Mindy Kaling Joins 'Running Point' Season 3, and She's Coming for Kate Hudson's Isla Gordon

Mindy Kaling has spent two seasons creating problems for Kate Hudson's Isla Gordon from behind the scenes on Running Point. Now, she's stepping in front of the camera to cause a little chaos herself.

The actress, writer, and executive producer is officially joining the cast of Netflix's basketball comedy for its third season. And considering the Gordon family's ability to turn practically every business decision into a personal disaster, Isla probably doesn't need another headache. Unfortunately for her, that's exactly what Kaling's character is bringing to the table.

Mindy Kaling Is Joining the Competition

Kaling will appear in a recurring role as Divya, the outspoken and confident CEO of a popular gambling app. Much like Isla, Divya has broken barriers by becoming the first woman to lead a company in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

You might think that would give the two women something to bond over. Think again.

According to the official character description, Divya will become a recurring obstacle for Isla throughout Season 3. Netflix hasn't revealed exactly what puts the two at odds, but bringing a gambling-app executive into the world of professional basketball certainly opens the door to some interesting possibilities.

Isla has already spent two seasons navigating family betrayals, corporate politics, and the exhausting task of proving she deserves to run the Los Angeles Waves. Adding another powerful businesswoman to the mix could make things even more complicated, especially if Divya has plans that don't align with Isla's vision for the team.

And really, doesn't Isla have enough people trying to make her life difficult?

Kate Hudson Is Taking on a New Role, Too

Kaling isn't the only familiar face doing something different when Running Point returns. Hudson will make her television directorial debut by directing the Season 3 premiere while continuing to star as Isla.

Production on the new season is already underway in Los Angeles, with much of the show's established ensemble returning.

Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Brenda Song, Fabrizio Guido, Chet Hanks, Toby Sandeman, and Justin Theroux are confirmed to return. Ray Romano, Uche Agada, Ken Marino, and Jay Ellis will also appear in recurring roles. That means there will be plenty of familiar personalities around to complicate whatever Isla is attempting to accomplish next.

The series was created by Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen, and Elaine Ko, with Stassen serving as showrunner. Kaling also serves as a writer and executive producer, so her new onscreen role adds another responsibility to an already busy schedule.

What's Next for Isla Gordon in Season 3?

When Running Point premiered in 2025, Isla was the overlooked member of the Gordon family who unexpectedly found herself running its professional basketball franchise. What followed was a crash course in office politics, sibling rivalries, and the realization that having the family name doesn't necessarily mean having the family's support.

Season 2 raised the stakes as Isla tried to establish herself as more than a temporary replacement for her brother Cam, played by Theroux. His efforts to regain control of the franchise only added to the pressure, forcing Isla to fight for the position she had worked to make her own.

Now that she's proven she can lead the Waves, the question becomes whether she can hold on to that success while dealing with challenges beyond her own family. Divya's arrival could offer the series an interesting new dynamic. Isla has spent plenty of time dealing with powerful men who underestimate her, but going up against another successful woman who knows exactly how to operate in a competitive industry presents a different kind of conflict.

Of course, whether Divya turns out to be a legitimate threat, a professional rival, or someone who simply enjoys making Isla miserable remains to be seen. With Kaling playing the character, we're expecting at least a few memorable exchanges.

Netflix renewed Running Point for a third season in May 2026, shortly after the second season debuted.

An official premiere date has not been announced, but the first two seasons are available to stream on Netflix.

And while Isla might not be thrilled about another formidable personality entering her orbit, we're certainly interested in seeing what happens when the woman who helped create her problems finally gets to deliver a few of them in person.