Ike Barinholtz delights in playing Cousin Benny on Running Point Season 2 at LA panel

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Co-Creator Mindy Kaling Opens the Door for Ike
• A Sensual, Skittles-Loving Cousin from Hell
• The Warm Hands Comedy Secret Behind Every Take
• Inside the Actor’s Text Chain Jealousy
• What’s Next for Running Point After Instant Netflix Success?
  • Sources

Ike Barinholtz absolutely loved playing Cousin Benny on Running Point Season 2. The co-creator discussed the quirky character at Deadline’s Contenders TV panel in Los Angeles yesterday, revealing behind-the-scenes antics that had audiences laughing. He credits co-creator Mindy Kaling with bringing him into the show’s universe as an actor.

Co-Creator Mindy Kaling Opens the Door for Ike

Mindy Kaling initially envisioned Ike Barinholtz in a much different role. “Mindy said, ‘We should figure out a thing for you to do on the show,” Barinholtz explained at the LA panel. “In my mind I was like, ‘Oh I’m the owner of a rival team with a romantic arc with Kate Hudson.'” But Kaling had other ideas, pitching Benny as “their cousin who’s a moron” instead. That creative pivot resulted in something magical. “It was one of the most fun characters I’ve ever played in my life,” Barinholtz confessed to a laughing audience.

The actor never expected to perform alongside the ensemble, given his responsibilities as writer and showrunner. Kaling’s willingness to cast him proved invaluable to his enjoyment of the Season 2 production.

A Sensual, Skittles-Loving Cousin from Hell

Ike Barinholtz described Cousin Benny as a character with unexpected depths. “There is a sensuality to him, he’s a lover, he wants to be loved, he wants to touch Kate Hudson,” the actor revealed at Deadline’s Contenders event. The character carries himself with a strange confidence despite his apparent lack of awareness. One standout detail defines Benny: he walks around with a giant Ziplock bag full of Skittles, which perfectly encapsulates his comedic absurdity.

The physical comedy between Barinholtz and Hudson reaches peak awkwardness in episode 5. “There’s a scene where I come up from behind Kate and I put my arms on her,” Barinholtz shared, describing a shoulder rub that became hilariously uncomfortable.

The Warm Hands Comedy Secret Behind Every Take

Ike Barinholtz revealed a surprising preparation ritual during filming. Before each take of the shoulder scene with Kate Hudson, he would pour warm water on his hands. “I come over with just wet warm hands,” he explained, adding that Hudson reacted with visible disgust. The actor even demonstrated the cringey shoulder shrug, bringing the DGA theater audience to tears laughing.

Detail	Information
Platform	Netflix
Season 2 Premiere	April 23, 2026
Total Episodes	10 episodes
Key Actresses	Kate Hudson, Brenda Song, Justin Theroux

Inside the Actor’s Text Chain Jealousy

Ike Barinholtz admitted to feeling left out of Running Point during production. “They have an actor text chain,” he confessed at the LA panel. “Sometimes I see one of their phones, one will text the actor text chain and I’m very jealous I’m not on it.” His jealousy, though playful, underscored the separation between the executive producer and the on-screen talent. Being cast as Cousin Benny finally gave him entry into that exclusive group.

Barinholtz also earned recognition for his work during production. His first Emmy nomination for The Studio coincided with his time filming Season 2, a validation that came at a particularly gratifying moment in his career.

“It was one of the most fun characters I’ve ever played in my life. He walks around with a giant Ziplock bag full of Skittles.”

— Ike Barinholtz, Co-Creator and Actor, Running Point

What’s Next for Running Point After Instant Netflix Success?

Season 2 became an instant hit, immediately claiming the Netflix number 1 position. Executive producer David Stassen expressed optimism about Season 3, though Netflix hasn’t officially renewed yet. “We’re very hopeful about a third season,” Stassen stated, revealing the team is already developing “big picture ideas” for what comes next.

Mindy Kaling credits star Kate Hudson as the driving force behind the success. “Kate is on a roll right now, her film was incredible, she’s on a roll,” Kaling explained. “The fact that we can get peak Kate, this is a woman who will bring you to tears in a breakup scene but then will also walk into a glass wall, happily.” All 10 episodes of Season 2 are streaming on Netflix now.

Sources

• Deadline Hollywood – Exclusive Contenders TV panel coverage featuring Ike Barinholtz and Mindy Kaling discussing Season 2 production
• Netflix Tudum – Official Running Point Season 2 cast guide and premiere information
• USA Today – Running Point Season 2 premiere date and streaming details on Netflix