OS ANGELES (Diya TV) — Mindy Kaling will take a recurring on-screen role in the third season of Netflix’s Running Point, playing Divya, the outspoken CEO of a popular gambling app. Divya will challenge Kate Hudson’s Isla Gordon, the president of the fictional Los Angeles Waves basketball team.
Netflix describes both executives as the first women to lead companies in male-dominated industries. Their common ground won’t last: the streamer says Divya will become a thorn in Isla’s plans throughout the season. Netflix has not said how Divya’s app will intersect with the Waves or the team’s business.
The new role adds an acting credit to Kaling’s work on the series. She co-created Running Point with Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen, and continues as a writer and executive producer. Stassen serves as showrunner.
The casting arrives after Season 2 gave Isla’s team its first championship. In the finale, Isla’s brother Cam announced that he was reviving the Los Angeles Industry, a rival franchise, setting up another business and basketball challenge for the Waves. Divya adds a separate executive rival to that conflict.
Production on Season 3 is underway in Los Angeles. Hudson will direct the premiere, marking her television directorial debut. Justin Theroux, Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur and other cast members will return. Netflix has not announced a premiere date.
The series takes inspiration from the Los Angeles Lakers and team president Jeanie Buss, who serves as an executive producer.
