What began as one of Netflix’s boldest attempts to shape its nonfiction slate has now met an abrupt and unexpected end. The platform once positioned a glossy sports docuseries as a challenger to traditional storytelling, hoping that behind-the-scenes access to the lives of athletes who make hearts race with their skills when they appear on screen would hook audiences hungry for unseen on-field drama. For a brief moment, it seemed poised to become the next big streaming obsession. However, momentum appears to have faded faster than anticipated.

Now, after just two seasons, Netflix has quietly pulled the plug on this experiment, raising the question of whether viewers have a problem with sports offerings in general or only had something against this particular IP.

Netflix’s docuseries Starting 5, according to Sports Business Journal, is nearing cancelation after just two seasons, with low viewership appearing to be a major factor behind the decision. Neither season managed to crack Netflix’s weekly Top 10, even as competitors in the same space delivered far stronger numbers. Season 1 drew 4.6 million views in its initial window before sliding to 1 million in early 2025, per What's on Netflix, while alternatives soared. Quarterback opened with 12.7 million views, and F1: Drive to Survive reached 10.4 million, highlighting the disparity.

Across its two-season run, Starting 5 attempted to offer unprecedented access to NBA stars, following five players each year. Season 1 spotlighted LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and Domantas Sabonis as they navigated a full campaign. Season 2 shifted to James Harden, Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Haliburton, continuing the all-access approach but failing to spark cultural buzz. Despite the cancellation news as reported by Sports Business Journal, meanwhile, the streaming giant’s documentary vault ensures there are plenty of sports options available, in addition to the NFL and F1 offerings mentioned above.

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Football, tennis, baseball and more — Netflix has explored nearly every major sport, striving to deliver the most authentic look at the athletes who shape the game. 

Netflix has been steadily building a sports universe of its own, dipping into different arenas to reveal what really drives athletes who often seem invincible. Football received a heartfelt deep dive on the platform with Beckham, tennis got a fresh perspective through Carlos Alcaraz: My Way, and sprinting took center stage in SPRINT. Baseball enthusiasts had something new to explore with The Clubhouse, while Simone Biles: Rising embraced the powerful emotion of gymnastics. The streamer’s collection of sports documentaries obviously holds a lot more.

So, while Starting 5 may be over, Netflix’s dedication to sports storytelling endures. From tennis and football to gymnastics and baseball, the platform’s vault offers viewers a wealth of behind-the-scenes access to their preferred sports and personalities involved. Even in cancellation, this proves that the platform’s commitment to catering to those who subscribe for authentic athletic drama remains intact, and viewers can tune in for commentary on their beloved games anytime they want.

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How do you feel about the Starting 5 cancellation? Let us know in the comments.