Inside the Arena: Netflix’s *Starting 5* Chronicles NBA Stars’ 2023-24 Season

*Starting 5*, Netflix's new documentary series, offers an inside look at the 2023-24 NBA season through the lives of five star players: LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Domantas Sabonis, Anthony Edwards, and Jimmy Butler. Premiering October 9, the series explores their on-court achievements and personal challenges, capturing the essence of life at the top of professional basketball.
SummaryNetflix has released the trailer for its upcoming documentary series, Starting 5, which follows five NBA players—LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Domantas Sabonis, Anthony Edwards, and Jimmy Butler—throughout the 2023-24 season. Premiering on October 9, the series offers an intimate look at their lives on and off the court, capturing their professional struggles and personal triumphs. Directed by Susan Ansman and others, and produced by notable figures including President Barack Obama and Peyton Manning, Starting 5 is deemed a worthy successor to The Last Dance. It premieres just before the NBA season begins, promising a blend of veteran and rising star narratives.

Netflix Unveils Full Trailer for Starting 5

Netflix has unveiled the first full trailer for its upcoming documentary series, Starting 5. This series offers an in-depth look at five prominent NBA players during the 2023-24 season: LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers, Jayson Tatum from the Boston Celtics, Domantas Sabonis from the Sacramento Kings, Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. Set to premiere on Netflix on October 9, the 10-episode series promises a comprehensive portrayal of these athletes’ lives.

The Journey of NBA Stars On and Off the Court

Starting 5 provides a unique glimpse into the lives of James, Tatum, Sabonis, Edwards, and Butler both on the basketball court and beyond. The series captures Tatum’s triumphant quest for his first NBA title with the Celtics while also delving into the personal and professional pressures faced by these high-profile athletes.

Helmed by directors Susan Ansman, Trishtan Williams, and Peter J. Scalettar, and executive produced by an impressive lineup including Maverick Carter, President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Peyton Manning, the series portrays the athletes’ relentless pursuit of greatness. James is pushing his limits in his 21st season, Edwards is ascending rapidly, Butler is fueling the Heat’s ambitions, Sabonis is anchoring the Kings, and Tatum is leading the Celtics towards a record 18th championship. Starting 5 delivers an unfiltered view of life at the pinnacle of professional basketball.

Starting 5: A Worthy Successor to The Last Dance

A Unique Approach to Following an NBA Season

The 2020 release of The Last Dance mesmerized viewers with its depiction of Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls. Starting 5 adopts a similar format but shifts the focus to five different players. LeBron James, the longstanding face of the NBA, is an obvious choice for the series. Jayson Tatum, who finally secured a championship for the Celtics, is another key figure. Anthony Edwards, often compared to Jordan, is a rising star who promises electrifying moments.

While some questioned the inclusion of Domantas Sabonis, his journey to the NBA is compelling. As the son of Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis, he brings a unique narrative as an overseas player who has become a three-time All-Star. Jimmy Butler, a self-made star who faced adversity with an injury during the Play-In Tournament, rounds out this fascinating group.

Our Impression of the Starting 5 Trailer

An Exciting Prelude to the NBA Season

The Starting 5 series is set to premiere on Netflix just shy of two weeks before the NBA season kick-off on October 22, coinciding with the Celtics hosting the Knicks for their championship ring ceremony. The series features a captivating mix of seasoned veterans and emerging superstars, along with international talent. Following the success of The Last Dance, Starting 5 is poised to capture the attention of both basketball enthusiasts and documentary aficionados alike.

Source: Netflix