Netflix cancels 'Starting 5' after two seasons as viewership declines

Netflix has cancelled Starting 5 after two seasons, according to Sports Business Journal. The documentary series, which launched in 2024, followed five NBA players through their regular-season campaigns and offered behind-the-scenes access throughout the year.

The first season featured LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards and Domantas Sabonis. Despite the high-profile cast, viewing figures did not match those of other sports docuseries on the platform.

Data cited by What’s on Netflix showed that Season 1 drew 4.6 million views between July and December 2024. In the first half of 2025, the season registered approximately 1 million views.

Comparisons were drawn with other Netflix titles in the same format. The NFL-focused Quarterback reached 12.7 million views during its initial availability period, while F1: Drive to Survive recorded 10.4 million views.

Both series have maintained strong visibility in Netflix’s weekly Top 10, which Starting 5 did not achieve during either of its seasons, according to the report.

Figures for Season 2 of Starting 5 have not yet been released. However, neither season appeared in Netflix’s weekly rankings, which may have contributed to the decision not to continue the series.

The cancellation comes as Netflix continues to refine its sports programming slate, a category that has grown significantly in recent years. The platform has expanded its catalogue of athlete-focused and competition-based documentaries, with audience numbers often determining which productions receive renewal.

Starting 5 offered access to NBA players across a full season, with its format mirroring that of Netflix’s other sport-specific series.

Despite its limited run, the programme adds to the growing list of sports documentaries produced for the streaming service as it assesses long-term viewer engagement across genres.