Netflix is set to premiere a documentary series titled “Starting 5,” produced by LeBron James’ Uninterrupted, which will follow the lives of five NBA stars, including LeBron James, during the 2023-24 season. 

Netflix is set to premiere a documentary series titled “Starting 5,” produced by LeBron James’ Uninterrupted, which will follow the lives of five NBA stars, including LeBron James, during the 2023-24 season.

 

Additionally, LeBron James and JJ Redick co-hosted a podcast series called “Mind the Game,” produced by their respective media companies, Uninterrupted and ThreeFourTwo Productions.

The podcast delved into various aspects of basketball, providing listeners with unique insights from two prominent figures in the sport.

 

Netflix’s “Starting 5” offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of five NBA stars—LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, Domantas Sabonis, and Jayson Tatum—during the 2023-24 season. This ten-episode docuseries, released on October 9, 2024, provides viewers with a unique perspective on the personal and professional journeys of these athletes.

 

Production and Development

 

“Starting 5” is a collaborative effort among Uninterrupted, Omaha Productions, and Higher Ground Productions.

Uninterrupted, co-founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, is renowned for athlete-driven content.

Omaha Productions, led by Peyton Manning, and Higher Ground Productions, founded by Barack and Michelle Obama, bring diverse storytelling perspectives to the series.

The series is directed by Susan Ansman, Trishtan Williams, and Peter J. Scalettar, with Scalettar also serving as the showrunner. Notably, “Starting 5” marks Higher Ground’s inaugural venture into sports programming on Netflix.

 

Featured Players

 

The inaugural season focuses on five prominent NBA figures:

 

LeBron James: The Los Angeles Lakers forward, entering his 22nd NBA season, reflects on his enduring career and family life, especially during his son Bronny’s health scare.

 

Jimmy Butler: The Miami Heat’s star is portrayed balancing his intense professional drive with personal moments, including family interactions and his agent’s notification about his father’s terminal illness.

 

Anthony Edwards: The Minnesota Timberwolves guard’s segment delves into his rapid rise in the NBA and the anticipation of impending fatherhood.

 

Domantas Sabonis: The Sacramento Kings forward’s narrative explores his legacy as a second-generation NBA player, with insights from his wife, Shashana Rosen, highlighting family dynamics.

 

Jayson Tatum: The Boston Celtics forward’s journey is showcased through his pursuit of another championship, featuring interactions with his parents and his son, Deuce.

 

 

Critical Reception

 

The series has garnered a spectrum of reviews:

 

Positive Feedback: Katie Baker of The Ringer praised the series for its candid portrayal of the players’ lives beyond the court, highlighting moments of vulnerability and authenticity.

 

Critical Views: Alison Herman of Variety critiqued the series for offering surface-level insights, suggesting that the controlled access resulted in a lack of depth.

 

 

Viewer Experience

 

“Starting 5” provides an engaging viewing experience for NBA enthusiasts and general audiences alike. It balances on-court action with off-court narratives, emphasizing the athletes’ humanity and personal stories. The series is available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a chance to connect with some of basketball’s most prominent figures on a deeper level.

 

Conclusion

 

“Starting 5” stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of influential figures in sports and entertainment.

By blending personal stories with professional highlights, the series enriches viewers’ understanding of the complexities faced by modern athletes, making it a noteworthy addition to sports documentary storytelling.