Brenda Song Reveals the Story Behind Macaulay Culkin’s Cameo in ‘Running Point’

Brenda Song is featured in the latest Netflix series “Running Point,” sharing the screen with Kate Hudson, Chet Hanks, and her fiancé, Macaulay Culkin.

The 36-year-old actress, recognized for her role in Disney’s “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” humorously remarks that bringing her fiancé along is risky, especially at work, as he might end up making a surprise appearance in her projects.

“It’s such a hilarious story because he was just visiting me on set,” Song revealed to TODAY.com.

“I can’t recall who joked about it, but someone said we should just throw (Culkin) in the background as an Easter egg for us to see if anyone notices. Then, a heckler role opened up in a scene they were about to shoot, and they asked, ‘Would you want to do this?’ It just spiraled from there,” she noted.

Culkin makes an appearance in the ninth episode of the ten-episode series, which revolves around a family-run business managing the Los Angeles Waves, a fictional basketball team that’s seen better days.

Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) is thrust into the president role after her brother becomes embroiled in a scandal, leading to hijinks reminiscent of “The Office”—a nod to the fact that the series is executive produced by former “Office” star Mindy Kaling.

In the episode, Culkin interrupts Sandy Gordon (Drew Tarver) while he serenades his partner in the middle of the basketball court, as the audience eagerly anticipates a Billie Eilish performance instead.

Song mentioned that she discovered Culkin’s cameo after it had already been filmed.

“I wasn’t present during the filming because I was busy with hair and makeup for my scene, and thus nobody mentioned it to me. Honestly, I didn’t even remember! I just can’t take him to work. He will find a way to…” she chuckled. “Like, I can’t bring you anywhere, dear.”

Having been engaged to Culkin since 2022 and together for nearly a decade, Song has begun to share more of her personal life in 2025, marking what her fans have dubbed as her “Brendaissance,” as she embraces her evolving roles as an actress and mother.

“Honestly, for the first time in my life, I feel like I’m stepping into this next phase. I truly feel like an adult for the first time,” she expressed. “I feel like this big ball of Play Doh, eager for the unknown. I’m excited for what lies ahead because I feel so different from the person I’ve been for the past 36 years, and that’s okay with me.”

Song noted that the atmosphere while working on “Running Point” was unlike any she had encountered before.

“It was one of the first times I genuinely felt I had a safe space where I could advocate for myself,” she remarked. “I felt like I had a voice in the room.”

“A year ago, Brenda would have been nervous to attempt something so different, but they made me feel incredibly comfortable,” she added. “It was really a joy for me to let loose.”

As an avid basketball fan, Song felt drawn to “Running Point” from the moment she heard its concept.

“I received a call right after the strike about an untitled basketball project from Mindy Kaling,” she reminisced. “I was like, These are so many of my favorite things.”

Song revealed that “The Office” is among her top favorite shows and that Kaling was a significant influence as both an actress and co-executive producer on the beloved series.

“I’ve admired Mindy for ages, and then they told me, ‘Kate Hudson is also in talks’ — and I was like, ‘What? Excuse me? Ma’am?'” she recalled.

After her team indicated that Kaling and other producers wanted to have a Zoom chat with her, they shared the pilot script.

“I felt a bit anxious being such a huge basketball fan,” she noted. “But when I read the script, I realized, ‘Oh, this isn’t solely about basketball. It’s really about these incredible characters, this dysfunctionally beautiful family and a work family.’

Song said she joined the Zoom call, and within moments, she was convinced she wanted to be part of the project.

“Within five minutes, I thought, I will do anything to join the show. I’d be a PA. I would do whatever it takes,” she said, beaming. “I was super grateful they allowed me on this journey as it was a total no-brainer for me. They’re brilliant, kind people who created a show with like-minded individuals, all aiming for the same goals. Despite our varied backgrounds, it has been an incredibly magical experience.”

While Song invited her fiancé to visit her on set during filming, she opted not to bring their two young sons.

“My children are still quite young, and it’s a bit complicated because they don’t understand that mama is at work. They often say, ‘Mama, don’t go to work!’ so it’s not the right time yet.”

However, she thoroughly enjoyed having Hudson’s daughter, Rani, around on set.

“Having Rani there was a blast because I have two boys, and Rani is the little girl I adore… Oh, she’s amazing. She’s so funny and wise beyond her years. It’s like you’re 6 going on 36, young lady,” she quipped.

Song longs to create more memories with her “Running Point” castmates if a second season materializes.

“Fingers and toes crossed,” she said regarding the hope for a Season 2. “I was out with the cast last night. We genuinely have such a wonderful time together that we just want to continue hanging out and, well, perhaps create a show, right? We just love each other’s company.”

Regardless of whether there’s a second season, she believes her “Brendaissance” is only just beginning.

“I’m excited about that because I want to keep challenging myself and working with people I admire and respect, and who feel the same about me,” Song shared. “I view my career as a staircase, and I simply want to keep ascending it slowly while doing what I love.”