Netflix’s Starting 5 isn’t just another sports drama. It’s a full-court press on the heartstrings, aiming to capture the raw intensity of professional basketball while also diving deep into the personal lives of the players we idolize. This new series, which dropped in October 2024, showcases the rollercoaster ride that is life as a professional basketball player—complete with career-defining moments, off-court turmoil, and the ever-present media spotlight.
But does Starting 5 succeed in delivering an authentic portrayal of life in the NBA, or does it fall short of capturing the high-flying action and drama fans crave? Let’s dive into what makes this show stand out and whether it’s worth the binge.
The Concept: Fiction Meets Reality
Starting 5 takes a unique approach, blending real NBA footage with fictional storylines. The show follows five players from diverse backgrounds who come together on a professional basketball team. Each player has their own set of challenges, both on and off the court, which makes for a compelling narrative. You’ll see snippets of actual NBA games, seamlessly integrated with the actors’ performances, giving the show a hybrid, almost documentary-like feel at times.
This fusion of real and fictional elements is perhaps one of the show’s strongest selling points. It offers NBA fans something familiar while providing newcomers to the sport a window into the emotional depth of the game. It also helps that some real-life NBA stars make cameo appearances, further blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Character Arcs: A Focus on Depth
The series’ heart lies in its character development. Each of the five main characters is given a well-fleshed-out backstory that explores their motivations, fears, and aspirations. The writers have done a fantastic job of presenting these players as more than just athletes; they are complex individuals dealing with everything from family pressures to mental health struggles.
- Marcus “Money” Monroe: The star player, Marcus is a phenom on the court but struggles with the weight of expectations. His narrative explores the pressure of maintaining peak performance and the toll it takes on his mental well-being. Marcus’s battles with anxiety feel particularly timely, as the topic of mental health in sports has become more prominent in recent years.
- Devon Riley: A veteran player nearing the end of his career, Devon is constantly fighting against time and his own body. His storyline is about legacy and redemption, as he tries to win one last championship before retiring. There’s a raw authenticity to Devon’s scenes, especially when he talks about the physical and emotional strain of aging in such a demanding sport.
- Jackson Li: A rising star from an international background, Jackson’s struggle with identity and cultural expectations adds a layer of complexity to the series. As he tries to make a name for himself in the NBA, he must also navigate the weight of representing his country on the global stage.
- Trey Simmons: The rebellious one, Trey’s character arc is the classic “bad boy” story with a twist. While he’s known for his temper and off-court antics, the show reveals the softer side of his personality as he grapples with childhood trauma and personal demons.
- Andre Washington: A player who’s never quite lived up to his potential, Andre’s narrative focuses on second chances and proving his worth. His journey is one of perseverance, as he tries to overcome self-doubt and past failures to earn a spot in the starting lineup.
These character arcs are what make Starting 5 more than just a sports show. It’s a human drama, one that highlights the emotional complexities behind the fame and fortune of professional athletes.
The Basketball Action: A Slam Dunk or Airball?
If you’re a basketball fan, you’ll be glad to know that Starting 5 doesn’t skimp on the action. The on-court sequences are well choreographed, mixing real NBA highlights with fictional gameplay. The pacing of these scenes is fast and fluid, capturing the energy and adrenaline that comes with playing at the highest level.
However, one of the show’s few missteps is its over-reliance on slow-motion shots during key moments. While this technique is effective in building tension, it can become overused, detracting from the overall intensity. Still, the game sequences are a visual treat, especially when they incorporate real NBA footage to ground the show in reality.
Off-Court Drama: Gritty, Real, and Relatable
Where Starting 5 truly shines is in its portrayal of the off-court drama. The series doesn’t shy away from difficult topics such as mental health, addiction, and the often harsh realities of fame. Marcus’s battle with anxiety, for example, is depicted in a way that feels raw and honest, highlighting how even the most successful athletes can struggle with their inner demons.
The show also tackles the issue of race and identity, particularly through Jackson Li’s storyline. His struggle to balance his personal aspirations with the weight of representing an entire country resonates with real-life international players in the NBA, many of whom have spoken about similar challenges.
Devon’s arc, on the other hand, brings attention to the physical toll that professional sports can take on an athlete’s body. His constant battles with injuries and the fear of becoming irrelevant in a youth-dominated league add a layer of vulnerability to his character.
Cameo Appearances: A Nice Touch
NBA fans will appreciate the numerous cameos from real-life basketball stars. These appearances add an extra layer of authenticity to the show, making it feel more like a behind-the-scenes look at the NBA. However, the cameos are used sparingly, ensuring that they don’t overshadow the main storylines. Instead, they serve as subtle nods to the real world of professional basketball.
Visuals and Cinematography: A Double-Edged Sword
Visually, Starting 5 is a mixed bag. On one hand, the basketball sequences are shot beautifully, with dynamic camera angles that put you right in the middle of the action. On the other hand, some of the more dramatic scenes feel overly stylized. The constant use of moody lighting and slow-motion effects can sometimes make the show feel more like a music video than a serious drama.
That said, the show’s overall aesthetic is sleek and modern, with a color palette that alternates between the bright lights of the basketball court and the darker, more intimate settings of the characters’ personal lives.
Conclusion: Is Starting 5 a Must-Watch?
For basketball fans, Starting 5 is a no-brainer. Its blend of real NBA action and fictional drama makes for a compelling watch, and the character-driven storylines ensure that there’s more to the show than just dunks and three-pointers. Even if you’re not a die-hard basketball fan, the emotional depth of the series might still hook you.
That being said, the show isn’t without its flaws. The overuse of slow-motion and stylized visuals can sometimes detract from the story, and some of the off-court drama feels a bit heavy-handed. But these are minor complaints in an otherwise engaging and entertaining series.
In the end, Starting 5 succeeds where it counts: in making you care about the characters, both on and off the court. It’s a show that understands the human side of sports and isn’t afraid to explore the darker aspects of fame and success.
Final Verdict: 8/10
