When viewers see NBA players in action, they never get to see what goes into the pressure of being in the NBA or how they handle their personal lives. However, after the success of the NFL’s TV series Quarterback and Receiver, Netflix greenlit Starting Five last year which followed basketball stars Lebron James, Anthony Edwards, Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, and Domantas Sabonis throughout the 2023-2024 season. 

The series displayed a combination of high-intensity moments, such as when Lebron dealt with his son going into cardiac arrest during college practice, to heartwarming moments, like when viewers see Anthony Edwards’ kid being born, showing how vulnerable and human our stars are.

Throughout ten episodes viewers see the entire NBA season unfold through each player’s perspective. The narrative of LeBron James is defined by both his 21st season in the NBA and being a father. Miami’s own Jimmy Butler, who is well-known for his passion for competition, lets viewers see a less brash, more sensitive side of him as he works through his grief after losing his father and dealing with injuries.

Domantas Sabonis and Jayson Tatum also offer heartwarming viewpoints on fatherhood and family; Sabonis takes inspiration from his father’s NBA legacy while establishing his own, while Tatum manages the ups and downs of being a parent while winning his first championship at the end of the season. Finally, the electrifying personality of Anthony Edwards is put on full display as he combats his newfound superstardom. 

The show adopts a creative style by allowing each player’s voice to guide their narrative, without a traditional narrator. This lets the viewer solely hear the player only and allows the raw emotion to come forefront. Along with that, it combines gentler moments of family life and reflection with slow-motion replays and intense game scenes to convey the raw passion of the sport. 

Fans are urged to see these athletes as people dealing with everyday issues, such as parenting and professional demands, beyond statistics and fame. Starting 5 has garnered positive reviews for its equal portrayal and has been praised for its narrative and understanding of the lives of top athletes who are attempting to uphold their personal and professional identities in the face of the NBA’s relentless ways.