Despite big NBA names and glossy production backing, Starting 5 failed to attract a large, sustained audience — leading Netflix to pull the plug after Season 2. The show’s decline from millions of views in its first season to minimal engagement in its second, along with weak chart presence, sealed its fate. This article explains what went wrong, how it reflects changing viewership tastes, and what fans can expect next from sports docuseries.
What Happened: Starting 5 Won’t Get Season 3
The Official Word: Cancellation Confirmed
After two seasons, Netflix has reportedly decided not to renew Starting 5 for a third season. While the streamer itself has stayed quiet publicly, industry sources have confirmed the show has been “benched.”
Surprising Exit — But Not Entirely Unexpected
The cancellation isn’t shocking to some. After Season 2 dropped in late 2025, there were no signs of cameras rolling, no reports of production, and little fanfare — signs many saw as early hints that Season 3 was already off the table.
Why the Show Failed to Stick
Dramatic Drop in Viewership
- When Starting 5 first premiered, it attracted a solid audience — about 4.6 million views from its release through late 2024.
- But by early 2025, during its second season, streaming numbers reportedly dropped to around 1 million. That’s a steep decline.
- Compared to sports-doc peers like Quarterback (NFL-focused) and F1: Drive to Survive, which pulled 7–13 million views in their opening windows, Starting 5 struggled.
Lack of Chart Presence & Hype
- The first season briefly made it into Netflix’s daily top-10 in several countries (including the U.S.), but Season 2 did not chart once anywhere globally.
- Even the show’s YouTube trailer saw a plunge: from ~1.9 million views during Season 1 rollout to just ~574,000 after Season 2 — suggesting waning public interest.
Star Power Weren’t Enough
Even with marquee NBA names like Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton and James Harden, the docuseries couldn’t overcome the lack of sustained engagement. It seems even star cameos can’t salvage a story if audiences aren’t hooked.
What This Means for Netflix — And the Future of Sports Docuseries
Netflix Is Being More Selective Now
2025 has seen the streamer cancel several underperforming shows. Starting 5’s cancellation reflects a broader trend: Netflix seems increasingly driven by hard numbers (views, retention, chart placement) rather than just prestige, lineup, or celebrity involvement.
Viewer Tastes Are Changing
The rapid drop in interest suggests that even sports docuseries — once a hot genre — now need more than access to famous athletes. Audiences demand compelling storytelling, relatability, or emotional depth beyond mere behind-the-scenes glamour.
A Warning Sign for Future Sports Docs
With Starting 5 gone, other upcoming or ongoing sports documentaries may face stricter scrutiny. Without strong viewership from the get-go, even big-budget projects risk early cancellation.
What Fans Think: Mixed Feelings About the End
Some fans feel disappointed; others saw it coming. A recurring reaction: “Even when I liked the show, it wasn’t getting promoted, and I barely saw it anywhere.” Many say they had to search for it rather than being recommended the show naturally — which limited its reach.
Others argue the series needed a stronger narrative arc — just following players through a season wasn’t enough to build emotional attachment. The star roster wasn’t enough; people needed a story they cared about.
Could Starting 5 Ever Return (or Live On Somehow)?
Given the steep drop in viewership and lack of renewal, a revival seems unlikely. Here’s why:
- Netflix likely won’t invest in another season if data doesn’t justify it.
- Docuseries demand ongoing access and cooperation from busy NBA players — scheduling that’s hard to guarantee.
- Even if another platform picks it up, the core issue remains: low audience engagement. Unless the format changes drastically, a comeback seems improbable.
Lessons from Starting 5: What Producers & Viewers Should Learn
For Producers
- Star power ≠ guaranteed success. Big names draw attention only if the story resonates.
- Retention matters more than initial hype. Launch strong, but keep viewers engaged.
- Suggestability counts. If the show doesn’t surface in recommendations or buzz, casual viewers may never find it.
For Viewers
- Track performance beyond season 1 binging. Sudden interest spikes often fizzle out if the show doesn’t evolve.
- Vocalize interest — streaming services do pay attention to engagement metrics and public chatter.
Also Read : 2026 Oscar Best Picture Predictions: Hamnet, One Battle After Another & More Contenders
FAQs
Will Starting 5 get Season 3 eventually?
No — according to multiple industry reports, Netflix has cancelled Starting 5 after its second season, with no plans for a third.
What caused its cancellation?
Mainly very low viewership and sharply declining engagement compared to other sports docuseries.
Did Starting 5 perform poorly from the start?
Not exactly. Season 1 had decent numbers, but Season 2 saw a steep drop — season-to-season retention was weak.
Was the large NBA roster not enough to save it?
Apparently not. Even top NBA stars couldn’t guarantee consistent audience interest.
Does this mean all sports docuseries are at risk now?
Potentially yes. Streaming platforms may now be more stringent with renewals — only shows meeting strong viewership and engagement thresholds will survive.
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