Netflix has just announced its latest sports docuseries, Starting 5, which promises to deliver an inside look at the 2023-24 NBA season through the eyes of five of the league’s most prominent stars. The 10-part series, set to premiere on October 9, will offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives and careers of Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James, Minnesota Timberwolves rising star Anthony Edwards, Boston Celtics standout Jayson Tatum, Miami Heat leader Jimmy Butler, and Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis.
According to Netflix, Starting 5 will delve into the personal and professional challenges these athletes face as they strive for greatness on the court. The series will highlight their battles with injuries, their relentless pursuit of excellence, and the delicate balance they must maintain between their family lives and their legacies in the sport.
LeBron James, now entering his 21st season in the NBA, will be one of the focal points of the series, with a particular emphasis on his efforts to stay healthy and competitive in the twilight of his illustrious career. Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards’ rapid ascent to superstardom will be chronicled, showcasing how the young guard has become one of the most electrifying players in the league. The series will also explore the leadership of Jimmy Butler and Domantas Sabonis as they navigated their teams through difficult seasons that included play-in tournament appearances.
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Finally, Jayson Tatum’s journey to leading the Celtics to their record 18th NBA championship will be a key storyline.
Starting 5 is more than just a sports documentary; it’s an unfiltered look at the lives of these athletes as they chase their dreams and confront the realities of professional basketball at the highest level. The series will consist of 10 episodes, each running approximately 45 minutes, offering an in-depth exploration of the season’s highs and lows.
The series is produced in collaboration with UNINTERRUPTED, LeBron James’ digital media company, which has previously partnered with Netflix on a number of successful sports projects, including documentaries on tennis star Naomi Osaka, soccer icon Neymar, and the 2008 U.S. men’s basketball team.
Executive producers for Starting 5 include LeBron James’ close friend and business partner Maverick Carter, as well as former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and NFL legend Peyton Manning. The Obamas are contributing through their Higher Ground production company, marking their second sports project with Netflix following the upcoming series on the Olympic men’s basketball team set to premiere in 2025. Manning’s Omaha Productions, which has previously collaborated with Netflix on shows like Quarterback and Receiver, is also on board.
In recent years, Netflix has committed to expanding its sports content, offering viewers an array of compelling stories from the world of athletics. With popular series such as Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Quarterback, Full Swing, and Simone Biles Rising, Netflix has established itself as a go-to platform for sports fans.
Starting 5 is expected to add to this growing catalog of must-watch sports programming when it debuts this fall.
