Jay Ellis, star of HBO’s Insecure and co-star in Maverick, was just announced to join Mindy Kaling’s basketball comedy series Running Point for Netflix. The series also stars Kate Hudson.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Here’s the rundown of who Ellis will play … He’s set to come in as a recurring role of Jay Brown, whelp at least he keeps his real first name, who is a “former celebrated basketball player-turned-head coach who has led his team to multiple championships” as reported in Shadow and Act.
Here’s the rest of the cast aside from Ellis and Hudson … Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Max Greenfield, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Roberto Sanchez, Uche Agada and Dane DiLiegro.
“Running Point” is being produced by Mindy Kaling’s Kaling International in association with Warner Bros. Television. Kaling co-writes and executive produces alongside fellow The Mindy Project alums Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen, who serves as the showrunner.
Mindy Kaling is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry. She has emerged as one of the most influential figures in Hollywood, with her work spanning acting, writing, and producing. As of 2024, according to Wealthy Gorilla, Kaling boasts a net worth of $35 million, a testament to her success and versatility in a competitive field. Her journey from a writer and actress on The Office to a leading figure in creating and producing content that breaks cultural and gender stereotypes showcases her unique voice and pioneering spirit.
Breaking Ground In Television & Film
Kaling’s breakthrough as a writer and actress on The Office set the stage for a career redefining Hollywood norms. Her role as Kelly Kapoor and her contributions to the show’s writing and production highlighted her comedic talent and her ability to capture the complexities of modern relationships and workplace dynamics. Following her success on The Office, Kaling created and starred in The Mindy Project. This series further established her as a force in television, known for her witty, insightful, and culturally relevant content.
Pioneering Diversity & Representation
Mindy Kaling has been a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, often drawing from her own experiences as an Indian-American woman. Her work is characterized by its inclusivity and the way it challenges racial and gender stereotypes, providing a platform for marginalized voices. Through her production company, Kaling has developed a range of projects that reflect her commitment to showcasing diverse stories and perspectives, making significant strides toward greater representation in Hollywood.
Entrepreneurial Ventures & Creative Expansions
Beyond television, Kaling has expanded her creative portfolio to include film, books, and animation. Her best-selling memoirs and essay collections offer a candid look at her personal and professional life, resonating with readers for their humor and honesty. Her foray into film, both as an actress and a writer, has further solidified her status as a versatile and influential figure in entertainment. Kaling’s ability to successfully navigate different mediums and genres underscores her entrepreneurial spirit and her dedication to her craft.
Moreover, Mindy Kaling’s financial success is matched by her impact on the entertainment industry. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers and creating entertaining and enlightening content. Overall, Kaling’s work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and entertain while pushing the boundaries of representation and storytelling in Hollywood.
For many, Scooby-Doo undoubtedly remains a nostalgic childhood favourite well into adulthood. Even the old school cartoons can conjure up a laugh or a smile when you need it, but of course, Hollywood couldn’t help but give the franchise the prequel treatment. Earlier this month, The Office actress Mindy Kaling premiered her Velma series. So far, though, the critics seem to be giving it two thumbs down.
The first two episodes of the adult animated series landed on Hulu and Crave earlier this week. While the mother of two is on double duty as the executive producer and voice of the titular character, she’s also joined by a star-studded lineup. Sam Richardson brings to life the first Black Shaggy, while Constance Wu plays Daphne Blake.
Additionally, we hear from familiar voices like Glenn Howerton, Debby Ryan, Shay Mitchell, Jane Lynch, and even NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns.
The series certainly sounds as though it has everything necessary to succeed, so where did they go wrong? According to Twitter users, the hyper-sexualization of high school characters is obviously a big red flag.
Various videos circulating online show clips from Velma. In one of them, a group of teenage girls are in the locker room, their figures obviously emphasized to attract attention. “These are supposed to be high school girls,” one frustrated user says from behind the camera in their Twitter post.
While Kaling’s series is on a different streamer, some are comparing it to the Netflix Original Big Mouth. Created by Nick Kroll, that project has earned a lot of backlash for similar reasons as it follows middle schoolers, specifically on their journey through puberty.
“STOP HATE WATCHING ‘VELMA’ OR WE’LL END UP WITH 8 MORE SEASONS LIKE ‘BIG MOUTH,” one social media user pleaded. Another wrote, “Everyone can tell [the show is] awful, but nobody can articulate why… It’s like it was intentionally designed to annoy everyone equally.”
Keep scrolling further for more Twitter reactions to Mindy Kaling’s Velma. Afterward, let us know in the comments if you plan to tune into the new series.