Netflix is set to premiere a new sports docuseries titled Starting 5 on October 9, 2024. It will showcase the 2023-24 NBA season through the eyes of some of the league’s biggest stars. The 10-part series promises to offer an unfiltered look into the lives of Los Angeles Lakers‘ LeBron James, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler, and Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis. With each episode running 45 minutes, the series will dive into the athletes’ experiences both on and off the court. The series will shed light on their personal battles, triumphs, and the intricate balance between their careers and personal lives.
Netflix’s ‘Starting 5’ to Feature NBA Superstars LeBron And Others
Jimmy Butler
Anthony Edwards
LeBron James
Domantas Sabonis
Jayson TatumStarting 5, a new Netflix Sports series, will follow their 2023-24 season on and off the court. Coming October 9. pic.twitter.com/8tvPzMFizr
— Netflix (@netflix) August 28, 2024
Starting 5 isn’t just about basketball. It’s about the relentless pursuit of greatness. LeBron, in his 21st NBA season, will have his journey chronicled as he strives to maintain his legendary status in the league. His story will be juxtaposed with that of Edwards. Edwards is a rising star who has quickly become one of the most electrifying players in the NBA. Edwards’ meteoric rise over the past year has positioned him as a potential future face of the league. That makes his inclusion in the series particularly significant.
Meanwhile, Tatum’s leadership will be highlighted. He guided the Boston Celtics to their 18th NBA championship, cementing his place among the league’s elite. Butler and Sabonis, who both led their teams through challenging seasons, will also share their unique perspectives. Butler’s Heat and Sabonis’ Kings both endured the path of the Play-In Tournament, with only Miami advancing to the playoffs. This will make their stories compelling narratives of resilience and determination.
Partnership with UNINTERRUPTED
It will be produced in partnership with UNINTERRUPTED, LeBron James’ digital video company. Netflix’s Starting 5 is expected to deliver a raw and authentic portrayal of life at the pinnacle of professional basketball. UNINTERRUPTED has previously collaborated with Netflix on several sports-related projects. These include series featuring tennis star Naomi Osaka, soccer phenom Neymar, and the 2008 U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball Team. The involvement of James’ longtime friend and business partner Maverick Carter, along with high-profile executive producers such as Barack & Michelle Obama and Peyton Manning, adds significant star power and credibility to the project.
Netflix in the World of Sports
Netflix’s Starting 5 is the latest in a series of sports docuseries by Netflix. It will follow the success of Quarterback, Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Simone Biles Rising, and Full Swing. These series have successfully drawn sports fans into the intricacies of their favorite athletes’ lives. They have provided a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that come with competing at the highest level.
Netflix’s Starting 5 is poised to continue this tradition. It will offer fans an intimate look at some of the NBA’s biggest stars as they navigate the pressures of professional basketball and the demands of their personal lives.
LeBron James and Anthony Edwards: The Faces of the NBA’s Past, Present, and Future
The pairing of James and Edwards in Starting 5 highlights a significant moment in the NBA. LeBron, who has been the face of the league for over a decade, is now stepping into the twilight of his career. His forays into acting, such as his starring role in Space Jam: A New Legacy, have showcased his versatility and appeal beyond basketball. This project adds another layer to his already impressive legacy, allowing fans to witness his journey in real-time as he battles to remain at the top.
On the other hand, Edwards, who made a splash with his acting debut in Netflix’s Hustle, is rapidly becoming one of the NBA’s most marketable stars. His charismatic performance in the film, where he played a cocky, trash-talking basketball player, drew praise and highlighted his potential as a future face of the NBA. Netflix’s Starting 5 provides an ideal platform to further solidify Edwards‘ status as a star both on and off the court. This series not only documents his rise but also subtly positions him as a successor to the likes of LeBron.
For the NBA, Starting 5 is more than just a docuseries. It’s a strategic move to transition from one era of basketball dominance to the next. By featuring both a seasoned veteran and an emerging star, the series bridges the gap between generations. It will ensure that fans remain engaged with the league’s evolving narrative. With Netflix’s history of successful sports docuseries, Starting 5 is set to captivate audiences. It will further elevate the profiles of the players involved.
