Starting 5 Season 2: Release Date, Plot, Cast, and Everything You Need to Know
Key Takeaways
- Premieres Oct 16, 2025 on Netflix with 8 all-access episodes.
- Features 5 new NBA stars: SGA, Haliburton, Brown, Durant & Harden.
- Documents the dramatic 2024-25 season, including SGA's MVP run and Haliburton's Finals injury.
Netflix‘s critically acclaimed sports docuseries, Starting 5 Season 2 on October 16, 2025, promising an even deeper dive into the lives of the NBA’s biggest stars. Produced by UNINTERRUPTED, Omaha Productions, and Higher Ground Productions, the series offers an all-access pass to the on-court battles and off-court struggles of the league’s most iconic players. Here’s everything you need to know about Season 2, including its release date, cast, plot, and a brief background of Season 1.
Release Date and Availability
Starting 5 Season 2 will premiere exclusively on Netflix on October 16, 2025 . The season will consist of eight 45-minute episodes, all available for streaming on the same day. This release strategy aligns perfectly with the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, allowing fans to relive the dramatic moments of the previous year while gearing up for new excitement .
What Is “Starting 5”?
“Starting 5” is a sports docuseries that follows five NBA superstars throughout a season, providing an intimate look at their professional and personal lives. The series captures their journeys through the grueling 82-game season, playoff battles, injuries, and family dynamics. Executive produced by LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Peyton Manning, and Barack and Michelle Obama, the series combines unparalleled access with emotionally driven storytelling .
Season 2 Cast: Meet the NBA Superstars
Season 2 features lineup of five NBA icons, each bringing their unique stories and journeys to the screen :
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder): The 2025 MVP and NBA champion who led the Thunder to their first title .
- Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers): The dynamic point guard who propelled the Pacers to the Eastern Conference crown and an epic NBA Finals showdown against the Thunder .
- Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics): The 2024 Finals MVP who faced challenges defending the title amid team injuries and setbacks .
- Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns): One of the NBA’s greatest scorers, featured during his tumultuous final season with the Suns before moving to the Houston Rockets .
- James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers): The veteran star showcasing his longevity and quest for an elusive championship .
Season 2 Plot: What to Expect
Season 2 delves into the 2024-25 NBA season, capturing the highs and lows of the players’ journeys. Key storylines include :
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic MVP and championship run with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Tyrese Haliburton’s dramatic playoff journey with the Indiana Pacers, including his injury during the Finals.
- Jaylen Brown’s efforts to lead the Celtics to back-to-back championships amid injuries and heightened expectations.
- Kevin Durant’s challenges with the Phoenix Suns as he seeks to overcome playoff hurdles.
- James Harden’s resurgence with the Los Angeles Clippers and his pursuit of a first NBA title.
The season also highlights off-court moments, including family dynamics, personal struggles, and the players’ roles beyond basketball .
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Production and Executive Team
Season 2 is produced by UNINTERRUPTED (founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter), Omaha Productions (Peyton Manning’s company), and Higher Ground Productions (founded by Barack and Michelle Obama) . The executive producers include:
- LeBron James and Maverick Carter (UNINTERRUPTED)
- Peyton Manning (Omaha Productions)
- Barack and Michelle Obama (Higher Ground Productions)
- Peter J. Scalettar and Rob Ford (showrunners and directors)
The series is known for its high-quality production values, combining slow-motion game footage, behind-the-scenes access, and heartfelt interviews .
A Look Back at Season 1
Season 1 of “Starting 5” premiered on October 9, 2024, and followed five NBA stars during the 2023-24 season :
- LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat)
- Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings)
- Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
The season provided an unfiltered look at their lives, including:
- LeBron’s efforts to stay dominant in his 21st season.
- Jimmy Butler’s “Emo Jimmy” persona, which originated from conversations with his nanny about emo music .
- Anthony Edwards’ rise to stardom and his journey into fatherhood.
- Jayson Tatum’s leadership in the Celtics’ championship win.
Season 1 received mixed reviews but was praised for its intimate access to the players’ off-court lives .
Changes from Season 1
Season 2 features several key changes:
- Reduced Episode Count: Season 2 has 8 episodes instead of 10, aiming for tighter pacing and deeper storytelling .
- New Player Lineup: Unlike Season 1, which featured LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, Domantas Sabonis, and Jayson Tatum, Season 2 highlights a fresh set of players .
- Enhanced Narrative Focus: The season emphasizes emotional depth and character-driven stories, exploring themes of legacy, sacrifice, and family .
How to Watch
“Starting 5” Season 2 will be available exclusively on Netflix. Viewers can stream it using the following plans :
- Standard with Ads: $7.99/month
- Standard: $17.99/month (ad-free)
- Premium: $24.99/month (4K Ultra HD with HDR)
Conclusion
“Starting 5” Season 2 promises to be another thrilling chapter in Netflix’s sports documentary lineup. With its focus on five of the NBA’s biggest stars, the series offers a unique blend of on-court action and off-court humanity. Mark your calendars for October 16, 2025, and get ready to experience the drama, passion, and excitement of the NBA like never before.
FAQs
1. When is Starting 5 Season 2 coming out?
Starting 5 Season 2 will be released on October 16, 2025, with all eight episodes available to stream on Netflix.
2. Who is featured in the Starting 5 Season 2 cast?
The season follows Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC), Tyrese Haliburton (IND), Jaylen Brown (BOS), Kevin Durant (PHX), and James Harden (LAC).
3. How many episodes are in Season 2?
Season 2 consists of 8 episodes, a reduction from the 10 episodes in Season 1 to improve pacing and narrative depth.
Starting 5
Our Rating:⭐3.2/5
Network Netflix
Genres: Documentary Series, Sports, US TV Shows
Release Date: October 9, 2024
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 10
