WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Starting 5.
Netflix’s new docuseriesStarting 5was executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama.Starting 5offers an extensivedeep dive into the 2023-24 NBA season through the exclusive lenses of five elite players. Directed by Peter J. Scalettar (Supreme Team) and executive produced by Peyton Manning (Quarterback) and the Obamas (Leave the World Behind),Starting 5takes a behind-the-scenes look at the off-the-court lives offive of the NBA’s biggest stars.Starting 5follows Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings, Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Starting 5also includes never-before-seen footageof these five NBA talents during the regular season and playoffs, including previously unreleased audio and in-game commentary between players, coaches, and other NBA personnel. Thebiggest reveals inStarting 5piece together some of the common themes between these five NBA superstars, such as their personal battles with injury, legacy, and fame, as well as their roles as fathers, partners, and public figures.Starting 5has a great soundtrackand releases just one day after the start of the 2024-2025 NBA Preseason,chronicling the entire 2023-2024 season up to the Boston Celtics' NBA Finals victoryin June 2024.
Barack & Michelle Obama Are Executive Producers On Starting 5
Peyton Manning and Maverick Carter are also executive producers
Barack and Michelle Obama are both executive producers of Netflix’sStarting 5. While neither of them appears in the new Netflix docuseries, they each played a crucial role in bringing the project to life, likely taking on the roles of funding the project and other responsibilities requiring executive oversight. The other executive producers ofStarting 5include director Peter J. Scalettar, Philip Byron (The Shop), Maverick Carter (Hustle), and Vinnie Malhotra (Goliath).Barack Obama is a two-time Emmy winner for his voiceover workas the narrator of the Netflix nature documentaryOur Great National Parks(2022) and docuseriesWorking: What We Do All Day(2023).
LeBron James' Net Worth Explained
Forbes claims in Starting 5 that LeBron James' net worth is more than $1.2 billion, making him the fifth wealthiest athlete in history.
Neither Barack nor Michelle Obama has commented on Starting 5 or promoted the series in any way on social media, which is understandable given the proximity to the 2024 Election. Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company Higher Ground Productions co-produced the Netflix docuseries along with LeBron James' production and media company Uninterrupted and Peyton Manning’s production company Omaha Productions.Starting 5marks thefirst collaboration between LeBron James' Uninterrupted and Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions. It’s also the first collaboration with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions.
Barack Obama Is A Huge Basketball Fan
Magic Johnson came out of retirement to play on his 50th birthday
Out of all the projects that Barack Obama has produced since launching Higher Ground Productions in 2018,Starting 5is arguably the one that makes the most sense based on his personality and extracurricular interests. Obama has severalviral clips of him playing basketballwhile he was President of the United States, including one that shows him cashing a stepback three-pointer before walking off and saying “That’s what I do!” Obama played varsity basketball at his high school and has carried his love of the game throughout his life even through his time at the White House where he was known to host iconic basketball games.
Barack Obama’s New Follow-Up To 73% Rotten Tomatoes Hit From Last Year Is Now Streaming On Netflix
Barack & Michelle Obama, who have been producing Netflix series and original films since 2020, just made their scripted drama series debut.
According toThe White House’s official website, Barack Obama customized The White House to have its first-ever full-length basketball court. “Shortly after taking office, President Obama had the White House tennis court adapted so it could be used for both tennis and basketball. The White House has had a smaller outdoor court since 1991, but the adapted tennis court allows enough room for a full court game of basketball.“Magic Johnson even came out of retirement to ball with Obama at The White Houseon the former President’s 50th birthday, which NBA stars such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, and Alonzo Mourning also attended (viaSports Illustrated).
What Else Barack & Michelle Obama Have Produced At Netflix
The Obamas have produced several series, docs, and films
Through Higher Ground Productions, Barack and Michelle Obama have been executive producers on several other notable projects other thanStarting 5. They were involved inNetflix’s dystopian movieLeave the World Behindstarring Ethan Hawke, Julia Roberts, and Mahershala Ali. They also produced the 2024Netflix murder mystery seriesBodkinwhich starredSNLalum Will Forte and the 2023Oscar-nominated movieRustinstarring Colman Domingo. Higher Ground also co-produced 2023’sAmerican Symphony, a music documentary starring 5-time Grammy winner Jon Batiste. AfterStarting 5, the Obamas are set to produce several new projects, such as an untitled 2024 Paris Olympics documentary.
All 17 Movies & TV Shows Produced By Barack & Michelle Obama (Including Leave The World Behind)
Barack and Michelle Obama are not just well-known political figures but are also excellent TV and movie producers with 17 released projects.
Starting 5
Cast
NBA superstars LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Jayson Tatum, Domantas Sabonis, and Anthony Edwards give fans an intimate look at their lives on and off the court. The docuseries follows their 2023-2024 season, capturing not just the intense games but also personal moments with family, showing the balance between professional demands and personal commitments.
