Netflix has reportedly decided not to renew its sports documentary series Starting 5 after two seasons. Each season revolved around the lives of five NBA stars on and off the court. The show was produced by NBA champion LeBron James, former President Barack Obama, and former First Lady Michelle Obama. This comes nearly five months after the show debuted its 8-episode second season.
According to Sports Business Journal, the cancellation was reportedly due to poor ratings. The outlet claimed that both seasons of Starting 5 weren’t able to deliver good streaming results for Netflix, revealing that its Season 1 numbers were lagging behind its NFL docuseries Quarterback.
What do we know about Netflix’s canceled docuseries?
Season 1 featured LeBron James of the LA Lakers, Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings, and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, Season 2 told the stories of Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, and James Harden of the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Step inside the season that redefined the NBA, alongside the superstars who made it unforgettable. Follow Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton, and James Harden as they play through moments that shook the league, heart-wrenching injuries, and a Finals series for the ages,” reads the Season 2 logline.
Starting 5 was executive-produced by Peter J. Scalettar, Rob Ford, LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Randy Mims, Ben Turner, Jamal Henderson, and Philip Byron for UNINTERRUPTED; THE Obamas, Vinnie Malhotra, and Ethan Lewis for Higher Ground; and Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, and Sam Pepper for Omaha. It was directed by Trishtan Williams, Susan Ansman, Peter J. Scalettar, and Rob Ford, with Matt Rissmiller, Sami Khan, Audrey E. Smith, and Camara Rose serving as co-executive producers.
(Source: Sports Business Journal)
