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Reports Say Netflix Ends NBA Docuseries 'Starting 5' After Two Seasons

Industry reports attribute the decision to weak viewership compared with Netflix’s other sports docuseries.

Overview

  • Sports Business Journal reported the nonrenewal, multiple outlets echoed the report, and Netflix has not issued public comment.
  • Starting 5 debuted in 2024 and trailed five NBA stars throughout the season, with a new cast of players featured each year.
  • The series was produced in part by Higher Ground, the production company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama.
  • Season one drew about 4.6 million views from July to December 2024, then roughly 1 million in the first half of 2025, according to What’s on Netflix.
  • Season two viewership remains undisclosed and neither season reached Netflix’s weekly Top 10, while comparable titles like Quarterback (~12.7 million) and F1: Drive to Survive (~10.4 million) posted stronger openings.