Report: Netflix cancels original series after only two seasons

Netflix is reportedly planning to cancel its original docuseries Starting 5. The show, which premiered in 2024, offered fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the NBA season, following the journeys of five star athletes.

The inaugural season highlighted LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and Domantas Sabonis. Season two, which aired this year, focused on Tyrese Haliburton, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Jaylen Brown. The series, co-produced by Barack and Michelle Obamas production company Higher Ground, will reportedly not return for a third season, according to the Sports Business Journal. Netflix has yet to issue an official comment.

Season one of Starting 5 reportedly garnered 4.6 million views from July to December 2024, according to Whats on Netflix. However, viewership for the first half of 2025 dropped sharply to just 1 million. In comparison, other Netflix sports docuseries like Quarterback and F1: Drive to Survive continue to attract much larger audiences.

The series also captured emotional moments, such as when LeBron James reunited with the woman who saved his sons life. Bronny James, then 18, suffered cardiac arrest during a preseason workout at the University of Southern California in July 2023. Team doctors, including Erin Tillman, performed life-saving CPR, allowing Bronny to recover fully. LeBron praised the medical staff, noting, They are the reason Bronny is alive now and thriving.

Meanwhile, Netflix will continue its routine of rotating titles in and out of the catalog. Among the films leaving in December 2025 are Austin Powers, Beverly Hills Cop, and the Matrix franchises. Additionally, 28 Weeks Later will be removed after a successful streaming run.

The most notable departure will be all 15 seasons of Supernatural, the fantasy series from Eric Kripke, who also created The Boys. The series, which aired from 2005 to 2020, will be removed after 13 years due to the expiration of its licensing agreement with The CW. Fans have until December 18, 2025, to catch up before it leaves Netflix.

Author: Sophia Brooks