Season 2 of Netflix’s “Starting 5” is set to be released next month, providing fans with further insight into the lives of some of their favorite NBA players. Ahead of the premiere, here is all you need to know about the immersive docuseries.
The first installment of “Starting 5,” which shed light on five NBA stars’ journeys throughout the 2023-24 season, debuted in October of last year. The series chronicled the ups and downs of life as a professional basketball player, including managing injuries and balancing family responsibilities with on-court pressures.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James was the biggest draw of Season 1’s cast. The four-time MVP was joined by Jimmy Butler III, Anthony Edwards, Domantas Sabonis, and Jayson Tatum across 10 episodes.
Once again produced by UNINTERRUPTED, in association with Omaha Productions and Higher Ground Productions, Season 2 is shaping up to be a riveting continuation of the series.
Which Players Will Be Featured in ‘Starting 5’ Season 2?
The second iteration of “Starting 5,” capturing the drama of the 2024-25 campaign, features another big-name cast, headlined by 2025 MVP and reigning NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Joining the three-time All-Star is the leader of this year’s Eastern Conference champion, the Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton.
The NBA Finals foes will be spotlighted alongside the Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown, the Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden, and newly acquired Houston Rockets superstar forward Kevin Durant. However, Durant will appear as a member of the Phoenix Suns in the show, having just wrapped up a turbulent final season in the Valley.
Brown’s recent campaign saw the 2024 Finals MVP come up short in defending last year’s title amid Boston’s injury woes. Meanwhile, Harden and Durant continued to showcase their longevity in their 16th and 17th seasons, respectively, to varying degrees of success.
How Many Episodes Are in ‘Starting 5’ Season 2?
The second season of “Starting 5” has been reduced from 10 episodes to eight episodes to address pacing concerns and enhance the docuseries’ emotional depth. However, each episode will remain 45 minutes long.
When Will ‘Starting 5’ Season 2 Be Released?
All eight 45-minute episodes of Season 2 are scheduled to release on October 16 exclusively on Netflix, with the streaming service announcing so on Thursday. That marks five days before opening night of the 2025-26 campaign (October 21), allowing fans to refresh themselves on last season’s highs and lows and broaden their perspectives before tip-off.
JAYLEN BROWN
KEVIN DURANT
SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
TYRESE HALIBURTON
JAMES HARDENStarting 5 Season 2 drops October 16. pic.twitter.com/DXyHfsDeyT
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) September 18, 2025
With OKC favored to repeat as champions in 2026 (+220 odds), viewers will also be able to learn more about the franchise’s potential budding dynasty ahead of its title defense bid.
