Mindy Kaling Joins Running Point Season 3 as CEO Divya

Mindy Kaling is stepping in front of the camera on the show she helped create.

Kaling has joined Season 3 of Netflix's basketball sitcom Running Point in a recurring role, meaning she will appear in multiple episodes without joining the main cast. The casting was first reported by Deadline.

She will play Divya. The character is described as the outspoken, confident chief executive of a popular gambling app.

Divya has a lot in common with the woman at the centre of the show. She is proudly the first female leader in her male-dominated field, just like Isla Gordon. That similarity will not make them friends.

Divya is expected to become a thorn in Isla's plans across the season, according to Variety. Details beyond that are under wraps.

For fans, this means a new sparring partner for Isla. Kaling is best known as a performer. Here she is also one of the bosses.

Running Point stars Kate Hudson as Isla. She runs a professional basketball team in Los Angeles after inheriting the job, in a story set in the world of pro basketball in the city. Justin Theroux plays Cam, Isla's brother.

Netflix confirmed the show was renewed for Season 3 in May, via its Tudum site. Cameras are now rolling. Season 3 is currently in production in Los Angeles.

There is another first behind the camera. Hudson is directing the Season 3 premiere. It is her television directorial debut.

Most of the team is back. Returning series regulars include Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Brenda Song, Fabrizio Guido, Chet Hanks, Toby Sandeman and Theroux. Returning recurring players include Ray Romano, Uche Agada, Ken Marino and Jay Ellis.

Kaling also writes and executive produces, meaning she holds a senior creative and business credit, alongside David Stassen and Ike Barinholtz. Stassen is the showrunner, the person who leads day-to-day creative decisions. Barinholtz appeared on screen in Season 2 as cousin Benny.

Other executive producers are Hudson, Howard Klein, Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis. The series is produced by Kaling International, Kaling's company, in association with Warner Bros. Television. Kaling and Stassen are both under overall deals with that studio, a type of long-term contract for developing new shows.