In a surprising development for sports entertainment fans, Netflix's highly anticipated NBA documentary series Starting 5 is reportedly coming to an abrupt halt after just two seasons. According to breaking reports from Sports Business Journal, the streaming giant has decided not to renew the show for a third installment.
What Led to the Cancellation?
The primary reason behind this decision appears to be disappointing viewership numbers. Industry insiders familiar with the matter revealed that audience turnout simply didn't meet expectations to justify continuing the series. Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal broke the story, indicating that third-party metrics weren't favorable for the show's future.
Netflix's internal data from late 2024 showed that Starting 5's first season numbers fell significantly short when compared to Quarterback, the platform's successful NFL documentary series that launched the previous year. While Netflix won't release official viewership statistics until 2026, the signs were clear enough for the streaming service to pull the plug.
Star-Studded Cast Couldn't Save the Series
Starting 5 offered unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the lives of top NBA players, covering their training routines, travel schedules, and personal relationships that shape their careers. The documentary followed athletes through the grueling regular season, giving fans a unique perspective on professional basketball.
The first season featured an impressive lineup of basketball superstars including LeBron James, Domantas Sabonis, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, and Jayson Tatum. Despite this formidable roster, the series failed to capture the audience Netflix had hoped for.
Season two, scheduled for early 2026 release after debuting last year, expanded its star power even further. The new installment promised to follow Kevin Durant, James Harden, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Haliburton, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The official description teased an exciting new lineup representing some of the NBA's biggest franchises.
Broader Implications for Sports Documentaries
This cancellation might signal a shifting landscape for access-driven sports documentaries. Starting 5's struggles suggest that even having basketball's biggest names isn't enough to guarantee success in the competitive streaming market.
Netflix has been aggressively expanding its sports documentary portfolio in recent years, investing heavily in content covering tennis, golf, NASCAR, and Formula One. The results have been mixed, with some projects achieving remarkable success while others, like Starting 5, failing to connect with viewers.
The demise of Starting 5 after just two seasons marks a significant setback for Netflix's sports programming strategy, particularly given the massive star power involved and the global popularity of the NBA.
