Jaylen Brown
Self
Starting 5
“Five journeys. One season. All access.”
2024
Canceled • 2 Seasons • 18 Episodes
Overview
Follows 5 NBA players throughout an entire NBA series, delving into their on-court performance and off-court personal lives.
Seasons
- Status
- Canceled
- Seasons
- 2 seasons
- Episodes
- 18 episodes
- First aired
- Oct 9, 2024
Cast
Reviews
5 min readThe Locker Room in the Living Room
I’ve watched enough sports documentaries to know the formula by heart: the underdog story, the training montage, the climactic victory (or heartbreaking defeat), all scored to a swelling soundtrack. Starting 5, Netflix’s latest foray into the NBA’s inner sanctum, doesn’t bother reinventing the wheel. What it does instead is something far more interesting—it parks the camera in the living room, the kitchen, the backseat of the car, and lets the players exist there, not as athletes, but as people. The result is a series that feels less like a highlight reel and more like an extended conversation with someone you’ve only ever seen through a screen.
That’s the promise of the show, at least. The reality is more complicated. Starting 5 is produced by a consortium of heavy hitters—LeBron James’s Uninterrupted, the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions, Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions—and that pedigree comes with a certain weight. The access is undeniable.
We see Anthony Edwards cradling his newborn daughter in the hospital, the raw awe on his face as he watches the placenta being delivered (a moment so unfiltered it feels like a violation, until it doesn’t). We see LeBron James at home, his voice cracking as he talks about his son Bronny’s cardiac arrest, the fear in his eyes a reminder that even the most untouchable figures are just fathers, after all.
These are the kinds of moments that make the series worth watching, the ones that linger long after the credits roll.
But then there are the other moments, the ones that feel a little too polished, a little too produced. Variety’s Daniel D’Addario put it best when he called Starting 5 an “unremarkable survey of truly remarkable people,” noting that the players’ editorial control often strips the series of true vulnerability. It’s a fair critique.
The show’s fly-on-the-wall approach is its greatest strength, but it’s also its biggest limitation. When the camera is always rolling, the subjects are always performing—even if that performance is just being themselves. The result is a kind of intimacy that feels both real and curated, like watching a reality show where the contestants are also the producers.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.2/10
"A fresh and engaging sports documentary series that shines a light on NBA stars' lives beyond the court."
Viewers appreciate the intimate and personal look at the lives of five prominent NBA players, finding their off-court stories compelling and relatable. The series is praised for its authenticity and the unique perspectives it offers on each athlete. However, some feel the storytelling could delve deeper into their professional challenges and career highs, leaving a desire for more comprehensive coverage.
What viewers praise
- Authentic storytelling Offers a genuine and personal glimpse into the players' lives, making it relatable and engaging.
- Strong cast appeal The inclusion of high-profile NBA stars like Kevin Durant and James Harden draws significant interest.
- High production quality Visually appealing and well-produced, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
- Unique perspectives Provides insights into the players' personal journeys that aren't typically covered in mainstream sports media.
Common complaints
- Limited depth Some viewers feel the series skims the surface and could explore the players' professional lives more thoroughly.
- Uneven focus Certain players receive more attention than others, leading to an imbalanced narrative.
- Predictable format The documentary follows a familiar structure that doesn't deviate much from typical sports docuseries.
Recommended for
NBA fans Sports documentary lovers Kevin Durant followers James Harden enthusiasts Behind-the-scenes content seekers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsInside Netflix’s Starting 5: The NBA’s Elite Open Up in High-Stakes Docuseries
Netflix’s Starting 5 (2024) is back for a second season, pulling back the curtain on five of the NBA’s biggest stars—Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton, and James Harden. The docuseries, which blends on-court action with off-court drama, has quickly become a must-watch for basketball fans, offering an unfiltered look at the pressures, controversies, latestnetflix.com contends, and personal lives of its all-star cast.
Season 2 Brings Fresh Faces and Old Rivalries
The new season doubles down on the formula that made the first installment a hit, following the players through the highs and lows of an NBA season. While the full roster was confirmed in October 2024 
, the inclusion of Durant and Harden—two players whose careers have been defined by blockbuster trades and public feuds—adds a layer of intrigue. Both stars recently reflected on their controversial moves in the series, though specifics of their conversations remain under wraps .
Jaylen Brown, another central figure, gets a platform to address the "ridiculous narrative" that has followed him, particularly around his leadership and contract status. Netflix reportedly used the series to shut down those criticisms, framing Brown as a focused, team-first player . Whether the docuseries will delve deeper into his future with the Celtics—or potential trade rumors—remains to be seen.
Behind the Scenes: What Fans Can Expect
While Netflix hasn’t released episode counts or a full trailer, early buzz suggests Starting 5 Season 2 will maintain its fly-on-the-wall style. The series is known for capturing raw moments, from locker-room tensions to players’ personal struggles . With Gilgeous-Alexander and Haliburton—two of the league’s rising stars—joining the cast, the dynamic between the veterans and younger players could be a highlight.
One unanswered question: Will the series address Durant’s and Harden’s infamous exits from the Brooklyn Nets? Their trades sent shockwaves through the NBA, and their reunion in Starting 5 might offer new insights—or reignite old tensions . For now, fans will have to tune in to find out.
Why This Docuseries Stands Out
Unlike traditional sports documentaries, Starting 5 doesn’t just focus on wins and losses. It’s a character study, exploring how elite athletes navigate fame, pressure, and personal growth. The series has already proven its ability to shape narratives—like Brown’s public image—while giving viewers unprecedented access .
With no confirmed release date beyond its October 2024 debut , the wait for new episodes is on. But if Season 1 is any indication, Starting 5 will deliver drama, authenticity, and a rare glimpse into the lives of the NBA’s brightest stars.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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