What's Happening?
Netflix has decided to cancel the docu-series 'Starting 5,' which was produced by former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and NBA champion LeBron James. The show, which debuted in 2024, followed the journeys of five NBA stars throughout a season. Despite featuring high-profile athletes like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, the series struggled to maintain viewership. Season 1 attracted 4.6 million views from July to December 2024, but this number dropped significantly to just 1 million views in the first half of 2025. In comparison, other sports docu-series on Netflix, such as 'Quarterback' and 'F1: Drive to Survive,' garnered much higher viewership numbers. The decision to cancel 'Starting 5' was reportedly due to these
poor ratings, and there are no plans for a third season.
Why It's Important?
The cancellation of 'Starting 5' highlights the competitive nature of streaming platforms and the challenges even high-profile productions face in attracting and retaining viewers. This decision underscores the importance of viewership metrics in determining the longevity of a series on platforms like Netflix. The show's cancellation may impact the Obamas' production company, Higher Ground Productions, as it navigates the streaming landscape. Additionally, it reflects the broader trend of streaming services prioritizing content that can consistently draw large audiences, which can influence the types of projects that get greenlit in the future.
What's Next?
With 'Starting 5' canceled, Netflix and the Obamas' production company may reassess their strategies for future projects. This could involve exploring different genres or formats that might resonate better with audiences. For Netflix, the focus will likely remain on identifying and investing in content that can achieve high viewership numbers. The streaming giant may continue to analyze data to understand audience preferences and adjust its content offerings accordingly. Meanwhile, the Obamas' production company might seek to diversify its portfolio to include projects with broader appeal.
