The Unfiltered Voice: Who Is Sean Murphy In Running Point And The Actor Who Plays Him?

The character Sean Murphy in the hit Netflix sports comedy series Running Point has quickly become one of the show's most polarizing and quotable figures, embodying the often-harsh reality of modern sports media criticism. As of December 12, 2025, fans are buzzing not only about the show's confirmed Season 2 renewal but also about the seasoned comedian and actor who brings the character to life, transforming what could have been a simple recurring role into a pivotal source of conflict for the Los Angeles Waves' new president, Isla Gordon.

This deep dive will clarify the actor's identity, explore his extensive comedic background, and analyze how the character Sean Murphy serves as a crucial antagonist and topical mirror to real-world NBA ownership dynamics, especially concerning the show’s inspiration, the Los Angeles Lakers. The actor in question is a celebrated veteran of late-night television and cult-classic comedy, whose familiar face and distinct comedic timing perfectly capture the essence of a 'popular sports personality' in the Mindy Kaling-created universe.

The Actor's Profile: Jon Glaser (The Man Behind Sean Murphy)

The man who portrays the loud, often-cynical sports podcaster Sean Murphy is the highly respected American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, Jonathan Daniel "Jon" Glaser. Glaser is a well-known figure in the comedy world, particularly celebrated for his work in sketch comedy and his unique, deadpan delivery.

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Here is a detailed look at the biography and career highlights of Jon Glaser:

• Full Name: Jonathan Daniel Glaser
• Date of Birth: June 20, 1968
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Profession: Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer, Director
• Education: Glaser is an alumnus of the University of Michigan.
• Key Early Career Role: He was a long-time writer and sketch performer for NBC's iconic late-night program, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination.
• Breakout Series: He is perhaps best known for creating and starring in the surreal, cult-favorite Adult Swim series Delocated, where he played a man in the Witness Protection Program wearing a ski mask.
• Notable Filmography (Selected):
  • Pootie Tang (2001)
  • School for Scoundrels (2006)
  • Trainwreck (2015)
  • A.P. Bio (TV Series)
  • Parks and Recreation (TV Series)
  • Girls (TV Series)
  • Wylde Pak (2025–present, Recurring role as Chuck)
• Current Role: Sean Murphy in the Netflix series Running Point (2024–present).

Glaser's extensive background in improvisational and sketch comedy, honed through years at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) and on various television writing staffs, gives his portrayal of Sean Murphy a sharp, often abrasive, but always comically grounded edge.

Character Analysis: Sean Murphy and the Sports Media Landscape

In Running Point, Sean Murphy is not just a background character; he is a crucial narrative device. He is introduced as a popular sports media personality who hosts a highly-rated show—likely a podcast or a cable sports talk program—that consistently critiques the Los Angeles Waves basketball franchise.

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Murphy’s primary function in the series is to serve as the voice of public skepticism and media scrutiny, especially directed at the new, inexperienced team president, Isla Gordon (played by Kate Hudson). Isla, a reformed party girl who unexpectedly inherits the presidency of her family's struggling professional basketball team, is constantly under fire from Murphy’s hot takes and sensationalist commentary. He represents the kind of relentless, often unfair, criticism that real-life sports executives and team owners face daily.

The character is a recurring presence throughout the first season, appearing in multiple episodes and acting as a persistent thorn in Isla's side. His on-air rants and inflammatory segments about the team's poor performance and Isla's questionable business decisions drive home the high stakes of her new job. This dynamic is a key element of the show’s sports comedy premise: the clash between the old-school, male-dominated world of sports commentary and the new, often chaotic, leadership of Isla Gordon.

The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Sean Murphy’s Critique

One of the most unique aspects of the Running Point series is its thinly veiled parallels to the real-life struggles of the Los Angeles Lakers. The show's main character, Isla Gordon, is widely believed to be inspired by Jeanie Buss, the real-life president and co-owner of the Lakers, who took over the role after her father, Jerry Buss.

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The character of Sean Murphy, therefore, is designed to reflect the intense, often personal, media and fan criticism that Buss and the Lakers organization have faced during periods of poor performance or controversial management decisions. Murphy embodies the loudest, most demanding voices in the sports echo chamber, those who question every move a team president makes. This topical resonance is what makes Glaser’s performance so effective and why the character is so central to the show’s satirical take on professional basketball management. By using a popular sports podcaster as the main media antagonist, the series highlights the modern power of digital sports media in shaping public opinion and pressuring executives.

Running Point Season 2 Updates and Topical Authority

Fans of the series, which quickly became a hit for Netflix, will be pleased to know that Running Point has been officially renewed for a highly anticipated Season 2. This is a fresh update that confirms the continued narrative importance of characters like Sean Murphy.

The renewal, which was announced shortly after the first season's successful run, ensures that the story of Isla Gordon and the Los Angeles Waves—along with the continued scrutiny from the sports media—will continue. The first season ended with several cliffhangers, including developments in Isla’s personal life and the ongoing saga of the team's performance, suggesting that Sean Murphy will have plenty of new material for his show in the upcoming season.

The series’ topical authority is built on its realistic portrayal of the high-pressure world of professional sports ownership. Key entities and themes that solidify this authority include:

• Show Creators: Mindy Kaling and Elaine Ko, known for sharp, character-driven comedies.
• Main Cast: Kate Hudson (Isla Gordon), Brenda Song (Ali), Drew Tarver (Sandy Gordon), and Max Greenfield (Lev).
• Central Conflict: A woman navigating a male-dominated industry (NBA team presidency).
• LSI Keywords/Entities: Los Angeles Waves, NBA team president, sports comedy, Mindy Kaling comedy series, sports podcasting, Jeanie Buss, basketball franchise management, Season 2 cast updates, Scott Evans, Jay Ellis, Dane DiLiegro.

Jon Glaser's return as Sean Murphy in Season 2 is confirmed, meaning the popular sports personality will continue to deliver his scathing takes on the Waves' front office. His presence is essential for maintaining the comedic tension and grounding the show's outlandish scenarios in a relatable, media-saturated environment. The show continues to explore how a successful businesswoman must prove herself against the entrenched skepticism of both the public and the traditional sports establishment, with Sean Murphy acting as the ultimate gatekeeper of that establishment.

In conclusion, while there may be another actor named Sean Murphy, the "Sean Murphy Running Point actor" is definitively Jon Glaser, whose comedic genius transforms a critical media figure into a memorable part of Netflix's latest sports comedy triumph. His character’s role in Season 2 will be a crucial barometer for Isla Gordon's success, ensuring that the unfiltered voice of the sports media remains a central feature of the show.