Movies

Mindy Kaling Spills on Kate Hudson’s NBA Show

BBG News

Mindy Kaling, known for creating numerous successful TV shows, is introducing a new comedy on Netflix that draws inspiration from the life of Jeanie Buss, the actual owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. In this series, Kate Hudson portrays the proprietor of a fictitious NBA team, who faces various challenges such as sibling rivalries among her self-indulgent brothers, the complexities of dealing with sports personalities, and her own history as a former party-goer and tabloid celebrity.

The upcoming show titled “Running Point“, premiering on February 27, is bound to draw comparisons with “Succession” due to its portrayal of a wealthy and controversial family that mirrors real-life billionaires. Some may also liken it to the popular sports comedy-drama “Ted Lasso” because it balances the stories of the athletes with those of the ownership and coaching staff. However, this series is likely to resonate with humor reminiscent of Mindy Kaling’s previous comedies, such as “The Mindy Project“, “Never Have I Ever“, and “The Sex Lives of College Girls“.

Despite being occupied with her recent maternity leave with her third child, Kaling found time to make an appearance on Meghan Markle’s upcoming Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan.” Regarding her friend Meghan, Kaling shares that people might have the wrong impression about her, thinking she is high-maintenance or has a taste for luxury. In addition, Kaling is working on a series called “Not Suitable for Work” for Hulu, which focuses on the Manhattan neighborhood known for its dive bars and finance bros. She finds it amusing to explore this often overlooked and somewhat dismissed area.

Kaling recently discussed with TIME various topics, including Markle, adjusting to Rapp’s departure from “Sex Lives of College Girls”, and her upcoming projects. Moreover, she provided some exciting news about the much-anticipated third installment of “Legally Blonde 3”, which she helped pen.

As a cinephile eagerly awaiting the next big small-screen sensation, I found myself pondering the origins of this captivating new series – one that delves into the world of an NBA dynasty, with none other than Kate Hudson portraying a fictionalized version of real-life Lakers president Jeanie Buss. So, where did this innovative concept sprout from?

It turned out that it was Jeanie Buss who initiated the contact, as she was a fan of both “The Mindy Project” and “The Office”. Many have written about her and even created shows featuring her in minor roles. However, she expressed a desire to be more involved, stating, “I’m in charge here. I want to produce a show based on my own life.

Did Jeanie Buss put any guardrails on her life story?

She’s incredibly open and willing to share details about her life, which makes her a valuable resource for us. In her personal relationships, there are certain topics she prefers to keep private, but these instances are rare compared to other people I’ve encountered. She granted Ike Barinholtz, Dave Stassen, and myself full creative freedom when it came to portraying her life, as she believed that a more realistic portrayal would lead to greater humor. She understood that the more authentic it is, the funnier it becomes.

The family in Running Point has shades of Succession.

Speaking of it, I’m quite fond of “Succession”. Interestingly, the Buss clan, as depicted in Jeanie’s book “[Laker Girl]” or any other tales about them, is renowned for their deep-seated dysfunction and substantial wealth within the bustling city of Los Angeles.

Did you get to riff on Kate Hudson’s real-life persona as a 2000s rom-com queen?

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself drawn to actors like Kate Hudson, Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, and Sandra Bullock. They have a knack for delivering lines that may be challenging, yet we don’t resent them for it. In this role as a boss, she exudes the same toughness, making her character all the more captivating because of it.

Moreover, Kate embodies the essence of Los Angeles, being part of her very own Hollywood lineage. Her friendship with Jeanie dates back to their childhood days. Since her early years, she has been a devoted fan of the Lakers, regularly attending games. She is deeply immersed in the vibrant L.A. scene.

Do you think you’ll ever star in one of your own shows again?

I appreciate your question. It’s truly heartening when people recall my career as a performer since it’s been quite some time. Each performance has sparked a desire within me. The show “Never Have I Ever” portrayed an Indian-American family residing in Southern California, and if I couldn’t be part of that world, I’m not sure when the opportunity would arise. However, there were no calls for me to join the cast, such as, “Where’s Mindy? Why isn’t she on the show?” Perhaps it’s best not to be included in such projects. At present, I have three children under the age of 7, but I yearn for a return to acting. I hope to make a comeback on screen within the next couple of years.

Hulu has acquired your series “Not Suitable for Work,” which centers around young professionals in finance residing in Murray Hill. Now, let me clarify why this particular Manhattan neighborhood was chosen as the setting for the show. For those who didn’t spend their early 20s in New York City, I’d like to elaborate on why Murray Hill was selected.

In essence, I wanted to capture the unique energy and experiences of young professionals navigating their careers and lives in the city during their twenties. The neighborhood of Murray Hill, with its vibrant social scene, diverse workforce, and proximity to Wall Street, perfectly encapsulated this environment. Furthermore, it offered a distinctive backdrop that resonated with many who have lived or worked there, adding authenticity and relatability to the series.

Upon hearing the news, I jokingly referred to Murray Hill as “Manhattan’s most attractive neighborhood” or something similar. However, this sparked a wave of reactions online like, “Mindy clearly doesn’t grasp New York at all!” It was amusing because I found it so apparent that Murray Hill was not an alluring area.

As a movie enthusiast, it’s intriguing how Manhattan’s diverse corners have been immortalized in films, songs, and short stories, except for the enigmatic Murray Hill. I have a soft spot for movies like “You’ve Got Mail,” that paint a romantic picture of the Upper West Side. My television show was filmed in Tribeca and the West Village, and my characters have traversed the iconic Empire State Building more times than I can count. Yet, Murray Hill, often stereotyped as the domain of finance bros with an array of excellent Indian eateries, lacks the trendiness that other neighborhoods boast. However, it’s a thriving hub for young professionals. So, I found myself drawn to this underappreciated and somewhat overlooked corner of Manhattan, yearning to breathe life into its unique charm.

Instead of visiting New York and exploring Murray Hill for a few days, which seems peculiar given my global travels, I found myself jotting down observations about an underground bar, filled with fraternity members streaming out of it. It was quite enjoyable.

How did you come to appear on Meghan Markle’s new show?

During March and April, I took my maternity leave with my baby girl. At that time, Meghan messaged me about a show she was doing, where she would be cooking for her friends. She asked if I’d like to visit Montecito so she could cook for me instead. In the midst of my life at that moment, I yearned for some care. That trip turned out to be an exciting excursion during my maternity leave.

After gathering a collection of fresh produce, home-made jam, and some spicy hot sauce, I found myself leaving her place. This thoughtful lady is incredibly generous, knowing well that I could use a rest.

Did you pick up any hosting tips?

Warning: This contains a reveal – I hosted a children’s party! While I enjoy cooking, entertaining isn’t really my forte. For instance, I didn’t know about the importance of avoiding harsh overhead lighting and opting for soft lamps instead when guests arrive. However, Meghan seems to have mastered these skills effortlessly. When it comes to kids’ parties, I typically buy decorations from a party store, which both of us find acceptable. It was an enjoyable experience discovering easy methods to create a homemade children’s party.

It’s often misunderstood that Meghan possesses an air of fussiness or demands extravagance. On the contrary, she is an unpretentious individual who possesses numerous practical tips to simplify entertaining and cooking.

As a passionate movie reviewer, let me share my thoughts on the recent conclusion of “Sex Lives of College Girls” Season 3. Given that Reneé Rapp departed midway through the season, I was curious to see how the writers would adapt the plot to accommodate this change. How did they manage this shift in the show’s dynamics? That’s what kept me eagerly waiting for each new episode.

For two decades now, it’s been common for cast members to depart from shows I’ve worked on to chase other ventures. Given my extensive background in writing, such occurrences serve as exciting chances to create fresh characters and expand the stories of the beloved characters that are already part of our ensemble.

What’s the status of Legally Blonde 3, which you co-wrote?

I’m really glad you brought this up! However, I don’t hold much control in this situation. This project is a collaboration between MGM, Amazon, and Hello Sunshine. Dan Gore and I have written a script that we’re quite fond of. We can only hope it gets produced. Television gives me a bit more leeway, but with this specific piece, the outcome remains uncertain. I’m constantly tinkering with it, making adjustments here and there. Essentially, it feels like writing fan fiction, but for real – it’s the third installment!

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been captivated by the remarkable resurgence of Jennifer Coolidge ever since we embarked on this cinematic journey. With Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Coolidge sharing the silver screen today, it’s hard to imagine anyone not rushing to the cinemas for that magical moment. And they were already the brilliant duo from “Legally Blonde”? That’s simply fantastic!

One of the advantages of working on a movie over an extended period is witnessing the transformation and growth in the careers of our talented cast members. A significant surge in Jennifer’s popularity has been evident, and I can only imagine that the actor who played Warner will soon experience a similar meteoric rise: my wish is for him to secure a role in Jesse Armstrong’s upcoming production.

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2025-02-19 16:06

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