Netflix Takes Shot at Sports Documentary Series Featuring NBA Stars LeBron James, Anthony Edwards
‘Starting 5’ to debut Oct. 9
Netflix will launch a new sports documentary series in October featuring a behind-the-scenes look at five NBA players during the 2023-24 season.
The 10-episode documentary series, Starting Five, follows the on and off-the-court lives of the Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, the Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis, and the Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum throughout the 2023-24 regular season and playoffs, according to the streaming service. “The series captures all five athletes in their battles on and off the court as they chase greatness, push through injuries, and balance the demands of family and legacy,” Netflix said.
James’ Uninterrupted production company will produce the series along with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground and Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions. Executive producers include James, the Obamas, Manning, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Philip Byron, Randy Mims, Vinnie Malhotra, Ethan Lewis, Jamie Horowitz and Sam Pepper.
Starting 5 continues Netflix’s move into the sports documentary arena, which includes such series as Quarterback, Formula 1: Drive to Survive, and Simone Biles Rising.
Multichannel Newsletter
The smarter way to stay on top of the multichannel video marketplace. Sign up below.
R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.