Netflix has decided to cancel its original docuseries *Starting 5* after two seasons. This show provided fans with an in-depth look at the NBA season, following several prominent players.
Overview of *Starting 5*
*Starting 5* debuted in 2024 and showcased five star athletes. The inaugural season highlighted notable players such as:
- LeBron James
- Jimmy Butler
- Jayson Tatum
- Anthony Edwards
- Domantas Sabonis
Season two, released in 2025, featured:
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Kevin Durant
- James Harden
- Jaylen Brown
Viewership and Impact
Reportedly, season one attracted 4.6 million views from July to December 2024. However, this number significantly dropped to 1 million views in the first half of 2025.
The docuseries was produced in part by Higher Ground, a company owned by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. The production featured emotional moments, including LeBron James meeting the medical team that saved his son, Bronny James, after a cardiac arrest incident in July 2023.
Competitive Landscape
Despite its initial popularity, *Starting 5* struggled to compete with other Netflix sports shows like *Quarterback* and *F1: Drive to Survive*, which have enjoyed significantly higher viewership.
Upcoming Changes on Netflix
As Netflix routinely updates its content library, it plans to remove several titles by December 2025. Key departures include:
- Supernatural (all 15 seasons)
- Austin Powers franchise
- Beverly Hills Cop franchise
- The Matrix franchise
- 28 Weeks Later
Fans must watch *Supernatural* by December 18, 2025, before it leaves the platform. The cancellation of *Starting 5* marks another shift in Netflix’s strategy as it navigates changing viewer preferences and competitive pressures.
