Brief

Mindy Kaling joins Running Point season 3 as on‑screen CEO

The Netflix comedy adds co‑creator Mindy Kaling to its cast while Kate Hudson directs the premiere episode.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 19 Oct 2026 19:49:34 GMT

Netflix’s comedy series Running Point is adding co‑creator Mindy Kaling to its on‑screen roster for season 3, according to both The Hollywood Reporter and Variety.

What happened

Kaling will play Divya, described as the outspoken CEO of a popular gambling app. The role marks her first on‑camera acting work since 2023, when she appeared on Apple TV’s The Morning Show. Production on season 3 is underway in Los Angeles.

What the reports add

The Hollywood Reporter notes that Divya is “proudly the first female leader in her male‑dominated field,” mirroring Kate Hudson’s character Isla Gordon, who also holds a pioneering position. Variety adds that Divya will become a “thorn in Isla’s plans all season.” Both outlets list the returning cast, including Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Brenda Song, Fabrizio Guido, Chet Hanks, Toby Sandeman, Justin Theroux, Ray Romano, Uche Agada, Ken Marino and Jay Ellis. Variety specifies that Hudson will direct the first episode, marking her television directorial debut.

What was said

The character description quoted by both sources states: “Much like Isla (Kate Hudson), she’s proudly the first female leader in her male‑dominated field. Their similarities end there with Divya becoming a thorn in Isla’s plans all season.”

How it came about

Kaling and series showrunner David Stassen have overall deals with Warner Bros. Television, the studio producing Running Point. The series, loosely based on Los Angeles Lakers acting governor Jeanie Buss, follows Hudson’s character as she assumes control of her family’s professional basketball team. Earlier Felo coverage highlighted the trend of digital‑native creators moving into mainstream TV, such as the appointment of former YouTube executive Fede Goldenberg to head Sony’s Screen Gems on October 9, 2026.

Key facts

Mindy Kaling will appear in a recurring role as Divya in Running Point season 3. (hollywoodreporter.com)
Divya is the CEO of a popular gambling app and is described as the first female leader in a male‑dominated field. (variety.com)
Kate Hudson will direct the first episode of season 3, marking her TV directorial debut. (variety.com)