Netflix’s Running Point Gave the Main Character an Assistant. He Got a Hoodie. She Got Chaos. We Had Thoughts.

Credit: NETFLIX

Netflix recently dropped a new comedy called Running Point, starring Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon—a reformed party girl who suddenly finds herself running her family’s professional basketball team after her brother heads to rehab. It’s a workplace comedy, a family drama, and a chaotic glimpse into what happens when someone wildly unqualified gets thrown into a high-stakes role.

In Episode 3, Isla hires her newly-discovered half-brother Jackie as her assistant. He’s sweet, clueless, and deeply underprepared. Hilarity follows.

As the founder of a virtual assistant company, I had to watch. And I had thoughts.

It’s funny to see the TV version of what an assistant supposedly does (and doesn’t do). So here’s our take at askChenai —what Running Point got hilariously wrong, and what executive support really looks like in the real world.

CREDIT: Netflix

What Running Point Got Wrong—And What It’s Really Like

1. TV: Jackie gets no training. Just vibes.

Jackie gets “promoted” mid-episode and is immediately expected to be a functioning assistant—with no onboarding, no tools, not even a meeting with HR. He spends most of the episode wildly guessing what’s expected of him.

Reality: A great assistant is only as good as their onboarding. At AskChenai, our assistants go through structured training, mock scenarios, and client deep dives. Nobody’s guessing. They’re prepped, briefed, and ready to go—because winging it helps no one.

2. TV: It’s just coffee runs and chaos.

Jackie treats the role like he’s an intern on a vibes-only gap year. Meanwhile, Isla’s running a major sports team and drowning in PR crises.

Reality: Executive support is a high-trust, high-impact role. A skilled assistant handles scheduling, communication, stakeholder management, emotional labor—you name it. They don’t just “help out,” they hold things together.

3. TV: Being family means you’re qualified.

The show leans into that “aww” moment—family stepping in to help. Which is sweet. But not smart.

Reality: Loyalty is earned through reliability. We’re all for working with people you trust. But trust is built through showing up, delivering consistently, and making your exec’s life easier—not through shared DNA alone.

4. TV: Admitting you need help makes you weak.

At first, Isla’s resistant to the idea of having an assistant at all—like she’s somehow failing by needing support.

Reality: The smartest leaders don’t do it alone. Hiring an assistant isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of growth. Our clients are often stretched thin and ready to level up. Delegating smartly is how they scale.

5. TV: Anyone can figure it out as they go.

Jackie eventually kind of muddles through, because… sitcom logic.

Reality: Growth takes guidance. At askChenai we believe in potential—but we don’t leave people hanging. With training, support, and the right client fit, our assistants thrive. But it takes investment on both sides.

Here’s the truth:

The assistant role might be played for laughs in Running Point, but in real life, it’s no joke.

The right assistant won’t just help you survive—they’ll help you thrive. And unlike Jackie, they’ll actually know how to use Google Calendar.

That’s what we do at askChenai. Real assistants. Real skills. No sitcom drama—just smart, reliable support from people you can count on.

Want to learn more? Visit askChenai or drop us a message. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or a growing team, we’ve got a Jackie (the reliable kind) for you.