Netflix has reportedly cancelled its original NBA docuseries Starting 5 after just two seasons. The series, which debuted in 2024, offered a behind-the-scenes look at the NBA season by following five star players each year.
Season one featured LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and Domantas Sabonis. Season two, released this year, followed Tyrese Haliburton, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Jaylen Brown. The series was produced in part by Barack and Michelle Obama’s company, Higher Ground.
According to Sports Business Journal, the show will not return for a third season. Viewing figures for season two have not been released, but What’s on Netflix reported that season one drew 4.6 million views from July to December 2024, dropping to just 1 million views in the first half of 2025. Comparable Netflix sports series such as Quarterback and F1: Drive to Survive have seen significantly higher viewership.
The first season included a poignant moment when LeBron James met Erin Tillman, the team doctor who performed CPR on his son Bronny after he suffered a cardiac arrest in July 2023. LeBron credited her with saving Bronny’s life.
