Running Point, based on the real life of the president of the Los Angeles Lakers and created by a team of writers that includes Mindy Kaling, is the perfect mix of workplace comedy, family drama and sports. And though there aren’t many shows out there like it, there are a few that scratch the very same itch. Whether you were enthralled by the complicated family dynamics, enchanted by the show’s take on sports culture or you just want to laugh at a well-done comedy that tackles sports dynamics, there’s something for you out there and it might not even be what you expect.
Here are ten shows like Running Point to watch once you’re done binging the Kate Hudson-led comedy, and where you can watch them on streaming services.
Ted Lasso
Perhaps ‘the’ sports comedy, Ted Lasso is the quintessential feel-good show that follows a US college football coach as he takes over a football (a.k.a. soccer) team in England. Not exactly transferable skills, right? Except the essentials of team sports are, along with kindness and Ted Lasso's many other qualities. Whatever it is you want in a show, Ted Lasso probably has it in spades.
A League of Their Own
An adaptation of the 1992 film of the same name, A League of Their Own focuses on the formation of a World War II-era women’s professional baseball team. But this isn’t just about baseball, though it is, and it isn’t just about women’s rights, though it’s also about that. Instead, it’s about all of those things and what a group can achieve when they give it their all.
Shoresy
A spinoff of Letterkenny, Shoresy focuses on the titular character of Shoresy as he takes on a job with the struggling Senior A–level ice hockey team, the Sudbury Bulldogs. With the same rapid-fire banter, over-the-top vulgarity and just a touch of heart that made the original such a hit, Shoresy is a sports comedy more than anything else, but if you liked that aspect of Running Point, you might enjoy this show too.
Ballers
This HBO comedy follows former NFL player Spencer Strasmore as he becomes a financial manager for other players. Although action star Dwayne 'The Rock" Johnson plays Strasmore, Ballers is actually a comedy—and a comedy of errors at that, as Strasmore tries to figure out what in the world he’s doing. It turns out playing the game isn’t the same as trying to manage its finances.
Mythic Quest
Mythic Quest follows a fictional video game studio and not a basketball team. Although it isn’t exactly sports-related, you will probably enjoy the way the characters relate to each other in this show if you loved the workplace dynamics in Running Point. What’s that thing they say? There’s similarities in the differences.
Succession
The Murdoch family is widely thought of as the inspiration behind the HBO series Succession, but another possibility has always been the Buss family, who owns the Los Angeles Lakers and whose daughter, Jeanie Buss, inspired Running Point. All of that considered, if your favorite part of Running Point were the messy family dynamics, then Succession is the perfect show for you.
Arrested Development
Arrested Development follows a formerly wealthy and dysfunctional family who loses everything after their patriarch is convicted of fraud. But this is no Schitt’s Creek. Instead, this story features one son that kinda understands what’s going on and an entire family that, while you might not like, bring plenty of laughs throughout the show.
Parks and Recreation
A political satire mockumentary, Parks and Recreation follows a group of government employees in a Midwestern town trying to make their city a better place, and more often than not failing at it. If you like sitcoms, Parks and Recreation is one of the must-watch for the genre. This was the feel-good comedy before Ted Lasso, so if you need a smile, an episode of this show is the perfect recipe.
The Bear
The comedy that isn’t really a comedy, The Bear follows Carmen “Carmy” Anthony Berzatto after he inherits his family’s Italian beef sandwich shop after the suicide of his older brother. It’s loud, it’s hard to watch at times and it forces you to confront a lot of difficult emotions, but at the end of the day, The Bear is about family, about coworkers and about how both can make you better.
GLOW
GLOW revolves around a fictionalized version of the characters of the 1980s syndicated women’s professional wrestling circuit Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (or GLOW). There’s sports, there’s workplace dynamics and there’s a lot of a focus on women. Plus, nothing can beat the aesthetics.
If you're wondering where to watch all of these shows, this guide shows you where to find them all on streaming services in the United States. Browse through all of the offers and start watching your next favorite show.
