Netflix has reportedly decided to cancel its high-profile NBA documentary series, Starting 5, after it aired for just two seasons. The show, which debuted in 2024, will not be returning for a third instalment.
A Sharp Decline in Viewership
The primary reason behind the cancellation appears to be a dramatic fall in audience numbers. Data shows that the first season of Starting 5, which followed a group of star basketball players, opened strongly with approximately 4.6 million views in late 2024. However, interest waned significantly, with viewership dropping to around 1 million by early 2025.
This performance stands in stark contrast to Netflix's other successful sports documentary franchises, such as Quarterback and the immensely popular F1: Drive to Survive, which have consistently secured higher viewer figures.
Obama Connection and Content Removal
The series carried notable prestige, being partly produced by Higher Ground, the production company founded by former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Despite this pedigree, it failed to capture a lasting audience.
In separate but significant streaming news, Netflix is also set to lose a major title from its library. Due to an expired licensing agreement with The CW network, all 15 seasons of the fan-favourite series Supernatural will be removed from the platform in December 2025. This removal is part of a broader content shift that will also see other film franchises leave the service.
What This Means for Streaming Strategy
The cancellation of Starting 5 underscores the highly competitive and data-driven nature of streaming content decisions. Platforms like Netflix continually assess performance metrics, and even shows with high-profile backing are not immune to being cut if they do not meet viewership expectations.
The simultaneous removal of long-running series like Supernatural highlights the transient nature of digital libraries, where licensing agreements dictate availability, often to the frustration of subscribers.
