When Chet Hanks, the son of Hollywood legend Tom Hanks, made his way into the public eye, it was mostly for controversial reasons. Whether it was his cringe-worthy attempts at Jamaican patois or trying to make the phrase “white boy summer” a viral phenomenon, it seemed like Chet was always in the news for the wrong reasons.

His early career, filled with viral moments and legal issues, painted a picture of someone struggling to define themselves away from their iconic father. But now, with his role in Netflix’s Running Point, Chet Hanks is proving he may not be the joke many people thought he was.

Running Point is a new comedy series that stars Kate Hudson as an unlikely president of a basketball team, but it’s Chet Hanks’ role as point guard Travis Bugg that steals the spotlight. Hanks’ character is a mix of tattoos, bravado, and controversy—perfectly mirroring his real-life persona.

When news first broke that Chet Hanks would be part of the cast, it was met with skepticism. But as the series unfolds, his performance is beginning to defy expectations.

Hanks, who has acted before, even appearing in a memorable cameo on Atlanta, has a history of taking on roles that lean into his offbeat personality. But this role is different. As point guard Travis Bugg, he isn’t just playing a character—he’s essentially playing a heightened version of himself. And it’s working.

In an interview with Esquire, Chet Hanks revealed that he didn’t have the role handed to him on a silver platter. “I auditioned and pushed for it,” he shared, showcasing his belief in his fit for the part. “Only Chet Hanks believed in himself enough to know he was perfect to play a character who is a lot like Chet Hanks on TV.”

That level of self-assurance may be surprising, especially given his past missteps. But it’s this very confidence that translates well into his performance on screen.

While the show itself may not be groundbreaking, Running Point has an undeniable charm, particularly when it comes to Hanks’ performance. He delivers the snarky, irreverent lines with ease, and there’s something unexpectedly endearing about his portrayal of a character who is deeply flawed but somehow likable. Whether he’s asking, “Is it cool if I vape?” at a fancy dinner or indulging in ridiculous VR games, Hanks owns every scene he’s in.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Hanks’ role is how it ties into the larger theme of Running Point: navigating the world of privilege and expectations.

Both Hanks and Hudson, children of two of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, fit this narrative seamlessly, with their “nepo baby” status playing into the show’s satire.

For many, the physicality of Hanks as a basketball player might seem a little out of place. But it’s his effortless delivery of humor and charm that makes him a standout.

 

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His character might not look like a traditional athlete, but he feels authentic as someone who’s playing a role that fits his personality rather than his physique.

While it’s still early to declare Chet Hanks an MVP of the show, there’s no denying that he’s come a long way from his earlier public controversies.

In an Esquire interview, he discussed his struggles with addiction and how he’s worked hard to turn things around. The show has provided him with an opportunity to channel his energy into something more positive, and for that, we may have to root for him.

For all those who wrote off Chet Hanks as just another celebrity son, it might be time to reassess. He’s proving that sometimes, redemption can come in the form of a surprisingly good performance in a comedy series.

Who knew the son of Tom Hanks could surprise us this much? Running Point might not be the greatest show on TV, but Chet Hanks is certainly one of its most unexpected bright spots.