Netflix’s Running Point dropped on February 27, 2025, bringing a sharp sports comedy to the streamer’s lineup. Created by Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen, the series stars Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon alongside Drew Tarver, Brenda Song, Justin Theroux, Scott MacArthur, Chet Hanks, and Max Greenfield.
Beyond its charming cast and courtside drama, Running Point delivers a music-forward experience — one that runs from West Coast hip-hop classics to tender indie folk. The soundtrack is a core part of the show’s identity, energizing every episode with the right needle-drop at exactly the right moment.
Running Point Soundtrack Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Running Point |
| Network / Platform | Netflix |
| Series Premiere Date | February 27, 2025 |
| Created By | Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen, Elaine Ko |
| Production Companies | Kaling International, 3 Arts Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television |
| Score Composer | Joseph Stephens |
| Music Supervisor | Brienne Rose |
| Genre | Sports Comedy |
| Season 1 Episodes | 10 |
Running Point does not have a formally released standalone score album as of the time of this writing. The music for the series operates on two levels: an original instrumental score composed by Joseph Stephens, and a carefully curated selection of licensed needle-drop tracks chosen by music supervisor Brienne Rose. Together, they create a soundtrack that feels both current and character-driven.
The musical tone of the series leans energetic and West Coast — fitting for a show set around a Los Angeles basketball franchise. Hip-hop, R&B, indie pop, and soul all find their place throughout the episodes, giving each scene a distinct emotional texture. The needle-drops are notably diverse, ranging from 2Pac’s classic “California Love” to the quiet intimacy of indie artists like Michael Nau and Chance Peña. Music supervisor Brienne Rose, best known for her work on Emily in Paris, brings that same taste for culturally resonant song placement to this series.
Who Composed the Running Point Soundtrack?
The original score for Running Point was composed by Joseph Stephens, an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, and songwriter with deep roots in comedy television.
Stephens began his career experimenting with 4-track tape machines, delay pedals, and guitars from an early age. While attending college in North Carolina, he began writing songs and scoring student films, which led to a working relationship with filmmakers Danny McBride, Jody Hill, and David Gordon Green — a creative circle that would define much of his career.
He is perhaps best recognized as the composer behind HBO/Max’s The Righteous Gemstones, a long-running comedy that showcases his ability to blend irreverence with genuine emotional depth. His filmography also includes Vice Principals, Eastbound & Down, The Sex Lives of College Girls, Never Have I Ever (Netflix), and Upload (Amazon). On the film side, his credits include Observe and Report (Warner Bros.), Flower, A House on the Bayou (Blumhouse), and Family Squares. He is also a founding member of the band Pyramid and a member of City Wolf.
Stephens is known for a compositional style that blends live instrumentation with modern technology — building soundscapes rooted in experimentation. His previous collaboration with Mindy Kaling on Never Have I Ever makes him a natural fit for Running Point, where the score needs to balance comedy with genuine human moments.
Joseph Stephens — Selected Filmography
| Project | Type | Network / Studio |
|---|---|---|
| The Righteous Gemstones | TV Series | HBO/Max |
| Vice Principals | TV Series | HBO |
| Eastbound & Down | TV Series | HBO |
| Never Have I Ever | TV Series | Netflix |
| The Sex Lives of College Girls | TV Series | HBO/Max |
| Upload | TV Series | Amazon |
| The Last O.G. | TV Series | TBS |
| Running Point | TV Series | Netflix |
| Observe and Report | Film | Warner Bros. |
| Flower | Film | — |
| A House on the Bayou | Film | Blumhouse |
Running Point Official Tracklist (Licensed Songs by Episode)
Below is the verified episode-by-episode song list for Running Point Season 1, sourced from confirmed reports by Vague Visages, Screen Rant, and Deadline.
Episode 1
- “California Love” (feat. Dr. Dre, Roger Troutman) — 2Pac
- “That Sound” (feat. Lightheaded, The Procussions, Noelle Scaggs) — Ohmega Watts
- “You Are My Love” — Kasoma (feat. Redwood)
- “Love Survive” — Michael Nau
- “Hello” — LiTTiE x The Mondays
Episode 2
- “Falling in Love” — Bobby Oroza
- “Right Here Right Now” — Teeyz
- “Price Going Up” — UNIQU3 & Black Caviar
- “So Easy” — Emmett Finley
Episode 3
- “I’m a Boss Now” (feat. Redwood) — Beatnet
- “Burn Hotta” — Nick Kingsley
- “What’s This World Coming To” — The Deltas
Episode 4
- “Gravy” — Tolliver
- “Unwound” — Michael Nau
Episode 5
- “Yeah We Do It Like” — Lee Richardson, Jonathan Murrill, Tom Ford & James Cocozza
- “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565” — Hans-Christoph Becker-Foss
- “On Deck” — Nate Husser & Cousin Stizz
Episode 6
- “Shine a Light” — Saint B. & The Feeling
- “Woof” — Sofi Tucker & Kah-Lo
Episode 7
- “Dark Red” — Steve Lacy
Episode 8
- “Disbelieve Me” — RIVER
- “Thoughts of You” — Max Shrager
Episode 9
- “Love Story” (Taylor Swift cover) — performed in-show by Sandy Gordon character
- “The Mountain is You” — Chance Peña
Episode 10
- “Hello” — The Mondays & LiTTiE (reprise)
Note: The original instrumental score by Joseph Stephens plays throughout all episodes but has not been released as a separate album. Track durations for licensed songs are not officially listed by Netflix.
Score Highlights
“California Love” by 2Pac — Used to open the very first episode, this West Coast anthem sets the show’s Los Angeles identity immediately. Hearing it over the pilot’s opening scenes is both a tonal declaration and a perfect cultural shorthand for the Waves’ world.
“Dark Red” by Steve Lacy — Closing out Episode 7, Steve Lacy’s moody and intimate track marks a tonal shift in the series. It signals emotional stakes are rising, pulling viewers into the more personal side of Isla’s story.
“Gravy” by Tolliver — Kicking off Episode 4 with warm soul-funk energy, this track reflects the show’s ability to find music that feels both relaxed and purposeful at the same time.
“Love Story” (Taylor Swift cover) — One of the most talked-about musical moments in the series. In Episode 9, the character Sandy performs a cover of this song in front of a packed stadium in an attempt to win back his boyfriend. It’s a big, comedic, and genuinely sweet sequence.
“The Mountain is You” by Chance Peña — An emotionally grounded track that plays as Isla faces personal setbacks in Episode 9. Its quiet, introspective tone underscores how the show balances comedy with real emotional weight.
“Woof” by Sofi Tucker & Kah-Lo — An upbeat, high-energy closer for Episode 6, this track represents the show’s more contemporary pop-adjacent selections that reflect Isla’s personality and the franchise’s modern brand.
Running Point Licensed Songs / Needle Drops — Full Confirmed List
| Song Title | Artist | Episode |
|---|---|---|
| “California Love” (feat. Dr. Dre, Roger Troutman) | 2Pac | Episode 1 |
| “That Sound” | Ohmega Watts | Episode 1 |
| “You Are My Love” | Kasoma feat. Redwood | Episode 1 |
| “Love Survive” | Michael Nau | Episode 1 |
| “Hello” | LiTTiE x The Mondays | Episode 1 |
| “Falling in Love” | Bobby Oroza | Episode 2 |
| “Right Here Right Now” | Teeyz | Episode 2 |
| “Price Going Up” | UNIQU3 & Black Caviar | Episode 2 |
| “So Easy” | Emmett Finley | Episode 2 |
| “I’m a Boss Now” (feat. Redwood) | Beatnet | Episode 3 |
| “Burn Hotta” | Nick Kingsley | Episode 3 |
| “What’s This World Coming To” | The Deltas | Episode 3 |
| “Gravy” | Tolliver | Episode 4 |
| “Unwound” | Michael Nau | Episode 4 |
| “Yeah We Do It Like” | Lee Richardson et al. | Episode 5 |
| “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565” | Hans-Christoph Becker-Foss | Episode 5 |
| “On Deck” | Nate Husser & Cousin Stizz | Episode 5 |
| “Shine a Light” | Saint B. & The Feeling | Episode 6 |
| “Woof” | Sofi Tucker & Kah-Lo | Episode 6 |
| “Dark Red” | Steve Lacy | Episode 7 |
| “Disbelieve Me” | RIVER | Episode 8 |
| “Thoughts of You” | Max Shrager | Episode 8 |
| “Love Story” (Taylor Swift cover) | Sandy Gordon character (in-show) | Episode 9 |
| “The Mountain is You” | Chance Peña | Episode 9 |
| “Hello” (reprise) | The Mondays & LiTTiE | Episode 10 |
Music supervisor: Brienne Rose (also known for Emily in Paris). All songs confirmed via Vague Visages, Deadline, and Screen Rant.
Where to Listen to the Running Point Soundtrack?
Running Point is exclusively available to stream on Netflix. While a standalone score album from composer Joseph Stephens has not been officially released on digital platforms as of this writing, many of the licensed needle-drop tracks featured in the series are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music through their original artists.
Fan-compiled playlists of the show’s featured songs are also available on Spotify for listeners who want to recreate the series’ musical atmosphere.
FAQs
Who composed the Running Point soundtrack?
The original score for Running Point was composed by Joseph Stephens, known for his work on The Righteous Gemstones, Vice Principals, Eastbound & Down, and Never Have I Ever.
Who is the music supervisor for Running Point?
Brienne Rose served as music supervisor for Running Point. She is also recognized for her work on Emily in Paris.
Has the Running Point score been officially released?
As of this writing, no official standalone score album for Running Point Season 1 has been released on streaming platforms. The licensed needle-drop songs are available individually through their original artists on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
What is the first song in Running Point?
The series opens with “California Love” by 2Pac (feat. Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman), setting the West Coast tone immediately in Episode 1.
Where can I stream Running Point?
Running Point is exclusively available on Netflix. The series premiered on February 27, 2025, and was renewed for a second season.
What are the most notable needle drops in Running Point?
Some of the most notable songs include “California Love” by 2Pac (Episode 1), “Dark Red” by Steve Lacy (Episode 7), “Love Story” (Taylor Swift cover, Episode 9), and “The Mountain is You” by Chance Peña (Episode 9).
How many songs are featured in Running Point Season 1?
Running Point Season 1 features over 25 confirmed licensed needle-drop songs across its 10 episodes, in addition to the original instrumental score by Joseph Stephens.