is an essential component: The show is an easy watch and the aesthetics subconsciously tell your brain “relax, this is fun.”

This is a comforting and intelligent sitcom. While some of the cast feels overstuffed and underused at first, everyone eventually has their moment and you can clearly see the many directions that things could go next.

The result is a rarity on TV these days: a show that’s fun, dynamic, and likely to please multiple demographics without being broad or stupid.

Running Point won’t be the best TV you see this year. But it goes down easily and boasts so much star appeal that it doesn’t have to be. Give the creative team a bit of time, and who knows? Maybe Running Point has what it takes to grow into the four-quadrant hit it wants to be. But please, a little less Chet Hanks rapping next time.

Kate Hudson is the best part of Running Point, but Kaling, Ko, Barinholtz and Stassen have built a winning ensemble around her, with a story that’s not only a workplace comedy, but one about family, as well.

It’s a fun show, and that’s saying something these days. The pace is crisp, the chemistry is there, and “Running Point” capably juggles answers to a question I’d never thought to (and still probably wouldn’t) ask: What if the Bluths were sympathetic?

Running Point merrily glides along on sturdy rails, its tart jokes delivered in bright staccato. The show’s affability could prove too cloying were it not for Hudson’s flintiness.

“Running Point” has its serious storylines, but nearly everything is handled with a sun-baked and relatively light touch, making this an easily digestible binge-series with multi-season potential.

The convivial comedy is sleek, fast-paced and witty, with a great cast and a unique setting. Its lack of ambition and depth is mostly overcome by other strengths.

“Running Point” is far from perfect but it still has Hudson and she’s sinking three pointers every time.