The Netflix comedy series Running Point returned for its second season, bringing a fresh batch of episodes focused on the Gordon family and their basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves. Viewers have noticed a significant new addition to the cast in season 2: Ray Romano plays Norm Stinson, a wise but reclusive basketball expert.
It turns out that Romano did not just guess how to play the role. The veteran comedian looked to one of the most respected figures in NBA history to shape his performance. Gregg Popovich, the legendary former coach of the San Antonio Spurs, served as the real-life foundation for Romano’s character. The actor confirmed this during the season 2 premiere event in Los Angeles on April 15, 2026.
Inspiration from a Hall of Fame Coach
Romano did not have a lot of time to prepare for the part. When he got the offer to join the cast of Running Point, production was starting almost immediately. Without weeks to build a detailed acting plan, Romano needed to find a solid reference point fast. He looked at the script to understand who Norm Stinson was supposed to be, then asked himself which real person he could copy to make the character feel authentic.
He decided on Gregg Popovich. The coach is famous for his sharp mind, dry sense of humor, and no-nonsense attitude. Romano felt a natural connection to the coaching icon, partly because they are close in age and partly because he admires how Popovich carries himself.
“I got the offer and I had to come in next week. I thought what NBA [should I look to]… Who can I emulate? And the guy I thought of was [Gregg] Popovich. I think if I ever was a coach, I would be close to him. I’m close to his age and I just like his demeanor and all that.”
Gregg Popovich spent 29 seasons as head coach of the Spurs. He stepped away from the sideline in 2025, leaving behind a legacy of five NBA championships. Romano used Popovich’s quiet intensity and straightforward way of speaking as the base for Norm Stinson, then allowed himself to add his own comedic touches to the role.
Blending Drama with Comedy in Season 2
Running Point season 2 gives Romano’s character a meaningful story. Norm Stinson is a basketball savant who has removed himself from the world. Isla Gordon, played by Kate Hudson, brings him back into the game to help the Waves. The actor explained that the part offered more than just a chance to tell jokes.
While the writing was strong, Romano also enjoyed the freedom to improvise on set. Running Point is a comedy, but the producers let the actors explore the emotional sides of their characters as well.
“It had a little tenderness to it. It was fun to do the jokes they wrote, and it was fun that they let us do the jokes that they didn’t write and improvise a little.”
Fans of sports comedies are reacting positively to the casting choice. Many viewers online are praising the natural fit between Romano’s acting style and the stoic personality of Coach Popovich. Several social media posts note that the character feels both funny and real, because he is not just a cartoon version of a coach. He has the tired wisdom of someone who has seen everything in the sport.
The Real Story Behind the Series
While Romano looked to an NBA coach for his performance, the show itself pulls inspiration from another real basketball figure. Running Point is loosely based on Jeanie Buss, the president and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. Jeanie Buss serves as an executive producer on the series and worked closely with creator Mindy Kaling to develop the show’s setting.
The show follows Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) who suddenly takes over the family’s professional basketball team after a scandal. This mirrors the real-life experience of Jeanie Buss, who became the controlling owner of the Lakers after the death of her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, in 2013. She had to prove herself in a male-dominated business while managing family expectations and media pressure.
Unlike the show’s focus on the fictional Waves, the real Buss family story includes unique details that made it into the show’s DNA. For example, Brenda Song’s character, Ali Lee, is inspired by Linda Rambis, Jeanie’s real-life advisor and friend who has worked with her for over 40 years. There is also a storyline about a long-lost sibling in the series, which comes from Jeanie discovering an older sister she did not know she had.
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Streaming Details and Availability
The second season of Running Point is currently streaming worldwide on Netflix. All new episodes dropped on April 24, 2026.
For viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the series is available with a standard Netflix subscription. Indian viewers can also watch the full season in English and other dubbed languages on the platform.
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